Head of Service for Early Help and Targeted Family Support

Job Description

Head of Early Help & Targeted Family Support

Grade 12- £77550-£87084pa

Starting Well

About the Role

We are seeking an inspiring and experienced Head of Service – Early Help & Targeted Family Support to lead the strategic delivery of Havering's Early Help Service. This pivotal role oversees a range of services including the Family Information Service, Volunteer & Advocacy, Parenting and Family Group Conferencing (FGC), and Children's Centres.

As a senior leader, you will shape and improve services across the Starting Well portfolio, ensuring high-quality practice and strong outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Early Help and Targeted Family Support services.
• Drive continuous improvement based on performance, risk, and demand.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and statutory guidance.
• Represent the service at multi-agency boards and committees.
• Manage budgets up to £500,000 and identify income generation opportunities.
• Lead on complex, high-risk cases and deputise for senior leaders when required.

About You

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
• Extensive leadership experience within statutory children's services.
• Proven ability to improve social care practice and outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and frameworks.
• Skilled in managing change and building effective partnerships.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent risk management and decision-making skills.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Resilient, adaptable, and committed to driving service improvement.

Why Join Havering?

You'll have the opportunity to shape services at a strategic level during a period of innovation and transformation, making a real and lasting difference to the lives of children, young people, and families.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 23/12/25 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering .

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.

Find out why you should work for Havering Council .