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- Tasks: Lead and manage services for autistic adults across North England, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join the National Autistic Society, dedicated to transforming lives and supporting autistic individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and discounts at major retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in management and a passion for supporting autistic individuals is essential.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel; applications from those with autism are especially encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Who we are: The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, challenge perceptions and build a society that works for autistic people. We support people to understand their diagnosis and how this may impact on their life and the lives of those around them. Our residential services provide accommodation and support for autistic adults 52 weeks a year, 24 hours a day in urban and rural settings. We also provide supported living services for autistic adults who need extra help to live in their own homes or within our accommodation, whether as tenants or owner occupiers, living alone, or with others.
Who we are looking for: We are seeking to appoint an experienced manager to the role of Head of Services. This is an exciting career development opportunity. The Head of Adult Services - North England is a key senior leader within the Adult Services Directorate, holding full strategic and operational accountability through service managers for services across the North of England. This role supports autistic people and people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives in line with our charity's mission and values. The postholder will operate with a high degree of autonomy, confidently managing risk, driving change, and ensuring excellence in service delivery. As a visible and values-led leader, you will lead local implementation of national strategy, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of dignity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. You'll be expected to hit the ground running, escalate appropriately, and take a hands-on approach where needed-bringing integrity, courage, and commitment to the people we support.
And involves:
- Strategic Leadership and Service Planning
- Operational Service Management
- Risk and Escalation Leadership
- Quality Assurance, Governance, and Regulation
- Financial and Resource Management
- Workforce Leadership and Culture
- Person-Centred and Inclusive Practice
- Partnership and External Engagement
This is a Full Time/Permanent Position, working 35 Hours Per Week. The Salary for this role is from £65,000 - £70,000 per annum dependent on experience.
What we can offer you:
- Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
- 25 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell annual leave every year
- Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism
- Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more!
- Healthcare Cash Plan (for permanent staff members)
- Life Assurance at 2 x base salary
- A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply)
- Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme
- Free access to the Headspace App - a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family members for free!
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Card
- Enhanced overtime. Additional payments for sleep-in and on call
- Join the Team Scheme - Refer a friend and receive £200
Where you will be working: You will be home based, but regional travel will be expected to the services within the area. Some national travel will be expected also on an adhoc basis.
About our application process: When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. To protect our autistic adults, all staff are required to have a criminal background check. Possession of an Enhanced Criminal Records Check either on the Update Service or conducted within the last 12 months would be preferable but not essential. Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism. The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Contact Detail:
VERCIDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Adult Services - North England By The National Autistic Society In Homebased With Regular Travel Within The Region Ref: 223658266
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Autistic Society's mission and values. Understanding their approach to supporting autistic individuals will help you align your leadership style with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of autism services. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to connect with others who share your passion, as personal recommendations can significantly boost your chances of landing the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic leadership and operational management during the interview. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed risk and driven change in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to person-centred and inclusive practice. Think of specific instances where you've implemented these principles in your work, as this will resonate well with the values of the National Autistic Society.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Adult Services - North England By The National Autistic Society In Homebased With Regular Travel Within The Region Ref: 223658266
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Adult Services position. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic leadership, operational management, and person-centred practice.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Craft a supporting statement that directly addresses the job description and person specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage risk, drive change, and ensure quality service delivery.
Showcase Your Values: Emphasise your alignment with the National Autistic Society's mission and values. Discuss how you have fostered a culture of dignity, inclusion, and continuous improvement in your previous roles.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professionally presented.
How to prepare for a job interview at VERCIDA
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the National Autistic Society's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goal of supporting autistic individuals and promoting inclusion.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Head of Adult Services, you'll need to showcase your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, driven change, and ensured quality service delivery in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to manage risk and handle operational challenges. Think of specific situations from your past where you had to make tough decisions or implement strategic changes.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The role requires fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've previously implemented feedback mechanisms or quality assurance processes to enhance service delivery.
