Head of Service East Lindsey

Are you passionate about improving the lives of children, young people and families in Lincolnshire?

Lincolnshire County Council is an ambitious, future focused Authority with a proven track record for the successful implementation of transformative change. We are committed to championing continuous service-wide development, innovation and collaborative working with communities and other agencies with a view to placing children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do.

We're looking for an outstanding Head of Service to join Lincolnshire County Council's Children Services team – officially rated one of the best in the country. You'll be part of a Strong and Supportive Senior Management Team that is proud of its innovative approach to service delivery.

As Head of Service East Lindsey, you'll lead the delivery of Early Help and Safeguarding Services, working in partnership with key stakeholders to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

Children, Young People and families in Lincolnshire continue to be supported to make changes for themselves, they are seen as a positive solution to the challenges they face and are understood as a whole family. They are supported by an integrated workforce that uses evidence based practice, understands and applies relationship based practice and is well trained and supported. An effective Early Help strategy and integrated health workforce means that children get the right support at the right time. The children's workforce is enabled and equipped by clear governance that puts children at the heart of how we plan and deliver our services and deliver support and intervention through a clear practice framework Signs of Safety and through Restorative Practice. Key principles in relation to decision making have ensured that critical services have been maintained throughout the pandemic and that children and young people continue to be supported and protected.

 You'll be responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of a number of key areas:

• Managing, prioritising and allocating resources to ensure that teams within your area of responsibility have the capacity and capability to deliver the Council’s and Customer's objectives and agreed priorities.
• Building strong relationships by working collaboratively with other especially children and families, Health, commissioning teams, schools and other providers to develop effective corporate solutions to the challenges the Council faces.
• Ensuring consistency of practice across the County providing assurance that quality standards and Ofsted requirements are consistently maintained or exceeded.

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for someone whose leadership and management can provide a culture and environment in which our excellent teams can flourish.

To be successful in this complex and diverse role, you'll have experience of leading services in a children's context. A detailed knowledge of statutory responsibilities in children's social care.

You'll be able to draw on a background of working in Children’s Services with an exceptional understanding of safeguarding and best practice to assist in the realisation of the Council's vision.

If this sounds like your next career move, then please read through the full Job Description, to ensure that you can meet the required criteria and to help you do the best application possible, before clicking apply.

Please submit a covering letter outlining what you can bring to this role and a CV using the Apply now button.

For a confidential and informal discussion about the role, please contact Jo Kavanagh by emailing Janice.Harrison@lincolnshire.gov.uk who will schedule a telephone call for you.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check
All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for similar positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We want our workforce to reflect the make-up of the community we serve. Therefore we welcome all applications irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, belief, sexual orientation, age or disability. We consider ourselves to be a family friendly employer, and offer flexible working patterns.

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

To apply for this role please click the 'Apply'