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 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Orpheus Centre is a vibrant, creative organisation dedicated to empowering young adults through the arts. We are joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient and determined — and we’re looking for someone who shares our values. 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 is a key leadership position, 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, we are:
- 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 in Godstone employer: The Orpheus Centre
Contact Detail:
The Orpheus Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Care in Godstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like 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 The Orpheus Centre and its values. Understand their approach to person-centred care and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion shine through when you talk about supporting young adults with disabilities!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experience and skills. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your leadership style and commitment to care excellence during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Care in Godstone
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 share your experiences and motivations that drive you in this field.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your significant experience in care or supported living settings. We’re looking for someone who can lead and motivate a team, so include examples of your leadership skills and any relevant qualifications you have.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the Deputy Head of Care role by addressing the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
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 details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Orpheus Centre
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research The Orpheus Centre. Understand their mission, values, and the specific needs of the young adults they support. This will not only help you align your answers with their ethos but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head of Care, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully motivated and supervised staff. Highlight your approach to person-centred practice and how you've ensured compliance with safeguarding measures.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle serious incidents. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or manage crises, and be ready to discuss how you approached these situations while maintaining dignity and independence for those in your care.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The Orpheus Centre values continuous improvement in care services. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to quality assurance processes in previous roles. Share any initiatives you've led or been part of that improved care standards or student support.