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- Tasks: Lead and manage children's residential services, ensuring high-quality care and compliance.
- Company: Join a dedicated organisation focused on improving children's lives in South East London and Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £75-95K plus bonuses, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of children's services and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must have a Social Worker Degree, leadership experience, and knowledge of Ofsted requirements.
- Other info: Position requires an Enhanced DBS disclosure; no sponsorship available at this time.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit a Head of Operations for a Children Services organisation operating in South East London and Essex.
The Head of Operations will have overall management and responsibility for the organisation's residential children’s homes, supported accommodation and residential family assessment centres. The role demands strong leadership and operational expertise to ensure high-quality services and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The Head of Operations will be instrumental to the Leadership Team and will play a key lead role in the strategic expansion of the organisation within the next five to ten years.
The Head of Operations will ensure the highest possible standards of care, quality, compliance and professionalism are embedded throughout the operation. They will be able to handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously. They must be collaborative, with the ability to build strong and sustainable relationships at all levels of the organisation.
The successful candidate will report to the Board of Directors and must be comfortable in the role of the company figurehead and leader, promoting aspirations, goals and achievements to all employees and key stakeholders.
- A sound working knowledge of the statutory requirements associated with the residential care of young people. This will include Children’s Homes Regulations, Residential Family Centres, Health and Safety legislation etc.
- Social Worker Degree/Equivalent. The role holder must have completed the full registration process and declared fit by Ofsted for each assignment to our services.
- Proven people management skills within a residential setting, including motivating, directing and delegating.
- Proven organisational and financial management skills.
- Significant experience within leadership role in a multi-site organisation.
- A strong background of successful residential children’s home management is essential, preferably with knowledge of Ofsted requirements.
- Achieved Good or Outstanding judgements in previous settings under their leadership.
The position is subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure.
Refresh Recruitment does not presently hold a Sponsorship License and while this status is reviewed regularly there is no present proposal to apply for such a License.
Location: South East London
Salary: £75-95K + Bonus DOE
Our aim is to contact all successful applications within 5 days of receiving your application. Should you not have heard within 5 days, please feel free to contact us to confirm that your application has been received.
Head of Operations Children Services employer: REFRESH RECRUITMENT LIMITED
Contact Detail:
REFRESH RECRUITMENT LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations Children Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific statutory requirements related to children's services, especially the Children's Homes Regulations and Ofsted standards. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality care.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the children's services sector, particularly those who have experience in leadership roles. Engaging with these individuals can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous achievements in managing residential settings, especially any instances where you achieved 'Good' or 'Outstanding' ratings from Ofsted. Highlighting these successes will showcase your capability and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership style and how you motivate teams during the interview process. Be ready to share examples of how you've built strong relationships within multi-site organisations, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations Children Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Operations position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities, required qualifications, and the skills needed to excel in this role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in residential children's services, leadership roles, and compliance with statutory requirements. Use specific examples that demonstrate your achievements in similar positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for children's services and your leadership capabilities. Address how your background aligns with the organisation's goals and how you can contribute to their strategic expansion.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your Social Worker Degree or equivalent qualifications, along with any relevant certifications. Mention your familiarity with Ofsted requirements and any previous successes in achieving Good or Outstanding judgements.
How to prepare for a job interview at REFRESH RECRUITMENT LIMITED
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, showcasing your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led teams, managed conflicts, or implemented strategic changes. This will help illustrate your capability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Know the Regulations Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the statutory requirements related to children's services, including the Children’s Homes Regulations and Ofsted standards. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to compliance.
✨Highlight Your Financial Acumen
Since the role involves organisational and financial management, be ready to discuss your experience in budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning. Providing specific examples of how you've improved financial performance in previous roles can set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Approach
The ability to build strong relationships is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in the past, whether they are team members, external partners, or regulatory bodies. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and teamwork.
