Managing Director

Versa Well-being – From Person to Person

Versa Welzijn is an organization that provides a wide range of social services in eight municipalities: Hilversum, Huizen, Gooise Meren, Blaricum, Laren, Wijdemeren (collectively known as the Gooi and Vechtstreek region), Eemnes (Utrecht region and administratively merged with Blaricum and Laren into the BEL Combinatie) and Weesp (formerly Gooi en Vechtstreek, since 2022 part of the urban area of the municipality of Amsterdam).

Our social workers (over 200) and volunteers (approx. 2,000) work in a community-focused manner within local teams. Local collaboration is of the utmost importance. We view neighborhoods and communities as social ecosystems. We focus on the potential and strength of people working together. A social worker is like a gardener for a community. Much grows on its own; as a social worker, you can give a nudge or a boost where needed. We don’t do what the community can do itself. Our goal is to contribute to strong, inclusive communities.

In addition, Versa has a support organization. Advisors specializing in finance, human resources, communications, technical expertise, and monitoring support the teams so they can perform at their best.

Versa Welzijn is a Rhineland-based organization. It is characterized by a flat hierarchy, with staff playing a supportive rather than a directive role, and leadership focused on promoting autonomy and professionalism. For the organization to fully realize its vision and strategy in the community that Versa is committed to serving, it is essential to build a strong, motivated, and engaged internal team. For the executive director, this means that building a strong and trusting relationship with staff in the field and in the office is a must.

Developments

The following developments will be important in the coming years:

Establishing collaboration at the grassroots level/first line of support: both locally and regionally. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is expected to work with Participation Hubs to organize resident participation at the regional level. Versa is already spearheading regional and local collaboration, which needs to be further developed.

Develop partnerships with the Nursing, Care, and Home Care (VVT) sector and other healthcare providers while remaining true to the principles of community-oriented care.

Improving the recording and monitoring of social work. In recent years, we have focused on collaborative reflection on practice with municipalities. Currently, municipalities are in need of more data-driven monitoring. This change was initiated internally in mid-2023. The challenge will be to keep the administrative burden to a minimum while ensuring that the data remains meaningful for our own purposes.

In recent years, the organization has raised the profile of social work both regionally and nationally. Much has been achieved: Versa is recognized as an innovative social services organization. Long before others, we were already working according to the ABCD philosophy, engaging in community empowerment efforts, and transitioning to a Rhineland-style organization. Budgets for social work have grown in recent years.

Profile of the Managing Director

Versa Welzijn’s motto is that we work on a person-to-person basis. Connection is a key concept in our work. This applies both to our work in the communities and within the organization. It’s the same inside and out.

The Executive Director is fully responsible for achieving the organization’s social and financial objectives, implementing its strategy and policies, managing its financial resources, and ensuring the resulting outcomes. The Executive Director reports to the Supervisory Board.

The executive director leads the organization in pursuit of its mission, vision, goals, and ambitions.

The executive director keeps the mission in mind, builds trust, and fosters autonomy and collaboration.

Expanding and strengthening the social sector in collaboration with municipalities and other stakeholders within this and related sectors. Networking, negotiating, maintaining an open perspective on society, and thinking beyond the boundaries of Versa Welzijn.

The managing director is introducing new developments within the organization. The approach the managing director takes in this regard is consistent with the Rhineland management philosophy.

Regional cooperation therefore plays an important role in regional networks. The executive director is constantly building internal and external networks in coordination and collaboration with colleagues. The goal is to support residents and empower them to become more self-reliant and capable of working together.

Placing responsibilities and decision-making authority where they belong. Every employee is valued for their expertise, and the CEO gives teams the freedom to develop this expertise, operates on a foundation of trust, and fosters collaboration within the organization based on talent and strengths.

The executive director empowers teams and employees to do their work well and with enjoyment. The executive director provides the necessary flexibility and frameworks. The executive director facilitates people so they continue to learn and explore and encourages dialogue about work philosophies. The executive director provides space for teams and employees to grow together in their professional skills through reflection. He or she offers support and serves as the highest level of authority for unsolvable problems. The executive director fosters a sense of ownership deeper within the organization.

Building partnerships with the Supervisory Board, the Works Council, and the employees. The culture is open and transparent, based on equality.

The executive director encourages and supports the development of a different supervisory approach, in line with the Rhineland management philosophy.

The Rhineland Supervision Policy is available on the Versa Welzijn website.

In addition, we have formulated the following mandate for the managing director:

Further promoting the visibility and philosophy of Versa Welzijn; fostering greater collaboration with residents, municipalities, neighborhoods, healthcare providers, and housing associations; taking the lead in the social sector; exploring new areas and establishing new contacts; and ensuring long-term financial stability within the municipalities.

Ensures a good balance between development, learning, and professional growth, while continuing to evolve alongside the organization.

It promotes integrated collaboration, helps build bridges between different stakeholders, and makes the leap toward actually putting this into practice.

We realize that the assignment—which combines organizational development with external challenges—is a demanding one. The assignment as defined represents the challenge we face in the coming period. In consultation with the new executive director, we will shape the details of the organizational developments.

Core of the profile

This challenging and socially relevant position and role requires candidates with an academic mindset and work ethic. Candidates should have experience in a leadership role, with knowledge of social work and the social sector in general, and of community building in particular. A vision for and experience with organizational development are essential, as is courageous leadership.

A well-developed understanding of administrative, bureaucratic, and political dynamics.

We are looking for a new, approachable, and unifying executive director with an open, honest, and strong personality who cares about people—someone who can blend social skills with professional acumen. We believe it is important that our new colleague is someone who maintains control of the course we have already set, embraces the organizational philosophy, and actively promotes this vision. A connector who brings or maintains calm within the organization and continues along the established path. A midfielder who keeps an eye on the big picture. A strategic thinker and doer.

A networker in the social sector who works with municipalities, partners in the service chain, and initiative leaders to collaborate with other partnerships.

Salary and benefits

The salary range for this position is based on a 36-hour workweek in pay grade 14. Depending on relevant work experience as a managing director, the salary ranges from €5,041.00 to €8,357.00 gross per month for a 36-hour workweek. In addition, Versa offers an Individual Choice Budget (ICB) of approximately 18.6% of the salary each month.

Other terms and conditions of employment include, among others:

· Enrollment in the Health and Welfare Pension Fund

· Commuting allowance for distances between 10 and 50 km one way

· NS Business Card or commuting expenses for a one-way commute of 10 to 50 km

· Affordable fitness through our corporate fitness plan

· Individual career budget

· Participation in the bicycle plan

Selection Process

The contact person is Katja van Laarhoven, a member of the Supervisory Board and chair of the People and Organization Committee. She can be reached at 06-24769743 or kvan_laarhoven@hotmail.com.

The secondary contact person and case manager for this proceeding is Ingrid van der Vorst, PnO advisor at Versa. She can be reached at: 06-12582536 or Ivorst@versawelzijn.nl

Candidates may apply until January 28, 2024. Please send your resume and cover letter to directiesecretariaat@versawelzijn.nl, citing the job posting number.

In your cover letter, please address the following questions:

· What is your perspective on both internal and external collaborations?

· How do you contribute to or help build a community?

· What kind of leader are you? What qualities and talents do you bring to the table?

· Why did you choose Versa Welzijn?

A development assessment may be part of the process.

The interviews will take place on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in the afternoon, or on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

The^second round will take place on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

The selection committee consists of members of the Supervisory Board, the Works Council, and the support organization.

Versa Welzijn aims to complete the process by the end of February and appoint the executive director in April.