Deputy Manager

Working alongside the Registered Service Manager, you'll play a key role in creating opportunities, building aspiration and ensuring young people have the support, encouragement and belief they need to succeed. If you're passionate about young people, committed to quality and ready to lead with heart, ambition and purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

The transition to adulthood can be exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming. As Deputy Manager, you'll help ensure that every young person receives the right support, at the right time, from people who genuinely care. You'll help create an environment where young people feel safe, valued and listened to. Build confidence and independence as well as develop important life skills. You will support our young people to achieve their goals and ambitions, believing in themselves and their future.

Every decision you make, every member of staff you support and every improvement you drive will help shape brighter futures for young people across County Durham.

Working closely with the Registered Service Manager, you will:

• Help develop and shape an innovative new Supported Accommodation Service.
• Lead, motivate and inspire staff to deliver outstanding support to young people.
• Champion high-quality, child-centred practice.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Promote a culture of aspiration, achievement and positive outcomes.
• Drive excellent safeguarding and care planning practice.
• Prepare for and support Ofsted inspections.
• Use evidence, research and best practice to continually improve the service.
• Create a nurturing environment where young people feel respected, supported and empowered., Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to see the lasting impact your leadership has on young people as they develop confidence, independence and hope for the future.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Hybrid working does not apply to this role.

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

We're looking for leaders who believe that every young person deserves the best possible start in adulthood and who are prepared to go the extra mile to help make that happen. If you're ready for your next challenge and want to help build something truly special, we'd love to hear from you. We're looking for someone who can inspire others and bring out the very best in both young people and colleagues.

You'll be passionate about helping young people thrive and have the skills and experience to lead with confidence, compassion and professionalism.

You will have:

• Level 3 Diploma (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Willingness to work towards a Level 5 in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience working with children and young people in a relevant setting.
• Experience in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience of quality assurance, auditing and service improvement.
• Knowledge of Supported Accommodation legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience of Ofsted inspections and performance improvement.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• A strong understanding of evidence-based practice and research relating to children and young people.

Applicants must hold a current driving licence and…