DIRECTOR OF PRACTICE

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is one of the most important roles we have at Lighthouse. You will be responsible for managing the delivery of a radical new approach to supporting looked after children. Lighthouse is an early stage venture, so you will have a great deal of responsibility from day one. From managing relationships with our local authority partners to designing the training for our staff. This role will be an exciting opportunity to spearhead systemic change in the residential care sector.

There will be many challenges that require an analytical yet creative mind, and you’ll be able to apply your knowledge of the residential care sector to the biggest innovation in residential care in recent years. The role will be tailored to the right applicant and will involve diverse responsibilities including:

Navigating the process of starting our home

The residential children’s care sector is highly regulated and challenging to navigate. You will be responsible for ensuring that Lighthouse adheres to Ofsted regulations in the design of our building and the delivery of our services. You will also take a leading role in negotiating our contract with our local authority partners.

Designing a bespoke training and development programme

The training currently offered to staff working in residential care is not fit for purpose, so you will take the lead in designing and developing a two-year bespoke training programme which will give our staff the knowledge, skills and confidence to support our young people.

Creating education and pathway plans for young people

We believe that education should be a priority for looked after children. That’s why you will work directly with the schools and alternative provision units that our young people will attend to co-design the support that they will receive and ensure that they receive a high quality and consistent education experience.

Defining our service design and statement of purpose

Lighthouse is based on over four years of research and development. We have a clear idea about what works and the principle upon which our homes should be based. Your role will be to turn those principles into methods and work practices. You will be responsible for designing our provision.

Managing our people and creating a strong positive culture

You will manage our first home when it opens in 2020. You will then become the executive manager once additional homes open. You will be responsible for creating a culture in which both staff and children can thrive.

ABOUT YOU 

You’re a great leader

You are proactive and make decisions on a daily basis as you strive to achieve above and beyond expectations. You know how to create a positive culture and inspire people by setting a great example.

You understand the residential care sector and the need for a new approach

You have at least five years’ experience of working in the residential care sector. You have worked with local authorities and Ofsted and have a developed understanding of the policies and regulations in the sector. You have a track record of innovation and excellence and know how to run an outstanding children’s home.

You’re a great communicator

You have strong written and verbal communication skills with proven experience writing in varied styles and for varied audiences. You have proven your ability to communicate with a wide range of different people.

You’re a team player

You have the ability to work flexibly in a team, small or large. You have knowledge and experience of effective project management and meeting tight deadlines.

You’re purpose driven

Your work is guided and galvanised by your values and beliefs. You are driven by a desire to improve the lives of others.

You enjoy a challenge and love solving problems

You do not wait to act. You see a problem and are able to develop solutions to it. When faced with challenges, you remain tenacious and versatile and are able to maintain a positive mindset.

You’re humble

You are reflective. When you are challenged you are able to learn from experiences and interactions.

You’re entrepreneurial

You’re a self-starter and have the confidence to champion our mission to a variety of stakeholders as well as a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment. You’re willing to do what is necessary to get the job done.

You’re collaborative and a relationship builder

You build relationships into your work, give to others readily and use others’ strengths alongside your own, to have a greater impact in your work.

 You are well organised

You are able to independently manage daily responsibilities and juggle competing priorities. You are able to work efficiently and effectively to meet deadlines and deliver successfully. You’re a great planner and have an eye for detail.

Please note that we hire for potential, so do not be put off if you feel that you do not meet every aspect of the person specification.

BENEFITS

Salary: £50,000 + depending on experience

Location: London at our offices in Islington

A range of employee benefits such as discounted shopping and 27 days annual leave (pro-rata)

Contract: Full time

A 4% contribution to your pension

Workspace in our central London head office. Some travel may be required.

TO APPLY

To apply for the role please email info@thelight-house.org.uk including your name and the job title in the subject line:

·       A supporting letter (no more than one side) why you would like the role why you will be effective in it.

·       Your CV including references (maximum 2 sides)

First round interviews will be held over the phone

Second round interviews will be held in shortly afterwards at our offices in Islington.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role prior to application, please contact Emmanuel Akpan-Inwang at emmanuel@thelight-house.org.uk.