- Suffolk County Council – Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Community based
- £46,670 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as our Residential Deputy Service Manager, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.
This role is a unique chance for someone driven and committed to ensuring that the looked-after children of Suffolk receive a high-quality service. Your commitment will support these children in navigating early life experiences and current challenges, providing them with the necessary services and education to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Your role and responsibilities
This is an integral role in the development and enhancement of Suffolk County Council’s Children’s Homes and Associated Services.
You will:
- support the Service Manager in leading the Children’s Accommodation and Support Service for the County
- deputise in the Service Managers absence – providing continuity of leadership to a motivated and committed team
- contribute to the development and implementation of the County’s policies and strategies of the Corporate Parenting service
- ensure delivery of the service is driven by national, organisational and departmental strategy, in partnership with other agencies, in order to provide the best outcomes to the children in our care
- effectively manage the resources, including staff, involved in the development of strategies and delivery of services to users, ensuring efficient and effective deployment to agreed performance targets
- support the Service Manager in providing visible and inspirational leadership to radically reshape delivery of services as we expand the in-house residential offer
- support the current development of vision, strategy and priorities for Children’s Accommodation and Support Service
- contribution to the development and Implementation of services that minimise Children In Care, reduce agency placements and provide alternative strategies
- contribute to the delivery of CYP budget strategies.
You will need
The successful candidate will hold a suitable professional qualification at post graduate level or equivalent experience at seasoned professional level in a relevant area of work.
Specifically:
- Relevant professional qualification in a Children and Young People’s profession e.g. Social work, Residential care, Youth work, Health, Connexions, Teaching, Early Years or equivalent
- Extensive knowledge and practical use of Children Act 1989, and Children Act 2004, Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and related regulations and guidance
- Extensive Management experience within a children’s home.
You will be:
- Passionate about making a positive difference for the children of Suffolk.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and wants to develop personally and professionally.
- Be committed to working as part of a team and supporting colleagues and teams to be the best that they can for the children we care for.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
Our absolute aim is that every child that comes into our care will have a positive experience of being ‘cared for’. They will have a sense of belonging, feel loved and cared for, and feel happy to be in a place they can call their home. When our children leave us, they have grown as individuals, achieved socially, emotionally and educationally and have the skills they need to move on successfully. Our teams are committed to this statement and purpose. This is an exciting opportunity to drive this and support the homes to be what they need to be for the children we care for.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report
For more information
Please contact Wayne Jordan for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07981 828133 or emailing wayne.jordan@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.
- You should use the Supporting Statement template.
- Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Closing date: 1 1.30pm, 30 March 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .