Service Director Children, Young People & Families

Great things are happening in Plymouth Children’s Services. Our vision is that all children and young people in Plymouth have a bright future, supported by a system which works seamlessly to spot difficulties early, responds quickly and effectively, and makes sure that help is there for as long as it is needed. Our ‘One Children’s Services’ approach is targeting investment to make sure children and families get the right help at the right time, so that all of our children and young people experience good outcomes.

Reporting to the Director of Children’s Services, this role will play a pivotal role in helping our children and young people to live full and happy lives, with access to the best health, education and any other support they need. You’ll lead our statutory commissioned services for children, young people and families, working closely with health partners and colleagues across the system. Relationships are strong, and our place-based approach enables an impressively agile, responsive culture amongst the team – vital in early intervention and prevention. You’ll be our principal policy and professional advisor on children, youth and families matters within the Department, and offer expertise and advice to colleagues both across and beyond the Council, including elected members.

Candidates must be qualified social workers, with extensive knowledge of social care, youth and family services and commissioning frameworks and legislation, as well as experience of leading and developing a successful social care department. Your track record will demonstrate a highly strategic, system-level understanding of service provision, partnership working and continuous improvement, and an uncompromising commitment to safeguarding is essential. We’ll also look for evidence that you value the voices of service users as highly as we do, and that you understand how to lead change with compassion, optimism and an inspiring vision for better.

It's an incredible career development opportunity, so if you’re ambitious to make rapid professional progress this role is perfect. You’ll be joining a strong, cohesive and supportive team, with shared values and a single-minded approach to improving the lives for Plymouth’s children, young people and families.

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To apply:

To apply for this job please click on the Apply button below and fill out the requested information. When prompted, please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no longer than 1000 words.

With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.

Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.