Head of Service Public Health (Children and Young People)

Job Introduction

Job Title: Head of Service Public Health (Wellbeing and Prevention in Children and Young People
Salary: £68,458 to £72,525
35 Hours per Week, part time will be considered
Location: Wildwood, Worcester City
Team: Public Health (0-19)
Maternity Cover Contract

Shape the Future for Children and Young People in Worcestershire

Through a maternity cover position, this is an exciting opportunity to join Worcestershire County Council's Public Health Leadership Team as for the Head of Service for Children and Young People (5-19 years, up to 25 years for young people with additional needs).

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and families, reducing inequalities and ensuring that prevention and early intervention are at the heart of local services.

Worcestershire is a fantastic place to live and work, with strong partnerships, ambitious plans and a commitment to improving health and wellbeing across the life course. As Head of Service, you will lead a diverse portfolio covering children and young people's public health, commissioning, population health improvement and safeguarding-related functions, including leadership of the Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP). The role is central to ensuring that insight, evidence and partnership working drive meaningful improvements in the health and wellbeing of children and young people across the county.

About the Role

You will provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio including:

• The Public Health 5-19 agenda and Healthy Child Programme
• Commissioning of Public Health Nursing (School Nursing)
• Emotional health and wellbeing
• Healthy weight, physical activity and wider health improvement programmes
• Support for vulnerable children, young people and families
• Community and voluntary sector initiatives that improve youth wellbeing
• Population health intelligence and needs assessment relating to children and young people
• Leadership and oversight of the Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP), supporting the system to learn from child deaths and translate learning into action to improve outcomes and prevent future deaths.

Working closely with NHS partners, education settings, local authority services, district councils, the voluntary and community sector and wider system leaders, you will ensure that evidence-based approaches are embedded across the children and young people's system.

As a member of the Public Health Leadership Team, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the wider Public Health Service and support the delivery of Worcestershire's health improvement and inequality reduction ambitions

For further information please contact: Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health LMcNally@worcestershire.gov.uk or Lucy Chick, Head of Service (Wellbeing and Prevention in CYP) Lchick@worcestershire.gov.uk

Benefits:

You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage

• Worcestershire County Council - Why work for us?

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.

Application Closing Date: 25th September 2025
Anticipated Interview Date: Week Commencing 12th October 2025