About us
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities into the Council. Our service is built on our values of ethical, trustworthy, and caring, and our profits are returned to our Local Authority shareholders


Interim Locality / Specialist Manager - Adult Social Care
Dorset Council
North Dorset | Hybrid Working
6-month contract
£45-£50 per hour
About the Role
Dorset Council is seeking an experienced Interim Locality / Specialist Manager to provide senior leadership within Adult Social Care. This is a high-impact role focusing on operational delivery, service performance, commissioning, and partnership working to support Dorset Council’s mission of putting people first and working together to make Dorset a great place to live, work, and thrive.
Key Responsibilities
*Lead and manage Adult Social Care services within a locality or specialist area
*Provide senior operational leadership across service delivery, performance, and safeguarding
*Ensure effective implementation of Care Act duties through person-centred assessment and care planning
*Manage and develop multi-disciplinary social care and business support teams
*Drive service improvement, transformation initiatives, and commissioning activity
*Manage delegated budgets and ensure value for money
*Build and maintain strong partnerships with health, voluntary, and independent sector providers
*Take responsibility for complex decision-making and service risk management
*Contribute to strategic planning and wider council objectives
About You
You will be a confident, values-driven leader with significant experience in Adult Social Care management, ideally within a local authority setting. You will bring:
*Proven senior leadership experience in Adult Social Care
*Strong knowledge of the Care Act, safeguarding, and statutory responsibilities
*Experience managing teams, budgets, and service performance
*Excellent partnership-working and stakeholder management skills
*The ability to make sound professional judgements in complex and demanding environments


Essential CriteriaTo be successful, you will need:
*Substantial experience at manager level within Adult Social Care, ideally in a local authority
*Strong working knowledge of the Care Act, safeguarding, and statutory duties
*Proven experience leading teams, managing performance, and supporting development
*Experience managing complex services, risk, and professional decision making
*Budget management experience and focus on value for money




Why Join Dorset Council?
*Opportunity to influence and improve Adult Social Care services at scale
*Hybrid working to support flexibility
*Competitive interim rate
*A values led organisation focused on community impact


Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.