Job Title

Deputy Manager - Care Leaver Service

Reporting To

Registered Manager

Location

3 days on site & 2 days working from home

Salary

£40,000 - £43,000k per annum

Job Purpose

The Project Manager will lead the successful delivery, development, and performance of services supporting young people aged 16-25 transitioning from care to independent adulthood. The role is responsible for overseeing operational delivery, stakeholder engagement, safeguarding compliance, project outcomes, and service improvement initiatives that promote positive outcomes for care-experienced young people.

The Project Manager will ensure services are delivered in line with Ofsted standards, local authority requirements, safeguarding legislation, and organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Service Management

• Lead the day-to-day management of the Care Leaver Project.
• Ensure contractual obligations and service KPIs are achieved.
• Develop and implement project plans, operational procedures, and service improvement initiatives.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, and performance outcomes.
• Produce regular reports for senior management, commissioners, and stakeholders.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Manage, supervise, and support Team Leaders, Support Workers, and associated staff.
• Conduct regular supervisions, appraisals, and performance reviews.
• Coordinate workforce planning, rota management, recruitment, and staff development.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed working culture.

Partnership & Stakeholder Management

• Develop effective working relationships with Local Authorities, Personal Advisers, Social Workers, Housing Providers, Education Providers, and external agencies.
• Represent the organisation at multi-agency meetings and strategic forums.
• Ensure effective communication with commissioners and referrers.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Act as a safeguarding lead within the project.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are appropriately managed and reported.
• Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, including:
• Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000
• Children and Social Work Act 2017
• Care Leaver Local Offer requirements
• GDPR and Data Protection regulations
• Maintain accurate records, audits, and quality assurance processes.

Financial Management

• Monitor project budgets and expenditure.
• Ensure effective resource allocation and value for money.
• Support invoice approvals and financial reporting requirements.

Quality Assurance & Performance

• Monitor outcomes and quality standards.
• Analyse service data and identify trends for continuous improvement.
• Lead internal audits and support external inspections.
• Ensure service users receive person-centred and outcome-focused support.

Young Person Outcomes

The Project Manager will ensure the service supports young people to:

• Sustain safe and stable accommodation.
• Access education, employment, and training opportunities.
• Develop independent living skills.
• Improve emotional health and wellbeing.
• Build positive support networks.
• Reduce risk-taking behaviour and homelessness.
• Successfully transition into adulthood.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management, Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Social Work, or equivalent.
• Safeguarding qualification or willingness to undertake training.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a manager or team leader within services for vulnerable young people.
• Experience working with care-experienced young people or leaving care services.
• Experience managing teams and delivering contractual services.
• Experience working with Local Authorities and multi-agency professionals.
• Proven experience managing budgets and performance targets.

Knowledge

• Understanding of care leaver legislation and statutory guidance.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice.
• Knowledge of housing, homelessness, and supported accommodation services.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Occupancy and referral targets achieved.
• Positive move-on outcomes for young people.
• Education, Employment and Training (EET) progression rates.
• Safeguarding compliance and audit results.
• Staff retention and engagement levels.
• Commissioner satisfaction.
• Service quality and inspection outcomes.