Head of Social Work, West Lothian Civic Centre, 502.08

Job Advert

Head of Social Work (Chief Social Worker)

Local Authority Salary £122,898 to £129,834 EXHOS 3 Point 41 – 44

(Salary would be subject to agreed salary uplifts on 1 April 2026 and 1 November 2026)

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and shape children, justice, and adults/older adults social work services in West Lothian.

As a leading local authority and IJB with a proven track record of innovation, effective performance, and achievement, we are looking for an experienced social work manager to lead and manage the strategic direction of social work within West Lothian.

As Head of Service, you will fulfil the role of Chief Social Worker, and will be responsible for shaping the future direction of the service. You will develop and promote the existing partnership working relationships and you will be responsible for ensuring positive outcomes for our customers, and service users.

As a member of the council’s Corporate Management Team, you will contribute to the development and planning of the council’s overall strategic objectives and provide effective leadership and management of a portfolio of social work services.

You will have had substantial experience and success of managing social work services at a senior level in either local government and/or other parts of the public sector and will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the delivery of excellent public services. You will be a qualified social worker and an innovative thinker, focused on effective outcomes and capable of delivering business objectives through effective people, resource and financial management and a continuous drive for Best Value.

The successful candidate will have finely tuned skills in political astuteness, diplomacy and leadership. They will have significant experience at a strategic level, be able to evidence success in public sector transformation and must excel at communications.

The next few years will be pivotal in designing seamless, innovative, and inclusive services which deliver excellent value for money. This is a critical role operating across health and care services and with a range of third sector providers. The role is a demanding one with challenges ahead but offering many opportunities to make an impact supported by a dedicated and committed workforce focussed on improving the lives of people.

For further information please contact Alison white, Depute Chief Executive on Alison.White@westlothian.gov.uk . Information on working here at West Lothian Council can be found within the Recruitment Pack.

Closing date for applications is 18 March 2026.

For more information on this exciting opportunity please visit: https://workforus.westlothian.gov.uk/

This position requires registration with the SSSC.  The successful candidate will have six months from the date of commencement of this post to become registered with the SSSC.  SSSC stipulate you must submit your application within three months of your start date.  If you are already registered with SSSC you will be required to add West Lothian Council to your account

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.  Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment and the cost will be met by the candidate.

The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18. The £59 cost (where appropriate) will be deducted from your salary over a 1 or 3 month period by repayment schedule.  If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary