Head of Specialist Services

Join Dorset Council as Specialist Head of Service – Adult Social Care

We are excited to invite applications for the role of Specialist Head of Service – Adult Social Care at Dorset Council. This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation with a strong culture of support, innovation, and professional development. We are committed to transforming lives through creative approaches and meaningful partnerships.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our operational leadership team, focusing on improving outcomes for working-age adults who seek care and support in Dorset. Initially, the role will concentrate on individuals with learning disabilities and those who are neurodiverse. This is a significant opportunity for someone with the right leadership skills to make a lasting impact.

Dorset Council is undergoing an ambitious transformation through our Our Future Council programme, alongside integrated initiatives with the NHS such as Integrated Neighbourhood Working and Communities for All. These efforts, combined with the Birth to Settled Adulthood (B2SA) programme, are creating a dynamic environment for change. Our vision is for people of working age to be active members of their communities, have a voice in shaping their support, live gloriously ordinary lives, and thrive.

In partnership with residents, social care teams, commissioners, children’s services, NHS colleagues, and local communities, the Specialist Head of Service will lead a review of our current service offer. Using a bottom-up approach, you will collaborate with other Adult Social Care leaders to transform how we use our professional skills, data, and community strengths to improve outcomes for both residents and staff.

As Adult Social Care in Dorset continues to evolve, so will this role. We welcome applications from individuals who embrace change as a positive force and who can inspire and lead others through transformation.

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We: 

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents 
• work in partnership to make a real difference 
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities 
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive 

You will: 

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset 
• have access to a range of benefits and support 
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. 

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application. 

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us. 

Find out more about how to apply.