At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to provide exceptional care for young adults with diverse needs.
- Company: Join the vibrant Orpheus Centre, dedicated to empowering through the arts.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led organisation committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or education, with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
The Orpheus Centre is a vibrant, creative organisation dedicated to empowering young adults through the arts. We provide high-quality supported living and care for students and tenants with diverse needs. Safeguarding, dignity, independence and person-centred practice are at the heart of everything we do.
About the role
We’re seeking an experienced and compassionate Deputy Head of Care to support the Registered Manager (Head of Care) in delivering exceptional care standards across our supported living provision and college community. This key leadership position is responsible for quality assurance, staff supervision, effective student support, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding and regulatory frameworks. You will deputise for the Head of Care, act as an escalation point for serious incidents (including participation in the on-call rota), and play a central role in the continuous improvement of our care service.
Key responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and supervise a small team of Support Leads and Learning Support Care Assistants.
- Oversee audits, ensure accurate record-keeping and support quality cycle processes.
- Support creation and review of Support Plans, Health Action Plans and assessments.
- Coordinate care and support reviews using person-centred approaches.
- Work closely with internal teams on student transitions, housing assessments and multi-disciplinary planning.
- Contribute to recruitment assessments and prepare costings for local authorities.
- Ensure safeguarding, health & safety and compliance measures are robust and consistently applied.
- Lead team meetings, key working practices and communication channels.
About you
You will be someone who is passionate about supporting young adults with disabilities, committed to care excellence, and confident in leading and developing others.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant experience in care, education, or supported living settings.
- Experience supporting young adults with disabilities or complex needs.
- Experience supervising staff or leading small teams.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and person-centred practice.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Qualifications
- Level 3 Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards).
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Level 4/5 in Health & Social Care or Leadership & Management or Health & Social Care.
- Driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles.
A supportive and creative working environment. Opportunities for training, development and further qualifications. The chance to make a meaningful difference every day. Work within a values-led organisation committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK. The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer. We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.
As a Disability Confident Employer:
- Challenging attitudes towards disability
- Increasing understanding of disability
- Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
- Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration
Deputy Head of Care employer: Orpheus
The Orpheus Centre is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to empowering young adults through the arts. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support. Located in a creative environment, the Centre values equality, diversity, and inclusion, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in their careers while contributing to a noble cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Deputy Head of Care role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching The Orpheus Centre thoroughly. Understand their values and how they empower young adults through the arts. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led teams or improved care standards. Being able to share these experiences confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a values-led organisation like The Orpheus Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young adults with disabilities shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at The Orpheus Centre, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivation!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in care or supported living settings. We’re looking for someone who understands safeguarding and person-centred practice, so be specific about how your background fits the bill.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us see your communication skills in action, which are super important for this role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orpheus
✨Know the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand The Orpheus Centre's values. They’re all about empowerment, creativity, and inclusivity. Make sure you can share examples from your experience that align with these values, showing how you embody them in your work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head of Care, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide specific examples of how you've motivated and supported staff in the past. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed a team or handled challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Safeguarding
Safeguarding is crucial in this role. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these in previous positions. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance and maintained a safe environment for young adults.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the organisation’s future. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to person-centred care or how they support staff development.
