Head of Service – Learning Disabilities, Continuing Health Care and Neurodiversity

Job Introduction

Job Title: Head of Service – Learning Disabilities, Continuing Health Care and Neurodiversity
Salary: £70,717 to £74,919
35 Hours per Week
Location: Worcester (Main base), hybrid working across Worcestershire with numerous offices including Bromsgrove and Kidderminster
Permanent

This is an exciting time to join the senior leadership team as a Head of Service within Adult Social Care in Worcestershire. Our focus is to ensure that Worcestershire residents are healthier, live longer, have a better quality of life and remain independent for as long as possible and we are reshaping our services to deliver these outcomes. You will lead Learning Disability Services, Continuing Health Care and our Adult Neurodiversity Team.

We are proud of our recent CQC inspection, rated as ‘Good’ and want to build on the great service we deliver and strengthen those areas where we know we can improve. Alongside the recent announcement that Worcestershire County Council will become part of two Councils through Local Government Reorganisation, , merging the 6 District Councils, it is a time of significant change, with exciting opportunities to be part of the transformation work ahead.

We are looking for a experienced, autonomous, highly motivated leader inspiring confidence in others and experience in providing strategic and operational leadership. You will be a strong contributor who is practical and collaborative in, putting our strategies into action!

You will work closely with other Heads of Service in the Adult and Communities directorate including commissioning and the Principal Social Worker. You will be well attuned to working within Adult Social Care have an understanding of working with multiple stakeholders; agencies and functions including the local NHS provider from a community and acute perspective, Integrated care board (ICB), ensuring the local authorities statutory duties are met from under the Care Act (2014 and the Mental Health Act (1983).

You will be responsible for ensuring that the delivery of Social Work Services including Continuing Health Care and some links with transitions with young people and within our and are complaint with legislation, policies and procedures and provide high-quality support to meet performance frameworks. You will be responsible for the continuous improvement, learning and delivery of the directorates innovation and service plans to meet our priorities enabling people to receive the right support in the right plan at the right time.

In Worcestershire Strength based social work is at the heart of everything we do. Utilising the Three Conversation Model is central to the delivery of social care in Worcestershire. The successful candidate will be passionate about person centered care, supporting people to achieve great outcomes, delivering the highest quality of support to residents of Worcestershire. You will do this in partnership with people, carer’s, other organisations and be committed to developing thriving communities.

If you have a Social Work qualification and registration and a passion for service improvement, true partnership work, this could be the challenge for you.

Informal Enquires to Kerry McCrossan. Assistant Director of Adult Social Care – 01905 845273 or kmccrossan2@worcestershire.gov.uk

Benefits
You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage Why work for us? | Worcestershire County Council, so do take a look! Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.

Equality & Diversity
The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands, or final warnings, as well as convictions. The County Council has a commitment to safeguarding service users in our care.

How to Apply
CV with cover letter is invited to apply for this role.
Please find the Job Description and Person Specification attached.

Please write your submission with consideration for the essential and desirable criteria on the Person Specification. This should include examples why you should be considered; the experience, skills and knowledge that you would bring to the post.

Please submit your CV with Cover Letter to Recruitment@worcestershire.gov.uk

Application Closing Date: 14th September 2026
Anticipated Interview Date: W/C Monday 22nd September 2026