The Head of Supported Housing – Somerset is a critical role which will provide leadership of our supported accommodation service in Somerset called Thrive 16+.
Hours 37.5 per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required and will be compensatedthrough time off in lieu.
Thrive 16+ exists to transform the lives of young people who are leaving care or experiencing homelessness. Through safe accommodation, trauma-informed support, and aspirational pathways into independence, the service enables young people to build confidence, develop life skills and pursue their ambitions. This service is for young people aged between 16 and 25 and is delivered across Glastonbury, Street, Frome, and Yeovil.
You will lead a workforce of around 40 colleagues, cultivating a culture that reflects YMCA Brunel Group’s values:
* We are Kind – creating a safe, compassionate environment where young people feel valued and supported
* We are Curious – continually learning, improving, and seeking better ways to support young people
* We are Genuine – building authentic relationships with young people, colleagues, and partners
* We are Wave-makers – innovating and advocating for positive change in the lives of young people
* We areCustodians – responsibly stewarding the homes, resources and trust placed in us
Our service is registered with Ofsted for supporting young people aged 16–17. The post holder will therefore act as the Ofsted Registered Manager, holding legal accountability for the safety and quality of the service and acting as the Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead.
With potentially seven years remaining on the current contract, this role offers a significant opportunity to shape the next evolution of the service, ensuring young people not only achieve independence but exceed their aspirations.
Responsibilities
Strategic & Service Leadership
* Provide strategic leadership for the Thrive 16+ service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality supported accommodation that achieves strong outcomes for young people.
Regulatory compliance & safeguarding
* Ensure the service operates to the highest safeguarding and regulatory standards.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
* Act as the senior representative for the service with commissioners, partners and external stakeholders.
Financial stewardship & asset management
* Ensure the service operates in a financially sustainable and responsible way.
People leadership & culture
* Provide inspiring and values-led leadership to a workforce of approximately 40 colleagues.
* Through this leadership you will cultivate a culture that is kind, curious and genuine, enabling teams to do their best work for young people.
Risk, health & safety and complaints
* Ensure effective governance, risk management and accountability across the service.
* A proven track record of leadership within an Ofsted or CQC regulated environment, with the demonstrable ability to hold Ofsted Registered Manager status.
* Extensive experience leading, motivating, and developing large teams (20+ people) across multi sites, with evidence of building a high-performance, safe and values-driven culture.
* A minimum of two years’ experience in a senior management role within housing, social care services or support services for vulnerable people
* Experience acting as a Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead or equivalent, with a deep understanding of managing complex high-risk cases and the statutory reporting requirements
* Significant experience in delivering and developing services for vulnerable people, and embedding a trauma-informed environment
* Proven experience in managing significant departmental budgets, including maximising income and achieving high-performance targets within large commissioned contracts.
* The ability to act as a ‘figurehead’ for the service, working with external stakeholders and driving continuous improvement by ensuring young people’s voices shape our service
* Must hold a full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for regular travel across the Somerset area
* Holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, or a willingness to undertake this course. The successful applicant will be enrolled onto a level 7 leadership and management course with the costs covered by the YMCA.
* Knowledge of the Social Housing Regulator’s standards
* An understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the charity sector.
This role operates across multiple locations inStreet, Frome, Glastonbury and Yeovil, with occasional travel toBath. Avalid driving licence, access to a vehicle and business insuranceare required.
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