Job Introduction
We’re seeking an exceptional leader to take on the pivotal role of Head of Older People’s Social Work and Hospital Discharge.
This operational leadership position offers the opportunity to ensure high-performing adult social care services that deliver excellent outcomes for older people and their carers, with a strong focus on compliance, quality and continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, you’ll lead a large, complex service with responsibility for statutory social work, hospital discharge, access services, and continuing healthcare, managing a budget of approximately £14 million and a workforce of around 110 staff.
This is a high-impact role requiring vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service. You’ll be instrumental in driving performance, ensuring compliance with statutory duties, and fostering strong partnerships across health and social care systems.
If you would like a confidential and informal conversation pre-application, please contact Linda Macdonnell - Assistant Director Adult Social Care via Lisa.Hutchinson@Milton-Keynes.Gov.uk
This is a site-based role
Interviews for this role will be held on 12 December
Milton Keynes City Council is a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk
Main Responsibility
- Lead statutory social work services in line with the Care Act 2014.
- Deputise for the Director of Adult Social Services when required.
- Oversee hospital discharge arrangements in collaboration with the Integrated Care Board and community services.
- To be wholly responsible for access services into adult social care, ensuring high-quality prevention and intake.
- Ensure robust care planning using a strengths-based approach, incorporating the views of individuals and carers.
- Drive continuous improvement across services, meeting national and local performance targets.
- Lead safeguarding and multi-agency partnership working to protect vulnerable adults.
- Manage financial planning and control, ensuring value for money and service efficiency.
- Represent the Council in strategic forums and inspections, including CQC assessments.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a qualified social work professional with substantial leadership experience in adult social care. You will bring:
- A deep understanding of legislative frameworks and statutory responsibilities.
- Proven success in managing complex services and leading through change.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to influence across systems and partnerships.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets.
- Outstanding communication and analytical skills.
- A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering excellent outcomes for service users.
- You will be a role model for professional practice, capable of inspiring teams and driving innovation in service delivery.
Should you be offered the role, as part of the pre-employment checks an Enhanced DBS will be actioned for you (unless you are on the DBS Update Service).
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Milton Keynes City Council is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We actively encourage applications from candidates who bring a range of perspectives, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
We are proud to have signed up to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard (SC-WRES), a continuous improvement programme designed to help social care organisations achieve anti-racist workplaces. Our commitment means we are actively working to identify and address inequalities, improve representation in leadership, and ensure fair treatment and opportunity for all colleagues in Adult Services. [skillsforcare.org.uk]
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
