At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in their journey to a permanent home.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to providing excellent care for vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people seeking asylum.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential settings and a passion for supporting UAS children.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and career development.
The predicted salary is between 34421 - 38204 £ per year.
Please note that shortlisting decisions will be based on the whole application, including the Reason for Application section. Within this section, please demonstrate how you meet the criteria within the person specification attached to the Job Description and why you would like to work with UAS children.
Kent County Council's Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking (UAS) Children's Service provides accommodation and support to newly arrived UAS children in Kent. The Service is developing as a centre of excellence nationally and we are seeking passionate individuals to join our service.
The Reception and Safe Care Services are Kent County Council owned, Ofsted regulated, children's homes and supported accommodation, collectively termed Reception Centres. The Reception Centres, and the services they provide to children, are run by a diverse team of managers and workers, who are all committed to ensuring children are protected and supported to take the first steps in their journey to a more permanent home elsewhere in the UK.
This role is for Aspen Lodge, which is based in Deal, Dover and is a children's home for UAS children aged under 16 years old, with a capacity of up to 18 children. Located in a rural setting in the village of Sholden, the centre offers views of green fields and a peaceful atmosphere. Aspen Lodge has established links with local services and organisations in the community for young people to access a variety of activities.
We are seeking experienced Residential setting managers who can support the day-to-day running of the children's home ensuring that all UAS children begin their resettlement journey with the support they need. Children's Home Managers need to be able to role model good practice and organise staff to support all UAS children during their stay from practical objectives and learning, through to emotional support.
We are looking for Children's Home Managers who have worked with UAS children previously and who have the energy and drive to strive for the best. If you are passionate about UAS children, enthusiastic and can lead by example, please apply.
This post will be required to work across a rolling shift pattern, with weekly alternating shifts, and regular cover over weekends. The rota pattern is 4 shifts on, followed by 2 rest days. Each block of 4 shifts will alternate between 8:00 am - 4:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 10:00 pm.
Applicants must be 21 years of age or above, to meet Ofsted regulations. KCC's employment offer for this role includes:
- Full induction
- Training and development opportunities
- Basic salary of between £34,421 and £38,304
- Equivalent annual leave allowance of 30 days
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Opportunities to develop in your career
- The opportunity to expand and develop your knowledge and skills of working with children seeking asylum
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring service. This role is subject to holding a Full UK Driving Licence. The Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so whilst this job requires the jobholder to drive, your application will still be considered if you are unable to drive due to a disability.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Children\'S Home Manager in Deal employer: Kent County Council
Contact Detail:
Kent County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'S Home Manager in Deal
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Kent County Council and their UAS Children's Service. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which could give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in managing teams and supporting children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take that next step in your career with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'S Home Manager in Deal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with UAS children shine through. We want to see why you care about this role and how your experiences align with our mission.
Tailor Your Reason for Application: Make sure to specifically address the criteria in the person specification. We’re looking for clear examples of how your skills and experiences meet what we need, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the Children’s Home Manager 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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Aspen Lodge.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the specific needs of UAS children and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with those needs. This shows that you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in this role.
✨Share Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for working with UAS children. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable young people. This will help the interviewers see your enthusiasm and dedication to making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Children's Home Manager, you'll need to lead a diverse team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to role model good practice and support staff in their development.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training opportunities or how the team collaborates to support the children.