At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform children's homes, ensuring safe and nurturing environments.
- Company: Compass Community, dedicated to putting children first with a therapeutic approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on growth and positive outcomes for children.
- 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; senior leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
About The Role
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 would 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. This role will be covering the Central and South region. 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.
Assistant Director. Job in Birmingham Education & Training Jobs 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 in Birmingham, 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. Job in Birmingham Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and training sector, especially those connected to Compass Community. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Compass Community’s values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of putting children first. Practise answering common interview questions, but also think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and operational expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the Assistant Director position.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Compass Community team. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director. Job in Birmingham Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Director role. Highlight your experience in children's services and how it aligns with our mission at Compass Community. We want to see how you can be a life changer!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your senior leadership experience and any specific achievements in managing multiple children's homes. We’re looking for someone who can lead with integrity, courage, and care, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the key responsibilities of the role. We appreciate clarity as much as we value passion!
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Community
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Compass Community's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to children's care and the specific responsibilities of the Assistant Director role. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or managed multiple projects. Highlight your ability to drive performance, manage budgets, and ensure compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in children's services and what strategies you've implemented to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as managing staffing issues or responding to Ofsted inspections. Prepare structured responses that showcase your critical thinking and operational oversight capabilities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the organisation's future plans, team dynamics, and how they measure success in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and career aspirations.
