Head of Service

Job Description

Job DetailsIf you really want to make your mark in a rapidly growing business that is committed to improving the lives of children and young people, we have the role for you!We’re looking for a Head of Service to join our team at Acorn Park School. Someone who can deliver a holistic and integrated approach to care, education and clinical services would be perfect for this role.About the SchoolAcorn Park is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Residential home. We help care for and support young people who have complex needs and specialise in the communication and learning challenges associated with Autism.The Site is situated within Norfolk’s picturesque and tranquil countryside, close to the town of Banham.The aim of the site is to provide enough support to unlock each child’s potential so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide the young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable and understanding.About the GroupWe are part of Acorn Care and Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.We provide Education and Care across a number of schools and residential homes nationally. Our specialist SEN provision, coupled with our expertise within residential care means we offer thousands of vulnerable children and young people across the UK a holistic, wraparound care, residential and education service, empowering them with everything they need to flourish. It is by no accident that 94% of our schools and homes are rated as Outstanding or Good.We welcome staff who share our commitment to help children experience better days and better lives. Through ongoing development and training, we ensure our staff are well prepared for their jobs and given every opportunity to extend their skills.About the RoleThe Head of Service will exercise strategic and operational leadership to ensure the full development of our vision for the Service. They will take full responsibility for the operational and financial performance of the Service with the support of the Board and key Senior Leaders.The successful candidate will utilise their personal expertise, experience and contacts to ensure development and implementation of the strategy. They will be a direct line manager for the Head of Education who looks after the 38 week provision. Additionally be a line manager for our Head of Care in the 52 week provision and ensure appropriate standards are maintained in relation to care, education and clinical programmes. This will be achieved by working collaboratively with Senior Professional colleagues to ensure services are structured, staffed, trained and operated to deliver high quality, individually tailored programmes to meet the needs of each young person.It is essential that we ensure that the Service operates in a commercial and cost-effective manner, meeting financial targets. The Head of Service will be responsible for operating to agreed budgets and contribute to keeping within these budgets as instructed.Who we are looking forWe are looking for someone who has had extensive and successful experience as a senior leader within a children or young person’s environment, whether that be education or residential. This must include experience within the specialist area of working with young people with Autistic Spectrum disorders and/or challenging behaviour. You should have a positive work ethic and be able to work effectively to produce an effective leadership team.You should have an extensive knowledge surrounding safeguarding of children and young people, as you will be ensuring that Senior Leaders are implementing safeguarding correctly. We want someone who places a focus on the positive outcomes of our children and adults and takes responsibility for helping improve the lives of our young people.Essential Criteria

Relevant experience in the specialist area of the service

Experience at a Senior Manager level in the specific service area i.e. Education or Residential

Managing budgets effectively and ensuring cost efficiency

Effective leadership skills

Good knowledge of Safeguarding procedures

Good knowledge of relevant Regulatory Body regulations

Driving licence

Why work for us

Social activities

"Your Wellbeing Matters"

Employee Rewards Hub

Pension

No two days are ever the same

Be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other

Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference

Continuous professional development and training for a clear career path

Applications are invited online though the Acorn Care and Education website .Acorn care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS. We expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment and strive to achieve the best outcome possible for everybody in our care. A full application form must be completed with all employment dates accurate and gaps in employment accounted forApply