Assistant Director Children's Social Care

• Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
• Location: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Hours: 36 hours per week.
• Closing Date: 10/05/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: CSC/26/335402

Sefton is a borough that surprises. With 22 miles of stunning coastline, the UK's largest dune system, thriving communities, and iconic events like The Grand National and The Open, it's a place of real variety and opportunity. From Victorian seaside towns to vibrant urban centres, Sefton is full of contrast - and ambition.

We're proud of our 'Good' Ofsted rating for Children's Services and are now focused on building on this strong foundation. With a new Director of Children's Services bringing fresh energy, clarity and a strong commitment to a 'one Council' approach, there's renewed focus on how to join up with adults, housing and health, and strengthen how we operate as a whole system. We're now looking for an inspiring, forward thinking leader to help us build on these foundations.

This role spans the full breadth of children's social care, from early help to leaving care. A qualified social worker, you'll bring strong practice expertise alongside the ability to lead across complex systems. You'll be comfortable working beyond traditional boundaries-building relationships across the Council and with partners, embedding a joined up, collaborative approach.

This is a role for a leader who can combine strategy with operational grip. You'll bring clarity and confidence, strengthening financial oversight, improving workforce stability, and ensuring resources are used effectively-particularly in high-cost areas such as residential care. You'll be confident in offering challenge, setting direction, and driving sustainable improvement.

At the same time, you'll lead with creativity and ambition, using national reforms to innovate, take a whole system view, and shape services that better meet the needs of children and families. Sefton is a great place to work, with a strong, child centred culture and shared commitment to doing the very best for children. We're investing in our workforce and systemic, trauma informed practice, creating a real opportunity to shape and embed a practice framework that reflects our ambition.

You'll also have the opportunity to play a key role regionally. As part of the Liverpool City Region and wider Cheshire and Merseyside networks, you'll work alongside a strong and collaborative group of senior leaders-sharing learning, influencing the agenda, and ensuring Sefton's voice is heard. We're looking for a visible, values driven leader who's compassionate and resilient, and who leads with integrity and strong practice.

This is a career defining opportunity to make a lasting impact-strengthening our workforce, shaping the next phase of improvement, and delivering better outcomes for children and families in Sefton. If you're ready to join a dynamic and committed leadership team and make a real difference in a place where your impact will be visible and valued, this is your moment.

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody's identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual's skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 10th May 2026