Assistant Head of Home

We are looking for a candidate who is not only qualified and experienced but also passionate about commitment to equality and positive outcomes for all children and young people.

As a key member of the Care Services Management Team, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Service and other Team Managers to deliver high-quality services that comply with legal and regulatory requirements, exceeding National Minimum Standards. You will lead and manage a dedicated team, ensuring residential care aligns with the home’s Statement of Purpose, Children's Homes Regulations, Ofsted requirements, and our commitment to equality and positive outcomes for all children and young people.

If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply and join us.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

About the role

As the Assistant Head of Home, this role is pivotal in supporting the Head of Home and ensuring the continuation and development of good practice in line with the policies and guidelines of Buckinghamshire County Council and our commitment to equality and positive outcomes for all children and young people. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Share responsibility for the care and welfare of children and young people using our services.
• Manage, develop, and appraise a team of residential workers.
• Ensure high-quality reports and attend care planning meetings, reviews, case conferences, and court as necessary.
• Participate in child-care and shift-leading duties.

About you

We are looking for candidates who are not only qualified and experienced but also passionate about commitment to equality and positive outcomes for all children and young people. Having commitment to equal opportunities is essential along with an approachable demeanour with a can do attitude.

This role requires the ability to travel across the county and work unsocial hours as necessary. Access to/use of a vehicle is essential.

Other information

For more information or for an informal discussion please contact Laura Armstrong- laura.armstrong@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or Sandra Carnall - sandra.carnall@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Interviews will be held week commencing 9th September 2024

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and convictions cautions
• All adult cautions and spent convictions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• A fair and inclusive culture
• The chance to really make a difference to those around you
• Health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• A unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• Ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• Opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

About the Service Area

Buckinghamshire is a successful, growing place with fantastic natural assets, a highly productive economy and many resourceful and thriving communities. However, we are far from complacent and our new and ambitious unitary authority is well placed to tackle the challenges associated with growth, an aging population, climate change and inequalities in both opportunities and outcomes – particularly for our children and young people.

Children’s Services is on an improvement journey and as our very recent Ofsted report shows, we have continued to improve despite the pressures of the pandemic and have built solid foundations for future success. Relationships with partners are strong and our collective response to the pandemic has strengthened and deepened our work together.

No matter what role you take on in our Children’s services, you will be part of a team who is dedicated to supporting children and their families to achieve their full potential.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme.