Head of Residential Services
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
Location: Berkshire and Hampshire (Bracknell, Reading & Farnborough)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
SWAAY is looking for an experienced and committed Head of Residential Services to oversee our 6 Ofsted rated 'Good' and 'Outstanding' children's homes!
For over 30 years, SWAAY have been committed to providing specialised, high-quality residential care, education and therapy for young males aged 11-18 with developmental trauma who have displayed sexually harmful behaviour. We work to reduce the risk our young people pose and help them to manage their physical and behavioural difficulties, so they can leave their past traumas behind, build healthy relationships and lead responsible and rewarding adult lives.
As Head of Residential Services at Swaay, you will be responsible for overseeing the development and provision of our residential service; this includes managing a team of Registered Home Managers and developing policies, plans and strategies, in line with the Children's Homes Regulations including the quality standards and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
You will represent the organisation at a senior level, working collaboratively with the Head Teacher and Head of Therapy to continue to provide a holistic service for our young people, promoting the ethos of openness and equal communication.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring the delivery of high quality care, principles of the organisation and regulatory requirements
- Conducting performance appraisals, probationary reviews and supervisions with the Home Managers
- Providing support and guidance to the Home Managers with all Ofsted related matters, including inspections and notifications
- To remain fully informed of all current and new legislation/regulations ensuring this is communicated within the residential service
- Leading and promoting a robust safeguarding culture across the organisation, including advising and directing appropriate actions are taken in conjunction with the Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Being actively involved in the referrals process for the young people at SWAAY
- Having oversight of training and development within the residential service, providing training where appropriate
The ideal candidate will have:
- Level 5 Leadership & Management in Residential Care and recognised childcare qualification (e.g. Level 3/4 Diploma in Residential Care/CYP, Social Work Degree)
- Previous experience in a managerial role within a children's residential setting
- Strong knowledge of the Children's Home Regulations (2015) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
- Proven record of delivering high quality care and management
- High level problem solving and decision making skills
- Knowledge and experience of trauma-informed care and therapeutic models
- Commitment to promoting equality and inclusive environments
If this sounds like you, then we want to hear from you!
What do we offer?
- Strong guidance and support from our Directors as well as back office support from Recruitment, HR, Training, Finance and Maintenance
- Access to ongoing training opportunities
- Blue Light Discount providing offers with retail, hospitality and more
- 24/7 Confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Regular supervisions
- Length of Service Bonus
- Pension Contributions
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Annual Leave
- Death in Service Programme
- Enhanced DBS Cost Coverage
- £750 Employee Referral Bonus
SWAAY is committed to safeguarding children. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references.
Our success is built on those who work with us! SWAAY is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce, celebrating each individual's uniqueness.
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