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- Tasks: Lead daily operations at a new residential home for children aged 11-18.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council in a groundbreaking service for vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while shaping a supportive care environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential care and leadership is essential; diverse backgrounds welcome.
- Other info: Be part of a multi-agency team focused on mental health and stability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you want to be part of a team that supports and improves outcomes for young people at risk of long-term care or inpatient psychiatric admission? Then join us for a new and exciting service, due to open early 2025. Westwood House will be a short stay (up to 28 days) Ofsted registered residential home for children aged 11-18 years old. This joint service between the NHS and SCC will provide four residential beds for children experiencing or at risk of social, emotional, and/or mental health crises. Our aim is to provide a safe, stable environment where children’s needs can be assessed and plans formulated to support their return to the community, ideally within a family environment.
About The Role: Southampton City Council seeks a passionate and experienced leader as Deputy Manager to support the daily operations of Westwood House alongside the leadership team, aid the registered manager in developing the home in line with Ofsted registration, and foster a culture prioritizing the welfare of children and young people. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and creative deputy manager to help shape the service, support Ofsted registration, recruit and train staff, and realize the vision for Westwood House. We aim to provide a safe environment with highly skilled staff, understanding the underlying issues behind crises, and ensuring long-term stability for children. You will be a culture carrier for high-quality, aspirational care of vulnerable young people to improve outcomes.
Utilizing your experience in residential care with children and young people, you will help set standards for safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care as part of a multi-agency team. Your knowledge of working with children with complex needs will be vital, especially in training staff to support mental health needs and risk management. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds with relevant leadership and residential care experience.
What We Can Offer You:
- A generous local government pension scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements (role dependent), including up to 13 days of Flexi Leave.
- Hybrid working options (role dependent).
- 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), plus bank holidays.
- Online benefits including salary sacrifice schemes, discounts, and more.
- Great local transport links.
- Employee assistance program supporting health and wellbeing.
Contact Details For Informal Discussion: For more information about our benefits, visit our website. For further details on the position, contact Daniel Mason via email or at the following phone number: 023 8083 4033.
Additional Information: Follow us on social media for updates on jobs and news.
Job Details: Seniority level: Mid-Senior level, Employment type: Full-time, Job function: Residential Care, Industry: Government Administration.
Deputy Children\'s Home Manager employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Children\'s Home Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Ofsted registration process and standards. Understanding what Ofsted looks for in a residential home will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're ready to contribute to the home's success.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the residential care sector, especially those who have experience with children facing mental health challenges. Building connections can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully led teams or implemented changes that improved care for young people. Highlighting these achievements will showcase your leadership skills and commitment to high-quality care.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in children's mental health and social care. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role and the well-being of the children you'll be working with.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Children\'s Home Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Deputy Children's Home Manager position. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children aged 11-18 years old and the importance of Ofsted registration.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in residential care and leadership roles. Emphasise any work you've done with children facing social, emotional, or mental health challenges. Make sure to align your skills with the job description provided by Southampton City Council.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting vulnerable young people. Discuss your vision for the role and how your background makes you an ideal candidate to help shape the service at Westwood House.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Deputy Children's Home Manager. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with these duties, especially in residential care and working with children with complex needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager, you'll be expected to lead and support a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to foster a positive culture prioritising the welfare of children and young people.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Ofsted Standards
Familiarise yourself with Ofsted registration requirements and standards for children's homes. Be ready to discuss how you would contribute to achieving and maintaining these standards at Westwood House, as well as your approach to training staff in evidence-based care.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the vision for Westwood House. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
