Assistant Head of Home

About the role

This is a pivotal management role supporting the Head of Home across one of Buckinghamshire Council's children's residential homes, with positions available in Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Leighton Buzzard, or various locations across the county. As Assistant Head of Home, you will help ensure the continuation and development of good practice in line with Buckinghamshire Council's policies and its commitment to equality and positive outcomes for all children and young people.

Working 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 2015, and Ofsted requirements.

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

Key responsibilities include:

• Sharing responsibility for the care and welfare of children and young people using the service
• Managing, developing, and appraising a team of residential workers
• Ensuring high-quality reports are produced and attending care planning meetings, reviews, case conferences, and court as necessary
• Participating in childcare and shift-leading duties

Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis and interviews are held weekly on a Thursday. Buckinghamshire Council reserves the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received, so early submission is strongly advised. For an informal conversation about the role, contact Laura Armstrong at laura.armstrong@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.

About You

Buckinghamshire Council is looking for a candidate who is qualified and experienced, with a genuine commitment to equality and positive outcomes for all children and young people. An approachable demeanour and a can-do attitude are equally important alongside formal skills and experience.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold relevant qualifications and experience in children's residential care (the job summary should be referred to for specific qualification requirements)
• Demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities in all aspects of their practice
• Have the ability to lead, manage, and develop a team of residential workers
• Be able to produce high-quality reports and represent the home at care planning meetings, reviews, and court proceedings
• Reflect Buckinghamshire Council's organisational values: Proud and Ambitious, Collaborative, and Trustworthy
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle, as travel across the county is required

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to equality, fairness, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. The council is a Disability Confident employer and believes its workforce should reflect the diverse communities it serves.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare all unspent convictions and conditional cautions, and all spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023). An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list is required. Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk.

Buckinghamshire Council's Offer to You

You will be joining a supportive, nurturing, and inclusive team whose purpose is to support, guide, and achieve good outcomes for children and their families. The council actively encourages a good work-life balance and offers flexible and agile working arrangements.

Benefits include:

• Auto-enrolment onto a generous pension scheme
• Discounts at cafés, restaurants, and shops
• Discounted gym memberships and travel discounts with Arriva
• Opportunity to gain Costco membership
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders, and mindfulness workshops
• Ongoing support and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career
• And more, including staff networks, an Employee Representative Group, and opportunities to take part in fundraising and social events