Depute Operations Manager

Spark of Genius is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Depute Operations Manager to join our senior management team. The successful candidate will work closely with Residential Managers across our organisation, providing leadership and support to ensure the delivery of exceptional residential care services for children and young people with Social Emotional and Behavioural Needs (SEBN). The role requires maintaining high standards of care in alignment with the social care common framework: children's homes, in line with regulation requirements from Ofsted. This is a supernumerary position designed to bolster our management capabilities and drive the continuous improvement of our services. The successful candidate will play a crucial role as part of our joint venture with Stockton Borough Council fostering professional relationships and opportunity for growth and expansion to our current provision.

The post-holder will also be required to be the named Responsible Individual for the North East houses.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

- Collaborate with residential managers to ensure that all care homes consistently meet or exceed 'Good' gradings standard set by the Ofsted.
- Regularly review and update care practices to maintain Good or Outstanding in line with the quality standards and the SCCIF inspection framework set by Ofsted.
- Ensure all services adhere to professional values, promoting a culture of professionalism, respect, and high ethical standards.
- Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and implement effective action plans.

Operational Leadership:

- To be the interface of continuing to strengthen our established relationship with Joint venture colleagues. To link directly with the joint venture and promote further growth in the provision of residential care identified and required.

- Provide leadership and guidance to residential care home managers, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Oversee the implementation of care plans and interventions tailored to the unique needs of children and young people with SEBN.
- Ensure that the operational practices across all homes are aligned with the strategic aims and objectives of Spark of Genius.
- Support the development and training of staff to maintain a high standard of care delivery.

Financial Management/ Occupancy:

- Overarching responsibility for ensuring adherence to budgetary targets for service's occupancy requirements. Ensuring that placements are appropriately matched and vacancies are swiftly accommodated.

- Assist in the preparation and management of annual budgets for residential care services, ensuring financial viability and cost-effectiveness.
- Monitor financial performance against budgetary targets and implement strategies to address any variances.
- Promote efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality care standards.
- Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.

Strategic Development:

- Contribute to the strategic development plan for Spark of Genius, specifically in relation to SEBN provisions.
- Work with the Senior Operations Manager to set and achieve strategic targets for the organisation.
- Lead projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and scope of residential care services in conjunction with our Joint Venture partners.
- Foster partnerships with external stakeholders and agencies to support the strategic goals of Spark of Genius.

Risk Management:

- Develop and implement risk management strategies to safeguard the well-being of children, staff, and the organisation.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and best practices.
- Address and resolve any operational issues or incidents in a timely and effective manner.
- Be confident and competent in supporting robust safeguarding procedures in line with policy and reporting. Have a sound working knowledge in relation to statutory guidance of working together to safeguard Child

Salary: £58,000 plus car allowance (£4800 annually) including achievable £7,500