CHILDREN’S SERVICES TEAM LEADER

Location: Hertfordshire Home/onsite (you will be expected to be in our services in the Hertfordshire area)
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Specific Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £29,484 per annum. Additional overtime is regularly available

ABOUT US:

LCS are a leading provider of semi-independent accommodation and support for young people leaving care. Our aim is to support young people towards living independently and to achieve their dreams and aspirations. We provide young people with high quality accommodation and support them to overcome hurdles, become independent and create a welcoming environment. We support young people aged 16 and over, a number of whom have complex needs including dealing with experiences of trauma and/or loss.

You will join our management team responsible for the day-to-day running of the service. The primary tasks will include supervising a team of support workers as well as undertake some direct support work yourself. You will be given excellent support and coaching from one our experienced Operations Managers, including regular supervision and formal training opportunities.

• You will hold Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma/Children and Young People’s Workforce/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent
• Have experience of working with young people affected by experiences of trauma and loss
• Have experience of working with challenging behaviour and or mental health issues
• Knowledge and experience in staff management
• Must be able to work well under pressure and to time limited deadlines
• Have good skills in building relationships and keeping young people at the centre of service thinking and planning
• Must have excellent leadership skills
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicl

Main responsibilities:

• To provide keywork to a number of young people, so that they achieve their aspirations and are supported to become independent
• To provide management including regular individual and group supervisions to the support work team
• To represent the service positively to a variety of young people, their families and partner agencies
• To contribute to our Out of Hours Duty Rota
• To ensure staffing rotas are prepared well in advance and to ensure cover in the event of staff absence/sickness
• To contribute to leading the team in delivering a safe and high quality service, including chairing regular team meetings and modelling a positive and child-centred culture
• To write, assess and review the quality of Initial Needs and Support Plans, Risk Assessments and Critical Incident Reports
• To deputise for the Operations Manager as required
• To communicate with young people and their parents/carers, to empower them to make informed decisions and to advocate on their behalf when appropriate
• To maintain contact with the young person’s parents/carers where appropriate and in consultation with the responsible local authority
• To maintain appropriate links with the community in which the young person is placed
• To support young people to access education, employment and volunteering opportunitie