Job summary
THE ROLE
We are looking for an individual to help us achieve excellence in adult social care in Northumberland. As part of a tight senior management team, the individual will be a key leader across adult social care commissioning, performance, finance and systems and will report directly to the Executive Director, Adults, Ageing and Wellbeing.
We are after someone who will add to the strong skills set that we already have in senior roles within the service and can help us drive forward further improvement in the quality of provision for adult social care clients. Additionally, this role is critical to helping us to achieve the Councils overall ambition of excellence in delivery of outcomes for people in Northumberland. Northumberland is a land of great opportunities, and this position will be pivotal in helping us ensure that adult social care meets that corporate Council ambition.
Main duties of the job
Aside from exceptional skills and experience of successful delivery in a similar environments, your personality and leadership style will be crucial to success with us. Collegiate team working is at the core of our leadership model. We want someone with strong personal values who understands what trust between colleagues really means in the context of a high performing, fast paced environment.
The position will be at Service Director level in Northumberland County Council (NCC Senior Pay Grade - Band 16). It will be a permanent appointment and based at County Hall in Morpeth, but with hybrid working.
About us
Northumberland is world-renowned as a visitor destination and an ideal location to strike a perfect work/life balance. There is no better way of enjoying the picturesque scenery and stunning coastline than on an everyday basis!
Northumberland County Councils (NCC) vision is To make Northumberland a county which you regard as a great place to live, in which you can access the activities you enjoy, whilst having the opportunity to learn and thrive.
For further information about working for NCC, please visit our website: https://careers.northumberland.gov.uk/
We have some outstanding benefits to offer you, including:
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands
- A range of salary sacrifice schemes are available
- Staff networks - run by staff, for staff, providing opportunities for peer networking, mutual support, staff development e.g., Armed Forces, ASD, Enable (disability), LGBT+, Menopause, Mental Wellbeing, Racial Equality
Closing date for applications will be midnight on 28th April 2024
Shortlisting will take place on 2nd May 2024
Interview will be 15th May 2024
For an informal discussion about the position, please contact Neil Bradley, Executive Director - Adults, Ageing and Wellbeing on 01670 622868.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To lead, steer, develop and manage services relating to Adults Social Care in order to
deliver the Councils key corporate and partnership priorities that fall within the remit of
the post and in line with the corporate plan - a council that works for everyone, to benefit
the people of Northumberland.
Lead, on behalf of the Executive Director, the provision and delivery of services and
initiatives that understand and address the needs of residents, their families and carers,
and especially vulnerable adults and children. This includes the management,
development and improvement of services in line with relevant strategies which need to
be informed by data and insight and support Commissioning plans and intentions as well
the work taking place across the Council regarding early help and prevention.
Support the Executive Director as the Councils Statutory Director of Adults Social
Services in advising the Chief Executive, Leader, relevant Cabinet Members, Senior
Management Team and Council on Adults, Childrens and Public Health commissioning
issues, and Adult services performance, finance and governance arrangements.
As requested by the Executive Director lead work with key partners across the health
and care sectors to ensure efforts are aligned and operating cohesively to maximise the
choices of adults, children and their families in relation to supporting them to live
independently wherever possible whilst providing targeted services for people who need
additional help. This work involves ensuring the infrastructure is in place to allow front
door services to operate effectively.
Lead the delivery of effective systems, processes and procedures to support the
operation of services in relation to vulnerable groups, including complying with statutory
requirements and working with partners.
Contribute to the Councils priority in relation to delivery of Best Value by ensuring the
appropriate tools and infrastructure is in place for front line teams to make optimum
decisions and have strategically commissioned solutions for supporting vulnerable clients
and their families.
To play a full and positive role as a member of the Councils Senior Management Team
ensuring the delivery of effective strategic direction, leadership and resource
management (people, finance and other assets) to secure the delivery of public services
across the locality.
The postholder will be expected to deputise for the Executive Director
if requested.
Work with wider Commissioning colleagues, other services within the Council, the Health
sector, client and their families and care providers to develop optimum solutions for
managing demand in relation to vulnerable adults and children.
