Head of Service (Learning and Disability)

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD

Job Location:

Dorset - UK

Daily Salary: UM 650 - 650

Experience Required: 4-5years

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

6 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

We are currently seeking a highly experienced Head of Service to lead adult social care services within the Learning and Disability division.

This is a senior leadership role offering both strategic and operational oversight of statutory adult services in line with relevant legislative frameworks such as the Care Act 2014 and Children Act 1989.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving service improvements delivering high-quality outcomes for vulnerable adults and shaping strategic direction across a complex service area.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

Provide strategic and operational leadership for services within Adult Social Care with a focus on learning disabilities.

Ensure the effective delivery of statutory social work services in accordance with the Care Act 2014 Children Act 1989 and associated legislation.

Line manage Operational Managers overseeing large multidisciplinary teams and complex caseloads.

Promote and safeguard the wellbeing of vulnerable adults and children ensuring all services are compliant with safeguarding standards.

Take professional decisions on complex and high-risk cases maintaining governance and escalation protocols.

Lead performance management and ensure delivery of key KPIs and outcomes.

Manage budgets and ensure efficient use of allocated resources across service areas.

Lead on partnership development working collaboratively with internal teams health services voluntary sector and external stakeholders.

Contribute to and deliver strategic planning service transformation and continuous improvement.

Support and influence council-wide policy development and decision-making processes.

Maintain oversight of health and safety compliance within service areas.

Deputise for senior leadership where required.

Skills/Experience:

Substantial senior management experience in Adult Social Care or a related statutory setting.

Proven leadership of learning disability services or similar complex care pathways.

Strong knowledge of the Care Act 2014 Children Act 1989 and relevant safeguarding legislation.

Demonstrable experience managing large teams and driving service transformation.

Skilled in budget management strategic planning and performance monitoring.

Proven ability to build effective multi-agency partnerships and work collaboratively at all levels.

Strong understanding of governance risk management and decision-making in high-risk social care scenarios.

Excellent communication leadership and staff development skills.

Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Safeguarding Board training or equivalent experience preferred.

Additional Information:

Degree-level qualification and a professional social work qualification (e.g. DipSW/CQSW).

HCPC or Social Work England registration (as applicable).

Working Hours: Full-time 37 hours per week.

The closing date: 18/10/2025.

This hybrid role offers flexibility with on-site presence required 2 days per week.

Substantial senior management experience in Adult Social Care or a related statutory setting. Proven leadership of learning disability services, or similar complex care pathways. Strong knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989, and relevant safeguarding legislation. Demonstrable experience managing large teams and driving service transformation. Skilled in budget management, strategic planning, and performance monitoring. Proven ability to build effective multi-agency partnerships and work collaboratively at all levels. Strong understanding of governance, risk management, and decision-making in high-risk social care scenarios. Excellent communication, leadership, and staff development skills. Evidence of ongoing professional development. Safeguarding Board training or equivalent experience preferred.

Education

Degree-level qualification and a professional social work qualification (e.g. DipSW/CQSW). HCPC or Social Work England registration (as applicable).

6 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: We are currently seeking a highly experienced Head of Service to lead adult social care services within the Learning and Disability division. This is a senior leadership role offering both strategic and operational oversight of statutory ad...