This is an exciting time to join Stirling Council as we work to enhance our leadership capacity and drive improvement activities that make a difference for people in Stirling.

Are you ready to lead and innovate in relation to improving the lives of children, families and justice in Stirling? Are you committed to leading on and promoting the value and contribution of our social work professionals and practice, including child protection, adult protection and practice learning and development for across our workforce? The role of Chief Social Worker is critical to supporting the development, promotion and value of our social work profession and professionals whilst leading and managing our Children, Family and Justice services that put the child and/or person at the heart of every decision.

In Stirling, our children, young people, parents and carers have a vision of a Stirling that is safe, inclusive and nurturing and where all children and young people are able to thrive. We have a vision of Stirling as a place where every child grows up feeling loved, safe, and respected, so that they can realise their full potential. We work together putting children and families at the centre. Children and young people want services which promote and defend their rights as children, and which involve them in the decisions that affect them.

Requirements

You will be a highly effective communicator and team player, a strategic thinker and experienced senior manager, who has used your record of success in delivering effective services to champion and embed opportunities for all children, young people and care leavers, within Council and partnership systems and arrangements.

Analytical skills and astute political awareness and understanding are needed, together with a commitment to customer-focused public services. Working with our communities and public, private and third sector organisations, as well as colleagues and teams across the organisation, you will build and develop relationships to deliver improvements for the benefit of all our citizens.

Responsibilities

Children and Family and Justice Services

There are currently 18,194 children and young people aged 0-18 years in Stirling, comprising 19.5% of the total population, with almost twice as many residents living within a rural area (33.4%) than the Scottish average (17.2%). When looking at Stirling’s outcomes for children and young people, the majority are improving. Comparatively Stirling is the same or better than Scotland as whole. This overall picture, however, masks deep inequalities, with outcomes for some children and young people being significantly poorer than others.

In Children and Family Services, our work to deliver on The Promise and our commitment to the revised guidance on Getting It Right for Every Child are changing the way we work to protect those who are most vulnerable and ensure the voice and rights of the child are at the heart of all we do.

In relation to our Justice services, the Children’s Care and Justice Bill and processes around places of safety will have a significant impact on delivery of services for those young people who come into conflict with the law. Similarly, for those working in adult justice, guidance around electronic court submissions, alongside the newly introduced Community Justice Strategy and Hate Crime Strategy are changing the way we deliver services as well.

Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) (Adult) Service

At the heart of this is our commitment to strengthen our Health, Social Work and Social Care Services, and deliver a service to our communities that is defined by quality, inclusive practices, innovation, accountability and achieving effective and positive outcomes which will change lives for the better.

As Chief Social Work Officer in Stirling, you will contribute to HSCP strategic priorities while maintaining productive and co-operative working relationships with Elected Members, NHS Non-Executives, Heads of Service, senior officers and stakeholders across partner organisations whilst operating as a non-voting member of the Integration Joint Board (IJB) and any other appropriate national and or local bodies.

You will also manage the day to day delivery and strategic direction of the following specific functions: Child Protection, Adult Protection and Practice Learning & Professional Social Work Practice Development.Working with us, you can expect to enjoy a varied, challenging and rewarding career, the chance to make a real difference for people and communities. With your ongoing commitment we can continue to offer invaluable support for adults, families and children when they need it most.

We are passionate about our people and how we deliver services to our community in Stirling. That’s why we encourage a culture that puts children, families and people at the heart of everything we do - by empowering our people to work together to find solutions, be open, honest, and respectful, take responsibility and listen and learn. If you value these behaviours too, we’d love to hear from you

The Individual

About Stirling

Stirling is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city set within a world-class historic built environment and is a hub of contemporary culture.

The area is popular with tourists, attracting millions of visitors every year thanks to the region's rich history and stunning countryside, including Scotland's first National Park. Add to this theatres, cinemas, galleries, great restaurants, sporting facilities and easily accessible shopping, and it's easy to see why life in Stirling is hard to beat. Equidistant to both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling is ideally situated for business, as well as to live, work, study and visit. Stirling's population is approximately 94,210 and is projected to rise significantly in the coming years. The Stirling Council area benefits from a vast mix of urban and rural communities, covering 2,187 square kilometres in total and includes areas as far south as Strathblane and as far North as Killin

Benefits of Working for Stirling Council

• Fair pay including pensions
• Flexibility (ability to negotiate working from home/office hybrid model, core hours, enhance work life balance)
• Health and Wellbeing Support and Resources
• Benefits including salary sacrifice and discount schemes
• An inclusive workplace culture allowing all employees to fulfil their potential and other reasonable adjustments for those with a disability or those with caring responsibilities
• Clear expectation of role and measurable goals
• Learning and Development Opportunities for career progression included course funding for accredited Chief Social Work Officer qualification

If this sounds like the challenge for you, please apply with your CV and covering letter by midnight on 11th August 2024. For an informal chat please contact Lisa Dunlop at dunlopli@stirling.gov.uk