deputy manager - Care Leaver service in Beckenham

Job Title Deputy Manager - Care Leaver Service Reporting To Registered Manager Location 3 days on site & 2 days working from home Salary £40,000 - £43,000k per annum Job Purpose The Project Manager will lead the successful delivery, development, and performance of services supporting young people aged 16-25 transitioning from care to independent adulthood. The role is responsible for overseeing operational delivery, stakeholder engagement, safeguarding compliance, project outcomes, and service improvement initiatives that promote positive outcomes for care-experienced young people. The Project Manager will ensure services are delivered in line with Ofsted standards, local authority requirements, safeguarding legislation, and organisational objectives. Key Responsibilities Project Delivery & Service Management Lead the day-to-day management of the Care Leaver Project. Ensure contractual obligations and service KPIs are achieved. Develop and implement project plans, operational procedures, and service improvement initiatives. Monitor project progress, budgets, and performance outcomes. Produce regular reports for senior management, commissioners, and stakeholders. Staff Leadership & Development Manage, supervise, and support Team Leaders, Support Workers, and associated staff. Conduct regular supervisions, appraisals, and performance reviews. Coordinate workforce planning, rota management, recruitment, and staff development. Promote a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed working culture. Partnership & Stakeholder Management Develop effective working relationships with Local Authorities, Personal Advisers, Social Workers, Housing Providers, Education Providers, and external agencies. Represent the organisation at multi-agency meetings and strategic forums. Ensure effective communication with commissioners and referrers. Safeguarding & Compliance Act as a safeguarding lead within the project. Ensure all safeguarding concerns are appropriately managed and reported. Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, including: Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 Children and Social Work Act 2017 Care Leaver Local Offer requirements GDPR and Data Protection regulations Maintain accurate records, audits, and quality assurance processes. Financial Management Monitor project budgets and expenditure. Ensure effective resource allocation and value for money. Support invoice approvals and financial reporting requirements. Quality Assurance & Performance Monitor outcomes and quality standards. Analyse service data and identify trends for continuous improvement. Lead internal audits and support external inspections. Ensure service users receive person-centred and outcome-focused support. Young Person Outcomes The Project Manager will ensure the service supports young people to: Sustain safe and stable accommodation. Access education, employment, and training opportunities. Develop independent living skills. Improve emotional health and wellbeing. Build positive support networks. Reduce risk-taking behaviour and homelessness. Successfully transition into adulthood. Person Specification Essential Criteria Qualifications Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management, Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Social Work, or equivalent. Safeguarding qualification or willingness to undertake training. Experience Minimum 3 years' experience as a manager or team leader within services for vulnerable young people. Experience working with care-experienced young people or leaving care services. Experience managing teams and delivering contractual services. Experience working with Local Authorities and multi-agency professionals. Proven experience managing budgets and performance targets. Knowledge Understanding of care leaver legislation and statutory guidance. Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures. Understanding of trauma-informed practice. Knowledge of housing, homelessness, and supported accommodation services. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Occupancy and referral targets achieved. Positive move-on outcomes for young people. Education, Employment and Training (EET) progression rates. Safeguarding compliance and audit results. Staff retention and engagement levels. Commissioner satisfaction. Service quality and inspection outcomes