St Helens Council
Head of Service - Safeguarding Response - Qualified Social Worker role
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As a qualified and registered Social Worker, you'll bring substantial leadership experience within statutory Children's Social Care and a strong track record of delivering positive outcomes for children and families. You'll be an inspiring and collaborative leader, able to navigate complex change while maintaining a relentless focus on excellent practice.
With the rollout of the Families First Partnership Programme creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape services around children, families and communities, there has never been a more exciting time to join St Helens Borough Council.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Service - Safeguarding Response to lead some of the most critical functions within our children's safeguarding system and help drive the next phase of our transformation journey.
Role Overview
Supported by three Service Managers, this influential leadership role has responsibility for the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, Local Authority Designated Officer and the Emergency Duty Team, Multi-Agency Child Protection Team and Complex Safeguarding, Youth Justice and Young People's Drug and Alcohol Team and the St Helens Safeguarding Children Partnership. These services sit at the heart of our response to vulnerability, risk and harm, ensuring children, young people and families receive the right support at the right time.
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Key Responsibilities
- Provide strong professional leadership across a complex service landscape, championing high standards, driving innovation and strengthening collaboration across agencies.
- Work alongside senior leaders and key partners across health, education, police, the voluntary sector and wider public services.
- Shape and deliver a safeguarding system that is responsive, effective and centred on the needs of children and families.
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Candidate Profile
We are looking for an inspirational, values-driven leader who combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of frontline safeguarding practice. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of leading high-performing services and securing excellent outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. Equally important is your ability to inspire, support and develop others, creating a culture where practice excellence and continuous improvement thrive.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the safeguarding of children and families.
- A chance to be part of an exciting transformation journey.
If you are an ambitious, authentic and highly credible leader with the passion, resilience and determination to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you. Help us shape the future of safeguarding in St Helens.
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