Full job description Job Title
Deputy Manager - Care Leaver Service
Reporting To
Registered Manager
Location
3 days on site & 2 days working from home
Salary
£40,000 - £43,000k per annum
Job Purpose
The Project Manager will lead the successful delivery, development, and performance of services supporting young people aged 16-25 transitioning from care to independent adulthood. The role is responsible for overseeing operational delivery, stakeholder engagement, safeguarding compliance, project outcomes, and service improvement initiatives that promote positive outcomes for care-experienced young people.
The Project Manager will ensure services are delivered in line with Ofsted standards, local authority requirements, safeguarding legislation, and organisational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery & Service Management
*Lead the day-to-day management of the Care Leaver Project.
*Ensure contractual obligations and service KPIs are achieved.
*Develop and implement project plans, operational procedures, and service improvement initiatives.
*Monitor project progress, budgets, and performance outcomes.
*Produce regular reports for senior management, commissioners, and stakeholders.
Staff Leadership & Development
*Manage, supervise, and support Team Leaders, Support Workers, and associated staff.
*Conduct regular supervisions, appraisals, and performance reviews.
*Coordinate workforce planning, rota management, recruitment, and staff development.
*Promote a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed working culture.
Partnership & Stakeholder Management
*Develop effective working relationships with Local Authorities, Personal Advisers, Social Workers, Housing Providers, Education Providers, and external agencies.
*Represent the organisation at multi-agency meetings and strategic forums.
*Ensure effective communication with commissioners and referrers.
Safeguarding & Compliance
*Act as a safeguarding lead within the project.
*Ensure all safeguarding concerns are appropriately managed and reported.
*Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, including: *Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000
*Children and Social Work Act 2017
*Care Leaver Local Offer requirements
*GDPR and Data Protection regulations

*Maintain accurate records, audits, and quality assurance processes.
Financial Management
*Monitor project budgets and expenditure.
*Ensure effective resource allocation and value for money.
*Support invoice approvals and financial reporting requirements.
Quality Assurance & Performance
*Monitor outcomes and quality standards.
*Analyse service data and identify trends for continuous improvement.
*Lead internal audits and support external inspections.
*Ensure service users receive person-centred and outcome-focused support.
Young Person Outcomes
The Project Manager will ensure the service supports young people to:
*Sustain safe and stable accommodation.
*Access education, employment, and training opportunities.
*Develop independent living skills.
*Improve emotional health and wellbeing.
*Build positive support networks.
*Reduce risk-taking behaviour and homelessness.
*Successfully transition into adulthood.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications
*Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management, Health & Social Care, Youth Work, Social Work, or equivalent.
*Safeguarding qualification or willingness to undertake training.
Experience
*Minimum 3 years’ experience as a manager or team leader within services for vulnerable young people.
*Experience working with care-experienced young people or leaving care services.
*Experience managing teams and delivering contractual services.
*Experience working with Local Authorities and multi-agency professionals.
*Proven experience managing budgets and performance targets.
Knowledge
*Understanding of care leaver legislation and statutory guidance.
*Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
*Understanding of trauma-informed practice.
*Knowledge of housing, homelessness, and supported accommodation services.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
*Occupancy and referral targets achieved.
*Positive move-on outcomes for young people.
*Education, Employment and Training (EET) progression rates.
*Safeguarding compliance and audit results.
*Staff retention and engagement levels.
*Commissioner satisfaction.
*Service quality and inspection outcomes.