Make the best use of Community based services and work with existing and potential
new providers to develop and create high quality neighbourhood and home-based
services.
Lead by example and foster a culture, both with the Directorate and across the Council,
which engages all staff and partners in the development and delivery of services which
meet residents needs and expectations. This will involve leading cross Council initiatives to
make best use of individuals strengths and foster collaboration across the whole
organisation.
Ensure, as a senior executive, that effective governance and assurance processes are
applied in all activity as set down in the Constitution and Council policies and procedures
to safeguard the Councils financial and statutory duties and demonstrate public
accountability and scrutiny of its decision-making processes.
Discharge the functions within the remit of the portfolio having regard to the decision making framework and arrangements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To lead, steer, develop and manage services relating to Adults Social Care in order to
deliver the Councils key corporate and partnership priorities that fall within the remit of
the post and in line with the corporate plan - a council that works for everyone, to benefit
the people of Northumberland.
Lead, on behalf of the Executive Director, the provision and delivery of services and
initiatives that understand and address the needs of residents, their families and carers,
and especially vulnerable adults and children. This includes the management,
development and improvement of services in line with relevant strategies which need to
be informed by data and insight and support Commissioning plans and intentions as well
the work taking place across the Council regarding early help and prevention.
Support the Executive Director as the Councils Statutory Director of Adults Social
Services in advising the Chief Executive, Leader, relevant Cabinet Members, Senior
Management Team and Council on Adults, Childrens and Public Health commissioning
issues, and Adult services performance, finance and governance arrangements.
As requested by the Executive Director lead work with key partners across the health
and care sectors to ensure efforts are aligned and operating cohesively to maximise the
choices of adults, children and their families in relation to supporting them to live
independently wherever possible whilst providing targeted services for people who need
additional help. This work involves ensuring the infrastructure is in place to allow front
door services to operate effectively.
Lead the delivery of effective systems, processes and procedures to support the
operation of services in relation to vulnerable groups, including complying with statutory
requirements and working with partners.
Contribute to the Councils priority in relation to delivery of Best Value by ensuring the
appropriate tools and infrastructure is in place for front line teams to make optimum
decisions and have strategically commissioned solutions for supporting vulnerable clients
and their families.
To play a full and positive role as a member of the Councils Senior Management Team
ensuring the delivery of effective strategic direction, leadership and resource
management (people, finance and other assets) to secure the delivery of public services
across the locality.
The postholder will be expected to deputise for the Executive Director
if requested.
Work with wider Commissioning colleagues, other services within the Council, the Health
sector, client and their families and care providers to develop optimum solutions for
managing demand in relation to vulnerable adults and children.
Make the best use of Community based services and work with existing and potential
new providers to develop and create high quality neighbourhood and home-based
services.
Lead by example and foster a culture, both with the Directorate and across the Council,
which engages all staff and partners in the development and delivery of services which
meet residents needs and expectations. This will involve leading cross Council initiatives to
make best use of individuals strengths and foster collaboration across the whole
organisation.
Ensure, as a senior executive, that effective governance and assurance processes are
applied in all activity as set down in the Constitution and Council policies and procedures
to safeguard the Councils financial and statutory duties and demonstrate public
accountability and scrutiny of its decision-making processes.
Discharge the functions within the remit of the portfolio having regard to the decision making framework and arrangements.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Relevant qualification in commissioning, finance or accounting, or significant equivalent experience
- Evidence of relevant up to date leadership and management training.
- Evidence of recent relevant Continuous Professional Development.
Experience
Essential
- Proven achievement of leadership success across Commissioning and/or Adult Social Care with the ability to show broad scope of interpreting complex regulatory requirements whilst delivering services with strong social impact.
- Ability to operate sensitively in a political environment, developing relationships with all members gaining respect, trust, and confidence and being accountable for effective delivery within a challenging financial environment.
- Proven understanding of Commissioning activities in order to support development of services which create the best possible care for vulnerable adults and children, and provide best value.
- Significant experience of the oversight and management of performance information systems, including strategic level presentation of data and outcomes to senior forums.
