Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621826
Salary Range: £54,539 - £61,124 per annum
Work Location: Countywide, Hampshire (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 14 August 2025
The Role:
Join a bold, values-led organisation driving transformation in adult social care. As a dynamic and experienced Social Work Senior Operational Manager, you’ll lead strategic programmes that support younger adults and individuals with complex needs across Hampshire. This is your opportunity to shape person-centred, strengths-based services, embed innovation, and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
What you’ll do:
- Lead strategic programmes: Oversee the Younger Adults Review & Savings Programme and the Least Restrictive Practice Team, delivering cost-effective, strengths-based outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Drive mental health services: Lead the strategic direction of the Enhanced Support & Priority Resolution Team, ensuring equitable access and effective support for high-risk cases.
- Champion safeguarding and risk management: Lead on complex case oversight, contribute to risk audits, and embed robust safeguarding practices.
- Ensure operational excellence: Act as a senior decision-maker, deputising for the Locality/District Service Manager and contributing to planning and safeguarding forums.
- Develop and support the workforce: Promote staff development, lead transformation initiatives, and cultivate a resilient, innovative team culture.
What we’re looking for:
- Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England (SWE).
- Proven strategic leadership in adult or children’s social care, with experience managing high-risk cases and complex programmes.
- Strong knowledge of strengths-based and person-centred approaches, safeguarding legislation, and risk-based prioritisation.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to lead transformation and collaborate across agencies.
- A passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Social Work Senior Operational Manager role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.
Why join us?
- Lead meaningful change: Shape the future of services for younger adults and those with complex needs through innovation and transformation.
- Inspire and collaborate: Join a passionate, high-performing team in a values-led environment where your ideas and leadership make a difference.
- Thrive in a supportive culture: Access professional development, wellbeing initiatives, and a flexible approach to work that fits your lifestyle.
- Work locally with flexibility: Enjoy hybrid working with your office base at the nearest HCC location to your home. Some travel across the county will be required to support service delivery and collaboration.
- Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Other job titles you may be searching for: Deputy Service Manager, Senior Operational Manager, Operations Manager, Adult Social Care Programme Manager, Team Manager, Senior Social Work Manager, Strategic Lead, Service Manager, Integrated Service Manager, Assistant Service Manager, Safeguarding and Risk Lead.
Travel Requirements:
You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.
Values Based Recruitment
We recruit for attitudes and values in Adults’ Health and Care. We invite you to evidence how you demonstrate our 5 core values in your application. For more information on our values, please refer to the candidate pack.
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
