Title: Head of Supported Housing – Somerset
Reports to: Director of Charity Operations
Direct reports: Senior Accommodation and Quality Assurance Manager
Salary: £53,611
Location: Somerset sites – Street, Frome, Wells, Glastonbury, Yeovil
Hours: 37.5 per week, occasional evening and weekend work compensated through time off in lieu
Contract: Permanent
Holidays: 6 weeks per year plus bank holidays
Pension: YMCA BG employer contribution 3% (5% employee, rising to 6% when employee contributes 9%)
Benefits: Reward Gateway, Cycle to Work scheme, 20% discount at our nurseries, 50% discount at H&W centre in Bath
Background
The Head of Supported Housing – Somerset will lead the Thrive 16+ supported accommodation service across Somerset, delivering housing and support to young people aged 16‑25 who are leaving care or experiencing homelessness.
Job Purpose
Provide strategic and operational leadership for Thrive 16+, delivering 95 units of supported accommodation, transforming the lives of young people through safe housing, trauma‑informed support, and pathways to independence.
Values
* Kind – creating a safe, compassionate environment where young people feel valued and supported
* Curious – continually learning, improving, and seeking better ways to support young people
* Genuine – building authentic relationships with young people, colleagues, and partners
* Wave‑makers – innovating and advocating for positive change in the lives of young people
* Custodians – responsibly stewarding the homes, resources and trust placed in us
Strategic & Service Leadership
* Set the strategic direction for the service in partnership with the Director of Operations.
* Ensure compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and statutory obligations.
* Lead a high‑performing service supporting 95 units of accommodation and measurable outcomes.
* Embed YMCA values, promote continuous improvement, and establish robust reporting & governance processes.
* Occasionally participate in the organisational duty manager rota.
Regulatory Compliance & Safeguarding
* Act as the Ofsted Registered Manager and Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead.
* Maintain compliance with Ofsted and Housing Regulator standards.
* Report Significant Events to Ofsted on time, lead responses, and conduct regular reviews.
* Ensure the service is inspection‑ready and implements improvements following inspection or audit feedback.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
* Represent Thrive 16+ with commissioners, partners and external stakeholders.
* Build strong relationships with Somerset Council, Children’s Services, and local partners.
* Provide high‑quality reports to trustees, statutory bodies, and strategic boards.
* Influence local policy, embed co‑production, and ensure young people’s voices shape service design.
Financial Stewardship & Asset Management
* Prepare and oversee the Thrive 16+ housing budget.
* Monitor financial performance, mitigate pressures, and maximise occupancy.
* Oversee rent collection, Housing Benefit claims and social care placements.
* Ensure all properties meet Decent Homes and HHSRS standards.
* Work with facilities team and landlords to maintain safe, high‑quality accommodation.
People Leadership & Culture
* Develop a management team through supervision, coaching and performance management.
* Create a supportive, empowered culture aligned with YMCA values.
* Embed trauma‑informed and psychologically informed approaches across the workforce.
* Collaborate with HR on recruitment, retention and workforce development strategies.
* Maintain safe staffing levels to ensure a 24/7, 365‑day service.
* Provide appropriate safeguarding, health, safety and complex‑needs training.
Risk, Health & Safety & Complaints
* Maintain robust health and safety systems across all accommodation and operational activities.
* Promote proactive risk awareness and accountability.
* Lead investigations of serious incidents or complex complaints.
* Ensure fair, transparent complaint management in line with policy.
Working Environment
The role operates across multiple sites – Street, Frome, Glastonbury, Yeovil – with occasional travel to Bath. A valid driving licence, access to a vehicle and business insurance are required.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
* Proven track record of leadership within an Ofsted or CQC regulated environment, with demonstrable Ofsted Registered Manager status.
* Extensive experience leading, motivating and developing large teams (20+ people) across multisites, building a high‑performance, safe, and values‑driven culture.
* Minimum two years’ senior management experience in housing, social care or support services for vulnerable people.
* Experience as a Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead or equivalent, with deep understanding of complex high‑risk case management and statutory reporting.
* Significant experience delivering and developing services for vulnerable people, embedding a trauma‑informed environment.
* Proven experience managing significant departmental budgets, maximising income and achieving high‑performance targets in large commissioned contracts.
* Ability to act as a figurehead for the service and drive continuous improvement driven by young people’s voices.
* Must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for regular travel across Somerset.
Person Specification – Desirable Criteria
* Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, or willingness to undertake the course.
* Knowledge of Social Housing Regulator standards.
* Understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the charity sector.
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