- Experience of leading major change that challenges existing ways of working, and different service delivery models which provide better outcomes especially to vulnerable or potentially vulnerable individuals.
- Evidence of personally leading within an organisational culture that models and embeds the practice of co-design and co-production and collaboration with people inside and outside the organisation.
- Evidence of success in personally leading the development of external relationships and influential partnerships that have delivered tangible benefits and created a collaborative environment in addressing challenges facing a comparable service area.
- Evidence of using strong option appraisal, analytical skills, and innovation to achieve organisational success in an environment of reducing financial resources.
- Ability to develop long term strategic thinking and bring new ideas, approaches, and solutions.
- Highly skilled communicator who communicates with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm and can demonstrate integrity, create rapport, and build trust and confidence to positively influence outcomes.
- Ability to translate (both verbally and in writing) complex ideas and information into meaningful and user-friendly information; tells the story to bring people along and ensure all audiences understand the key messages.
- Ability to develop strong relationships with senior leaders from a range of public and private sector organisations.
- Personal and professional integrity and credibility that establishes respect, trust, and confidence.
- Demonstrate personal resilience and ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.
- Model and demonstrate organisational values and leadership behaviours, creating a shared purpose and positive permission culture that enables people to thrive through development, involvement, and well-being
Motivation
Essential
- Confident leader with a vision for Northumberland with high levels of energy, stamina, and resilience.
- Fully committed to the principles and values underpinning the Council
- Demonstrably strong corporate orientation and a commitment to tackling issues that inhibit organisational progress to high quality service delivery.
- Personality, behaviour, conduct and credibility that engages and commands the confidence of Council Members, senior managers, staff, the public, external partners, and other stakeholders.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Relevant qualification in commissioning, finance or accounting, or significant equivalent experience
- Evidence of relevant up to date leadership and management training.
- Evidence of recent relevant Continuous Professional Development.
Experience
Essential
- Proven achievement of leadership success across Commissioning and/or Adult Social Care with the ability to show broad scope of interpreting complex regulatory requirements whilst delivering services with strong social impact.
- Ability to operate sensitively in a political environment, developing relationships with all members gaining respect, trust, and confidence and being accountable for effective delivery within a challenging financial environment.
- Proven understanding of Commissioning activities in order to support development of services which create the best possible care for vulnerable adults and children, and provide best value.
- Significant experience of the oversight and management of performance information systems, including strategic level presentation of data and outcomes to senior forums.
- Experience of leading major change that challenges existing ways of working, and different service delivery models which provide better outcomes especially to vulnerable or potentially vulnerable individuals.
- Evidence of personally leading within an organisational culture that models and embeds the practice of co-design and co-production and collaboration with people inside and outside the organisation.
- Evidence of success in personally leading the development of external relationships and influential partnerships that have delivered tangible benefits and created a collaborative environment in addressing challenges facing a comparable service area.
- Evidence of using strong option appraisal, analytical skills, and innovation to achieve organisational success in an environment of reducing financial resources.
- Ability to develop long term strategic thinking and bring new ideas, approaches, and solutions.
- Highly skilled communicator who communicates with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm and can demonstrate integrity, create rapport, and build trust and confidence to positively influence outcomes.
- Ability to translate (both verbally and in writing) complex ideas and information into meaningful and user-friendly information; tells the story to bring people along and ensure all audiences understand the key messages.
- Ability to develop strong relationships with senior leaders from a range of public and private sector organisations.
- Personal and professional integrity and credibility that establishes respect, trust, and confidence.
- Demonstrate personal resilience and ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.
- Model and demonstrate organisational values and leadership behaviours, creating a shared purpose and positive permission culture that enables people to thrive through development, involvement, and well-being
Motivation
Essential
- Confident leader with a vision for Northumberland with high levels of energy, stamina, and resilience.
- Fully committed to the principles and values underpinning the Council
- Demonstrably strong corporate orientation and a commitment to tackling issues that inhibit organisational progress to high quality service delivery.
- Personality, behaviour, conduct and credibility that engages and commands the confidence of Council Members, senior managers, staff, the public, external partners, and other stakeholders.
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
