Assistant Director of CYP Services

The purpose of this role is to provide senior operational and strategic leadership for a portfolio of clinical and non-clinical services within Children and Young People Services in Leeds or Calderdale and the surrounding areas. The Assistant Director will take the lead on key thematic areas, such as Clinical, Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and Learning & Development (L&D), as agreed. Additionally, they will be a key member of Northpoint’s senior management team, contributing to the overall oversight and strategic direction of the organisation.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities:

Service Delivery – Ensure high-quality services aligned with client needs, contracts, and regulations. Manage service level changes, assess contract deliverability, and drive consistency through systems and processes. Oversee risk areas, including safeguarding, GDPR, and health and safety.

People – Foster a strong performance culture, supporting managers and overseeing clinical/non-clinical teams. Provide supervision, appraisals, and ensure effective clinical oversight.

Financial – Manage delegated budgets, monitor income/expenditure, and ensure financial sustainability.

Growth – Work with leadership to expand existing services, tender for new opportunities, and support effective operational implementation.

About us

Northpoint is an established regional provider of children, young people, and adult’s mental health services. Our vision is a world that supports good mental health for all. Our purpose is to deliver effective mental health support, and to improve the mental health system in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. Our values are to be professional, responsive, collaborative, and transparent.

Job responsibilities

Do you want to join us in transforming mental health services?

We have two unique opportunities for Assistant Director roles of our Children and Young People Services. One role will involve working across Calderdale, and the other will be working across Leeds and the surrounding areas. In these senior leadership positions, you will hold senior operational and strategic responsibility for a portfolio of clinical and non-clinical services. Join us on a permanent contract with a competitive salary and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people.

What you will be doing as our Assistant Director of Children and Young People Services

• Working as a member of our senior management team, helping to provide oversight and direction for the wider organisation
• Overseeing operational practices to ensure the highest quality services are delivered, in line with client need, contract requirements, clinical governance and regulatory frameworks
• Leading on thematic areas of responsibility as agreed, for example, clinical, safeguarding, EDI, and learning and development within our children and young people services

What are we looking for in our ideal Assistant Director of Children & Young People Services

• Management experience at a senior level in a similar role
• Ability to work with complex issues in a fast-changing landscape and manage a demanding workload
• Ability to motivate and inspire staff to achieve the highest standards of practice and performance
• A sound understanding of the principles of clinical governance, including risk management
• A sound understanding of mental health and emotional wellbeing problems which can affect children, young people and their families

If you have the skills, knowledge and experience we are looking for, and are passionate about making a difference, please click ‘Apply’ to be considered for our Assistant Director for Children and Young People Services. We would love to hear from you!

We aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working/job share opportunities for both full and part-time staff.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.

Person Specification

Training, Experience and Qualification

• A relevant professional qualification OR a relevant therapeutic qualification.
• A relevant professional qualification would include nursing, occupational therapy, social work, or a similar allied health profession.
• A relevant therapy qualification would include a diploma from a BACP accredited training (or equivalent) or a relevant HCPC registered title i.e. art therapist, arts psychotherapist, drama therapist, counselling psychologist, clinical psychologist.
• Minimum three years of management experience at a senior level in a similar role.
• Ability to work with complex issues in a fast-changing landscape and manage a demanding workload.
• Ability to motivate and inspire staff to achieve the highest standards of practice and performance.
• Accreditation with a professional body (e.g. BACP accredited).
• Experience of working at a senior operations level in a mental health or third sector organisation.
• A sound understanding of the principles of clinical governance, including risk management.
• A sound understanding of mental health and emotional wellbeing problems which can affect children, young people and their families.
• A sound knowledge of child protection and safeguarding principles and practices.
• A sound knowledge of budgetary management and control.
• Knowledge of the local area and services including CAMHS, children and family services, and other relevant agencies.

Skills and Competencies

• Able to build and maintain relationships with others both internal and external to the organisation whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Able to manage a demanding workload and balance numerous demands both effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with partner agencies and wider stakeholders.
• Proven track record in developing and managing high performing teams.

Qualities and Values

• Commitment to the principles of inclusivity, equality, equity and diversity.
• Demonstrates values consistent with those of Northpoint.
• Effective communicator, both oral and written, who is able to adapt their style to the audience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.