Leeds is an innovative local authority which has an outstanding record for children's services and played a key role in the outcome of the Care Review recommendations. 

The Care Review provided the sector with an opportunity to be brave and rebalance the relationship between services and families. The principles of family help sit within our family valued approach and are woven through our Children and Young People’s Plan. 

As our Chief Officer Social Work and Family Help, you will thrive on delivering real change at scale, providing ambitious strategic leadership in all aspects of social care and family help. In partnership with the whole council leadership team, the third sector and statutory partners you will build on our strengths-based approach to family help and do everything possible to support children to remain with their families and their communities.

It’s about more than meeting statutory service standards. You want to go above and beyond to exceed those standards and continually improve. You will draw on your expertise and influencing skills to champion innovation within the council and across our large, diverse city, keeping inclusion and community engagement at the heart of everything we do. 

You will work closely with decision makers in the council across your service areas and will contribute to the refresh of the Children and Young People’s Plan for 2024 and deliver against our strategic priorities for the city and council.

Leeds children’s services are rated outstanding by Ofsted. We are committed to the ambition of Child Friendly Leeds and want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence. 

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As our Chief Officer Social Work and Family Help you will bring to the role:

• An appropriate professional qualification (degree, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent) and registration with Social Work England
• A record of successful leadership in children’s services or related setting 
• Ability to influence and negotiate, building strong cross-sector partnerships 
• Sound judgment with the ability to make reasoned decisions and advise senior colleagues
• Extensive knowledge of applicable regulations and policies and the local government working environment

About the role 

You’ll be integral to our senior leadership team in Children and Families, driving a culture of excellence in service delivery and outcomes.

We are at the heart of collaborative efforts citywide to deliver statutory and preventative services for children and young people, their families and carers. We work closely with cross-sector partners to understand what people in our diverse communities need and inform service development.

Building on your leadership record in children’s social care, you will hold a pivotal role in embedding good practice and shaping innovation citywide. This is a real opportunity for you to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and families in Leeds.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words addressing the employee specification, evidencing how you meet the criteria.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. 

To request a candidate information pack, please contact recruitment@leeds.gov.uk.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please Farrah Khan, Deputy Director, Children’s Social Care at Farrah.Khan@leeds.gov.uk     

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2022. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
 
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.