Head of Service - Adult Social Care

NHS Highland is committed to delivering safe, compassionate, person centred care for every individual who relies on our services. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join the Adult Social Work and Social Care Leadership Team on a part time basis in the Role of Head of Service, with a portfolio for Transformation in ASC. This is a unique opportunity to shape and support the future of social care provision and the development of community resilience.

About the Role:

• Lead on implementing community led support, development of community assets and embedding worker autonomy (social work).
• The Head of Service will provide Highland-wide expertise and contribute to specific pan-Highland improvement initiatives and improvement work.
• As a key member of the Senior Adult Social Work and Social Care Leadership Team, they will develop its strategies and policies within an identified portfolio. (Transformation)
• There is also a requirement of this post to work across the Health and Social Care partnership and other key partners including Highland Council, the third sector and local and national stakeholders.
• This Post will be part of a broader hybrid transformation team that are responsible for the delivery of the transformation plan in relation to adult services.

About You:

• A suitable degree level qualification.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to lead through collaboration. The ability to inspire others and foster a culture of learning and improvement.
• Suitable experience understanding the service delivery and opportunities that exist within community, social work and social care settings.
• The ability to travel and be present with local communities and stakeholders.
• Significant leadership experience within health and social care integration.

This is a fixed term post until 31st March 2027.

Informal enquiries can be made to: Ruth MacDonald, on , or by email to: ; or Ian Thomson on

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

• Effective from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reduced from 37 to 36 hours. Part-time hours will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis. There will be an increase in the hourly rate to ensure that pay remains unaffected.
• Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers. Tha fàilte air tagraidhean bho luchd labhairt na Gàidhlig.
• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain.
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NHS Highland is geographically the largest of the 14 regional boards of NHS Scotland, covering an area of 12,500 square miles, across Highland and Argyll & Bute.

We employ over 10,700 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the area. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.

Our staff are also important members of our communities. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and the way we go about our work comes from the values and behaviours we demonstrate on a daily basis. As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and social care values.