Are you a strategic leader ready to shape the future of adult social care? We're seeking a Head of Service for Adult Social Care Operations to lead our Adults Community Social Work Teams and drive our ambition to support people in a strength-based way. You will provide innovative leadership to drive continuous improvement and transformation of service delivery, focusing on supporting people to live independent lives.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and inspire community social work teams across Kirklees.
• Ensure compliance with the Care Act, Mental Health Act (S117), Mental Capacity Act, and CHC framework.
• Champion safeguarding and embed strengths-based, person-centred practice.
• Drive a 3-year transformation programme focused on prevention, efficiency, and improved outcomes and lead specific transformation projects.
• Use best practice models to develop new services to support people across our ASC pathways.
• Lead cultural change and workforce development.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively within agreed targets.
• Collaborate with partners to deliver integrated, intelligence-led care.

What We're Looking For:

• Qualified and registered Social Worker.
• Senior leadership experience in adult social care.
• Strong understanding of operational delivery, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.
• Skilled in change management, service transformation, and strategic planning.
• Financially and commercially astute.
• Committed to diversity, inclusion, and co-production with communities.

About us

Why Kirklees?

Kirklees is a place of ambition and opportunity. As Head of Adult Social Care Operations, you'll join a supportive leadership team committed to innovation, quality, and improving lives. We offer hybrid working, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

Join us and help shape the future of Adult Social Care in Kirklees.

Benefits

Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community. To help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team. In return, we will ensure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work.

Job responsibilities

You will lead and manage the community social work teams across Kirklees, ensuring high-quality social work practice for people with social care needs, primarily older adults, those with physical disabilities, and people with autism. You will provide advice to senior management, including the Executive Director of Adults and Health, and ensure statutory responsibilities are met, including assessments under the Care Act, Mental Health Act (S117), and Mental Capacity Act. You will oversee safeguarding, ensure quality assurance, and lead service transformation initiatives to improve outcomes and efficiency. Additionally, you will develop community connections, embed digital solutions, manage budgets, and lead workforce development. Your role will also involve strategic planning, partnership working, and contributing to service policies that align with the council's objectives.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Social Work qualified and registered or equivalent professional qualification, with up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and standards. (Essential)

Experience

• Substantial experience in adult social care with a broad and deep knowledge base. (Essential)
• Senior leadership experience in adult social care. (Essential)
• Ability to lead and develop teams or provide technical leadership. (Selection Process)
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills. (Essential)
• Knowledge of external issues affecting adult social care. (Selection Process)
• Expertise in social care practice and organizational leadership. (Essential)
• Excellent people leadership skills. (Selection Process)
• Understanding of local government and partner organizations. (Essential)
• Commitment to performance management, diversity, safeguarding, and innovative solutions. (Selection Process)
• Financial acumen and commercial awareness. (Selection Process)
• Ability to challenge appropriately. (Selection Process)
• Acceptance of political restrictions and DBS requirements. (Essential)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude candidates from employment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.