R2R- Head of Service – Safeguarding and Family Support Service

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Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities.

The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Head of Service – Safeguarding and Family Support Service

Development salary - £71,826 rising to £79,807-£89,823 after 12 months

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a permanent full‑time Head of Service for the Safeguarding and Family Support Service.

The Head of Service will lead and modernise social care and delivery services to children, their families and carers, whilst ensuring the best deployment of resources that provide the highest quality of service.

There will be a need to performance manage 3 service managers that cover CSPOC (formally MASH+), Assessment & Intervention, Family Support & Protection Team and Children with Disabilities. The Head of Service will lead, develop, provide direction and create a supportive, innovative and transparent environment for the wider service, so that individuals can work collaboratively to enable practice groups to achieve excellence in service delivery.

As part of the Children’s Social Care management team, the new Head of Service will share responsibility for the development and implementation of the annual service plan, including identification of learning and development needs to support targets and direction. This will reflect broader council and departmental objectives, and government-led guidance or initiatives for the service.

Southend are in the process of creating a new Families First service which goes live in May. The Head of Service will be directly responsible for this new and exciting service.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on‑site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 3 days a week.

To be shortlisted for this position, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.

You are required to be an experienced Children’s Head of Service with experience of leading change & transformation.

Have extensive knowledge of working with vulnerable children and young people, along with expertise in effective strategies for reducing social exclusion, anti‑social behaviours and other risk issues.

Have proven experience in partnership working at senior level, along with long‑term experience in successfully driving service improvement.

You need to be able to lead by example, and through your behaviour and positive professional approach to work. Be able to encourage team motivation and achievements. Actively challenge bad behaviour and respect other people’s views.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?"

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If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie

Please note:

Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.