Location
Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU. Hybrid working approach with regular office and home working.

Hours
Full time with weekend working required.

Salary
£79,629 - £86,121 SMG3 per annum (SCP 61-65). All appointments offered at minimum SCP unless matching current salary with proof.

About the Role
Discover yourself in Lewisham where your work makes a difference to vibrant and culturally diverse communities. Lewisham is proud to be the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, championing the rights of refugees and migrants. We are seeking three senior leaders to join Lewisham Children’s Social Care, Family Help and Care, providing strategic and operational leadership across children’s social care services. This senior leadership role is ideal for ambitious, values-driven professionals passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and families. You will shape and deliver high-quality, effective and innovative services, ensuring children are safe, heard and supported to achieve their potential.

As Head of Service, you will provide strong, visible leadership across children’s social care teams and services; drive improvements in practice, performance, quality and outcomes; ensure statutory duties, legislation and safeguarding requirements are met; lead and develop managers and practitioners fostering accountability and continuous improvement; use data and professional intelligence to identify priorities; collaborate with education, health, police, housing, early help and other partners; ensure children and young people’s voices are central to service design and decision-making; contribute to strategic planning, workforce planning and budget management; support responses to inspection and regulatory requirements; and promote a strengths-based, relationship-focused approach aligned with the Council’s values and behaviours.

Benefits
Excellent training and development opportunities
Generous holiday allowance
Local Government Pension scheme
Flexible working and family friendly policies
Season ticket and bicycle loans
Staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
Supportive staff networks

Experience
Significant post-qualification experience within children’s social care.
Proven senior management experience in statutory children’s social care.
Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, corporate parenting and relevant legislation.
Demonstrable record of improving practice, performance and outcomes.
Experience working effectively with senior leaders, elected members and multi-agency partners.

About you
Ambitious and values-driven professional committed to improving outcomes for children and families.
Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to inspire teams while maintaining clear accountability.
Strong analytical, strategic and decision-making skills.
Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and ensuring the voice of the child informs all work.

Qualifications
Professional qualification in Social Work.
Current registration with Social Work England.
Degree in social work or equivalent qualification.
Subject to enhanced DBS check.