Main Purpose of the Job:

As a key member of the Senior Care and Support Management Team, the Head of Service will lead the planning and delivery of innovative, high-quality services that meet commissioners’ requirements and appeal to the people we support. The role includes responsibility for operational delivery, financial performance, and compliance with internal and external quality standards.

The Head of Service will also deputise for the Director of Care and Support when required, while working collaboratively to support organisational growth and change.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead organisational projects and implement new systems to support the delivery of business objectives.
Develop and manage services ensuring they meet our internal high standards, CQC and contractual requirements, taking corrective actions to address quality issues where required.
Contribute to the growth and development of the Care & Support department, achieving and exceeding organisational targets.
Report on performance and improvement actions at internal meetings and the Outward Board as required
To represent Care and Support at Health and safety committee quarterly and attend other board meetings and committees as required

Service Management

Ensure operational delivery meets high quality standards, managing reconfigurations, establishing new services, and supporting the withdrawal of unviable services.
Oversee budgets for all services, providing advice and support to Area Managers to ensure sound financial management.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices, regulations, and public policy frameworks, sharing insights with the management team.
Promote a strengths-based approach in services that recognises and values the talents, ideas and abilities of the people supported.
Ensure people we support are always treated with respect and courtesy and are involved in developing the services they receive

Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners and other stakeholders, resolving issues and delivering creative solutions to challenges.
Represent Outward as a CQC Registered Manager or Nominated Individual when required.

People Management

Provide effective and motivational line management to Area Managers and other senior staff.
Collaborate with HR to ensure high performance, retention, and recruitment of quality staff.
Act as Chair for disciplinary, capability, grievance, and complaint appeal cases as required.

Quality and Compliance

Monitor and address quality and performance issues, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
Carry out senior manager audits as spot checks as required
Write and update departmental policies as needed to reflect current standards and practices.
Participate in the senior on-call service to ensure management cover during evenings and weekends.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

Strong understanding of the Care & Support sector, supported by professional qualifications or equivalent experience (E).
Post-graduate degree or diploma in a related field, such as Social Care, Leadership, or Healthcare Management. (D)
Registration with a professional body in a relevant discipline (e.g., social work, healthcare) (D)

Experience:

Demonstrable experience managing high-quality services for vulnerable people (E).
Proven ability to lead successful change management programmes in a care environment (E).
Extensive experience managing budgets and financial performance (E).
Track record of engaging and working collaboratively with external stakeholders, including commissioners and regulators (E).
Experience in co-production, involving people supported and their families in designing and delivering services (D).
Ability to develop and execute strategies to address gaps in service provision (D)
Knowledge and experience in delivering environmental sustainability (D)

Skills and Knowledge:

Strong knowledge of care regulations, funding mechanisms, and legal frameworks (E).
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including report writing (E).
IT literate, with proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications (E).
Ability to monitor and improve quality and performance across services (E).
Knowledge of trends and innovations in the care sector, including digital transformation initiatives (D)
A sharp commercial focus with the ability to balance financial sustainability and quality care (D)
Enthusiastic about assistive technology and driven to implement relevant aids and platforms (D)
Passionate about personalised home environments, functional spaces and high standards of accommodation for the people we support (D)
Knowledge and understanding of positive behaviour support (E)

Personal Attributes:

Strategic thinker with the ability to respond effectively to risks and challenges (E).
Proactive and collaborative approach, with strong problem-solving skills (E).
Commitment to Outward’s values of engaging, enabling, and empowering people (E).

Other Requirements:

Willingness to work out of hours, including evenings and weekends (E).
Ability to travel across multiple sites within a broad geographical area (E).

Environment:

Hybrid working (office, services, and home).
Limited out-of-hours and weekend work as required.

Scope:

Regular collaboration with external professionals and internal teams.
Frequent communication with commissioners, staff, and stakeholders.

Disability Confident

As an employer, who aspire to become Disability Confident Committed, we aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. Please indicate clearly at the beginning of your supporting statement if you have a disability (as defined by the Equality Act 2010), and you wish to be considered for an Offer Of an Interview (OOI) Please note that the OOI is available to disabled candidates only. Regrettably, any false declaration of disability in order to secure an interview will impact on your overall application

Outward Housing jobs

Head of Service- Care & Support