Head of Service – Adolescent Support Services

Specialism / Department: Children’s Social Care – Adolescent Support / Youth Justice
Location: Bury, UK
Salary / Pay Rate: £550.00 per day
Contract Type: Locum / Ongoing
Working Pattern: Part-Time / Full-Time

Role Overview

A highly rewarding and influential locum opportunity is available for an experienced social work leader to take on the role of Head of Service – Adolescent Support Services in Bury. In this pivotal position, you will oversee the Youth Justice Service and lead the redesign and enhancement of adolescent support services, ensuring high‑performing, innovative, and impactful operations.

As a senior leader, you will drive strategic development, champion best practice, and contribute significantly to improving safety and outcomes for vulnerable young people. This role sits within a supportive, forward‑thinking environment where collaboration, professional development, and high‑quality leadership are valued.

Perks and Benefits

• Part-Time / Full-Time Options: Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
• Daily Pay: Excellent rate of £550 per day.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to expand your leadership capabilities.
• Work–Life Balance: Enjoy the autonomy and flexibility that locum leadership roles provide.
• Extensive Networking: Engage with senior professionals across statutory and voluntary sectors.

Key Responsibilities / What You Will Do

• Provide strategic, inspirational leadership across adolescent services and the Youth Justice Service.
• Lead innovation by designing, implementing, and embedding new operational models.
• Drive safeguarding excellence and robust risk‑management practices for vulnerable adolescents.
• Build and maintain strong working partnerships across statutory agencies and voluntary organisations.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, professional learning, and continuous improvement.
• Report directly to the Director of Children’s Social Care & Early Help, contributing to wider strategic planning.

Requirements / Candidate Criteria

Essential

• Qualified Social Worker with active Social Work England registration.
• Senior leadership experience within adolescent or youth justice services.
• Proven track record in service development and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of adolescent safeguarding, contextual safeguarding, youth justice, exploitation, and trauma‑informed practice.
• Excellent strategic leadership, communication, and partnership‑building skills.

Desirable

• Experience establishing new services or transforming existing ones.
• Strong experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of local authority frameworks and performance improvement methodologies.

Why Bury

Bury is a thriving town offering the ideal blend of rich culture, green spaces, and urban convenience. With excellent transport links to Manchester, beautiful parks, a vibrant market, and a welcoming community, Bury provides an inspiring backdrop for both work and everyday life. It’s a great place for professionals seeking meaningful leadership roles while enjoying excellent lifestyle benefits.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel

Sanctuary Personnel is an award‑winning, trusted recruitment agency with an Excellent Trustpilot rating supported by over 1,000 reviews. They specialise in securing competitive locum roles aligned to your expertise and provide ongoing consultant support, seamless onboarding, and a professional service throughout your placement.