At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform children's homes, ensuring safe and nurturing environments.
- Company: Compass Community prioritises children with a therapeutic and innovative approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to operational excellence and children's welfare.
- Why this job: Be a life changer and impact the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Level 5 in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child? Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together. This is the work. And we’d like you to be part of it.
ROLE PURPOSE
As Compass Community continues its ambitious phase of growth and national influence, the Assistant Director plays a pivotal role in providing senior operational and strategic leadership across a portfolio of children’s homes. The role supports delivery of the Residential strategy through strong operational oversight, leadership development and performance management, ensuring homes deliver safe, nurturing and aspirational care for children and young people. Working closely with Regional Operations Managers and Registered Managers, the Assistant Director will lead performance across occupancy, budgets, safeguarding, quality, compliance, workforce stability and Ofsted outcomes. The role is also central to supporting operational growth and service development, ensuring homes are sustainable, financially viable and able to meet the needs of children effectively. The Assistant Director ensures children and young people remain at the centre of all operational decision-making and will act up in the absence of the Managing Director where required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide operational oversight across multiple regions and homes.
- Line manage and develop Regional Operations Managers.
- Support the development and succession planning of Registered Managers.
- Lead operational performance against key KPIs including occupancy, staffing, safeguarding, recruitment and retention, budget performance, placement stability and Ofsted outcomes.
- Maintain strong operational oversight across quality and compliance, safeguarding concerns, financial performance, risk management and staffing challenges.
- Ensure homes operate within agreed staffing and financial budgets.
- Drive occupancy and growth performance across services.
- Support and oversee placement matching and strategic occupancy planning.
- Lead operational responses to Ofsted inspections, enforcement activity and improvement plans.
- Ensure robust safeguarding oversight and escalation processes are in place.
- Oversee serious incidents, investigations and disciplinary matters.
- Chair operational and performance meetings.
- Lead strategic improvement activity where homes require additional support.
- Support mobilisation of new homes and growth opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with Quality & Safeguarding, Therapeutic Services, Home Finding and People teams.
- Produce operational reports and updates for senior leadership and board-level meetings.
- Participate in on-call arrangements and provide senior operational support where required.
- Build positive relationships with commissioners, Local Authorities and external stakeholders.
- Support organisational change and transformation activity.
- Lead or contribute to strategic projects.
- Deliver presentations, training and operational briefings.
- Provide senior operational support during critical incidents.
- Operate as a member of the Compass Senior Leadership Team working across the enterprise to build strategy, culture and deliver our operational objectives.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Qualifications
- Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
- Experience as a Responsible Individual responsible for multiple homes desirable.
- Commercial and strategic leadership experience within children’s services desirable.
Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience within Children’s Residential Services.
- Proven experience overseeing multiple children’s homes.
- Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations, SCCIF framework, safeguarding and quality assurance processes.
- Proven track record of achieving positive Ofsted outcomes.
- Experience of leading operational performance including occupancy, budgets, staffing, quality and safeguarding oversight.
- Experience leading organisational growth and service development.
About You
About Us
Assistant Director in Birmingham employer: Compass Community
At Compass Community, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of children through our innovative and therapeutic approach. As an Assistant Director, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises integrity, courage, and care, while offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us in making a meaningful impact, as we work collaboratively to ensure every child receives the nurturing and aspirational care they deserve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Compass Community and understanding our values. We want to see how you align with our mission of putting children first. Practice answering common interview questions and think about how your experience fits into the role of Assistant Director.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed projects in children's services. We love hearing about your successes and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Compass Community team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for transforming children's lives shine through. We want to see how you embody our values of Integrity, Courage, and Care in your experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in children's services. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your operational leadership and strategic thinking.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Assistant Director role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this life-changing opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Community
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Compass Community’s mission and values. Understand their therapeutic approach and how it impacts the lives of children. This will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in senior leadership roles, especially in children's services. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed multiple homes and led teams to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling operational challenges, safeguarding issues, or Ofsted inspections. Think through some scenarios in advance and how you would approach them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Build Connections
During the interview, focus on building rapport with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and how you can contribute to their growth. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
