Head of Service - Social Work Service

Head of Service, British Forces Social Work Service, Cyprus (BFSWS)

Company: Polaris Children's Services
Location: British Forces Cyprus (BFC)
Base Location: Episkopi, British Forces Cyprus
Contract: Full time, permanent
Specific Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £48,000 per annum (paid in Euros at the applicable exchange rate) plus on-call payments
Reporting to: Executive Head of Service, British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS)
Benefits: 24 days annual leave plus Cyprus bank holidays (number may vary by year as per local observance), Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme

About Us

Polaris Children’s Services is part of the Polaris Community of companies and delivers statutory and non-statutory social care services in the UK and to military communities overseas.

Since 2014 we have provided social work services to the Ministry of Defence in Germany, and in November 2019 expanded our overseas work with the British military, associated civilian personnel, and their families across Europe, Canada, Kenya, Belize, the United States of America and Saudi Arabia.

From 1st July 2020 we expanded our services to include the British Forces Social Work Service in Cyprus and the South Atlantic Islands.

On 1st April 2021 this included Singapore, British Indian Ocean Territories (BIOT) and Gibraltar.

From 1st May 2022 we further expanded our services to include Brunei and Nepal.

While all services are under the management of Polaris Children’s Services, we are proud to have developed our own BFSWS brand with specific identities for each community of military social work service. As such, we have a new opportunity in the Polaris Children’s Services British Forces Social Work team in British Forces Cyprus for a Service Lead to join our team.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work in accordance with the vision, aims and objectives of the BFSWS, Service Charter, Strategic and Service Delivery Plans, the Local Safeguarding Board Child Protection Procedures, the principles of the Children Act and requirements around services for adults at risk.
Whilst recognising the nuances of working overseas and military governance, the successful candidate will provide an effective, high quality social work service in line with UK statutory standards, the Armed Forces Act 1991/2006 and accompanying regulations.
To provide overall leadership and management to the British Forces Social Work Service in Cyprus, including staff management, strategic service delivery and acting as senior lead contact for partner agencies and command personnel within British Forces Cyprus.
To operate in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework at strategic level.
To lead, develop and deliver integrated services under the current contract to meet the needs of service personnel, children, young people and their families.
To ensure compliance with practice guidance, statutory duties and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements.
To review contract compliance, report non-compliance to stakeholders and assess and reduce risk.
To identify and report gaps in service provision, unmet need, key themes and trends, along with associated risks and mitigation plans.
To negotiate with key personnel for appropriate resources.
To interface and maintain effective communication and joint working practices with BFSWS overseas, relevant Chains of Command and partner agencies.
To participate in local command strategic meetings, including safeguarding partnerships and contract management boards.
To work closely with the BFSWS QA Manager to ensure delivery of the Quality Assurance Framework and preparation of reports.
To undertake staff recruitment, manage performance, attendance, disciplinary and grievance processes.
To ensure a positive team ethos within a unique cultural environment.
To undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post.

Requirements

Experience of working at a strategic level with an understanding of overseas military environments.
Professional Social Work qualification (BA (Hons), Dip SW, CQSW, CSS) and registration with Social Work England or equivalent.
Post Qualifying Award in Social Work.
Leadership and Management qualification – essential.
Minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience in a social work management role.
Experience across a broad range of social work roles.
High-level report writing skills.
Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding procedures.
Willingness and ability to work flexibly, including travel across Cyprus and to the UK.
Full manual driving licence.
Participation in the Out of Hours duty management rota – essential.

The successful candidate recruited from the UK will be supported to attain the legal right to reside and work in British Forces Cyprus. Other benefits such as accommodation, education, health support and moving costs will be negotiated during the onboarding process.

Polaris Children’s Services are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and relevant local police checks, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Children’s Services.

Polaris Children’s Services is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

The service is currently undergoing a review; therefore, while we are committed to this role, some aspects including title, roles and responsibilities may be subject to change.

Apply now