Assistant Director - Adult Social Care

This is a key senior leadership role, with a high-profile portfolio area involving direct interface with senior NHS leaders and oversight of the Council's CQC regulated services. This AD role is responsible for 260 staff and encompasses:

Hospital discharge pathways
Community assessment / intake
Short-term services / Reablement
OT and Home Adaptations
In-house residential homes
Shared Lives scheme
The Dementia Hub In addition to this, the AD for Home First and Provider Services is required to play a central role in the delivery of the department's transformation programme, and act as a senior delivery lead on many areas of high profile change/improvement activity.

To lead, develop, organise and control a professional service area ensuring the delivery of the service meets all Council, professional and legislative requirements.

Ability to improve and transform strategy into tangible outcomes for the customers.

Lead and model a culture of collaborative working, focussed on integrated services that deliver good outcomes for the people of Waltham Forest. Take the lead for key partnerships agendas, boards and projects working with internal and external key partners to build strong relationships which contribute to the delivery of the Council and departmental objectives, and ensure the reputation of the service and the Council.

About the Role

Waltham Forest is seeking an outstanding senior leader to join our Adult Social Care leadership team as Assistant Director - Home First and Provider Services.

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality, integrated adult social care services that support residents to live independently, safely and with dignity. You will lead services including Hospital Discharge, Reablement, Occupational Therapy, Home Adaptations and Provider Services, ensuring excellent outcomes for residents while meeting statutory responsibilities and delivering value for money.

You will play a key role in transforming services, embedding innovation, leading partnerships across health and social care, and driving continuous improvement across a large and complex service portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Provide strategic direction and operational leadership across Home First and Provider Services.
Translate council priorities into effective service delivery, transformation programmes and measurable outcomes.
Lead integrated working with NHS partners, providers and key stakeholders.
Shape and influence borough-wide adult social care strategy and service development.

Service Delivery

Ensure services meet all legislative, professional and regulatory requirements.
Deliver high-quality, person-centred services focused on independence, prevention and positive outcomes.
Oversee performance management frameworks, ensuring continuous improvement and effective quality assurance.

Safeguarding and Quality

Ensure safeguarding policies, procedures and practices are robust and fully embedded.
Drive excellent safeguarding outcomes and maintain compliance with statutory responsibilities.
Provide professional leadership across social care and multi-disciplinary teams.

Leadership and Workforce Development

Lead, motivate and inspire a large, diverse workforce.
Foster a high-performance culture where staff are empowered, accountable and focused on delivering positive outcomes.
Ensure effective workforce planning, recruitment, development and succession planning.
Provide leadership to senior management teams and professional practitioners.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

Significant experience leading large-scale adult social care services.
Proven track record of managing complex service transformation and improvement programmes.
Experience of managing multidisciplinary and integrated health and social care services.
Extensive experience of leading large budgets, resources and workforce functions.
Experience managing services in highly complex and politically sensitive environments.

Knowledge and Skills

In-depth knowledge of adult social care legislation, including the Care Act 2014 and related statutory frameworks.
Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and best practice.
Excellent strategic planning, programme management and change management skills.
Exceptional leadership, influencing and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Ability to make sound decisions in complex, high-risk situations.

Qualifications

Degree-level qualification or equivalent.
Professional Social Work qualification or equivalent Health and Social Care qualification.
Current Social Work England (SWE) or HCPC registration (where applicable).
Evidence of ongoing professional development.If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance