Assistant Team Manager - Bridges

About the role

We have an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Team Manager to join our Bridges team, a short breaks residential home for children with disabilities. You will support the Homes Manager in the effective management of the home, promoting and delivering a professional, child-centred service in accordance with relevant regulations, legislation, and guidance.

You'll work within the Children with Disabilities service, contributing to building a culture of excellence in care while championing equity, inclusion, and the development of independence skills for children and young people throughout all aspects of the home's management. This role requires expertise in residential childcare leadership, including the supervision, development, and deployment of staff teams. You'll raise awareness of safeguarding priorities, engage with diverse families and multi-agency partners, and build strong working relationships with health services, education providers, voluntary and community organisations, and other children's services across Wokingham.

You'll develop a strategic approach to service delivery, assist in the management of the home's budget and resources, and ensure all operations meet compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations (2015) England and Quality Standards. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic, collaborative professional with experience in residential childcare environments, team leadership, and multi-agency working.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Registered Manager in the effective running of the home
• Ensuring high quality, child-centred care that meets regulatory standards
• Leading, supervising and developing a skilled residential care team
• Promoting safeguarding and taking immediate action to protect children from harm and abuse
• Building strong relationships with families, professionals and partner agencies
• Supporting the implementation of therapeutic practices in the home
• Ensuring safe, well-maintained environments and high standards of health and safety in the home

To apply, please complete an online application form via the link provided. For an informal discussion about the role, contact Michelle Humphries, Registered Children's Home Manager, via Michelle.Humphries@wokingham.gov.uk.

About You

This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic, collaborative professional with experience in residential childcare environments to join our team. You will bring leadership experience and a strong understanding of working with children with disabilities and their families.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (England) or equivalent qualification
• Have extensive leadership or management experience in a children's residential setting
• Demonstrate strong understanding of robust safeguarding and Child Protection practices
• Show comprehensive knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015
• Demonstrate the ability to lead, supervise and develop staff effectively
• Have experience working effectively with children with disabilities and their families

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer. All successful candidates will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. You will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK.

Wokingham Borough Offer to You

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London, comprising a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• GP Helpline available 7 days a week
• Employee Assistance Programme including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
• Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
• Free Onsite Gym located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
• Local & Lifestyle Discounts for shopping, entertainment, dining out
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Employee Networks
• And more!