Job Description

Role Overview:

Ashiyana House is a new 2 bed therapeutic children's home located in the heart of Redditch, Worcestershire. The home provides care and support to children aged 8-18 with learning disabilities, Autism and behavioural needs. We are currently seeking a part time Responsible Individual to join our vibrant and dedicated team. The Responsible Individual will have overall responsibility for ensuring the safe and effective management of the home to enable children to progress and achieve.

The home is yet to be registered with Ofsted, however all paper work necessary for registration has been completed by the homes registered manager.

This role ideally requires an immediate start

This role requires registration with Ofsted

Days/hours required can be flexible , however we ask for a commitment of at least 2 days per week

Role Responsibilities:

Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures published by Ability Beams Ensure compliance with regulatory expectations Take responsibility as the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) along side the registered manager Lead and shape the culture of the home Review the performance of the service Take action to improve performance of service Lead and contribute to decisions to ensure financial viability Ensure staff and systems promote children's safety and well being Ensure the manager receives regular and effective supervision and appraisal Contribute to inspection and related activities Provide information on the effectiveness of the service to directors, senior managers and external agencies Act as the main point of contact Local Authorities, and external agencies, managing referrals and overseeing quality assurance. Build and maintain effective external relationships that supports and challenges issues in the best interests of children. Address internal and external complaints along side the registered manager

Qualifications and Experience:

Level 5/7 in Leadership and Management / Strategic Management or willingness to work toward this (Essential) Thorough understanding and knowledge of relevant legislation and regulation relating to residential children's homes (Essential) Thorough understanding and knowledge of safeguarding legislation and local best practice procedures relating to children (Essential) Experience working in a relevant residential/health and social care setting (Essential) Proven record of strong Leadership and management; managing teams, ensuring operational efficiency, and delivering high standards of care (Essential)

Our Therapeutic Approach

As a therapeutic home we place strong emphasis on creating a environment for children that promotes positive change in emotional regulation and behaviour while building secure attachment and healthy relationships. Therapeutic approaches we use are Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy).

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS):

PBS is a person centered way of supporting someone with a learning disability that helps us to understand their behaviour. At times children many have difficulties expressing a need that is not being met, this may lead to them displaying behaviours which are harmful to them or others; often referred to as behaviours that challenge. Behaviours that challenge can be very distressing for a child, their family and carers. So it is important we do everything we can to understand what the unmet need was that caused the behaviour and adapt the environment, our work practices and/or interactions to reduce such behaviours happening again, and improve the quality of life of children and those around them. This is positive behaviours support in practice.

PACE Approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy)

PACE Approach is a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach which focuses on building safe and trusting relationships with children especially those with a history of trauma or attachment difficulties. Being playful with a child in our interactions, accepting them as they are, being curious about their past, the things they enjoy or don't enjoy and having empathy for their situation or past traumas allows them to begin to trust us and trust that we care about them and want what's best for them. When children build relationships with adults based on these elements they are more likely to feel safe and connected to adults or care givers on an emotional level.

Our Values

Partnership; working collaboratively with children, families, and professionals towards shared goals. Resilience; nurturing strengths, skills and positive coping strategies for life's challenges. Integrity; upholding strong moral principles and demonstrating transparency in our care and practice. Development; providing tailored support and opportunities for each child to learn, progress, and reach their potential. Empathy; responding with sensitivity, compassion, and understanding, recognising each individual's unique experiences.

Safeguarding:

At Ability Beams the safety and well-being of children in our care is of upmost priority. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where every child can thrive.

Our Commitment:

1. Protecting Children from Harm: We ensure that all children are protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and any form of harm. This includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

2. Creating a Safe Environment: We provide a safe and secure living environment that promotes the physical and emotional well-being of every child.

3. Staff Training, Team Meetings, Supervision and Appraisal: All staff members undergo rigorous safeguarding training and are equipped to recognise and respond to signs of abuse and neglect. Continuous professional development is encouraged to keep up to date with best practice procedures. All staff will have monthly supervision with a member of the management team and annual appraisals. Monthly team meetings are mandatory for all staff members to attend.

4. Robust Policies and Procedures: We have clear safeguarding policies and procedures in place, which are regularly reviewed and updated. These policies are in line with national and local safeguarding guidelines and legislation.

5. Listening to Children: We actively listen to the children in our care and take their concerns seriously. We ensure that they know who they can talk to if they feel unsafe or need support.

6. Partnership with Parents and Agencies: We work closely with parents, guardians, and relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to safeguarding. This includes sharing information appropriately and attending safeguarding meetings and reviews.

7. Monitoring and Accountability: We regularly monitor and review our safeguarding practices to ensure they are effective. Our safeguarding lead is accountable for ensuring that safeguarding remains a priority at all times.

8. Reporting Concerns/Whistleblowing: If any member of staff, child, or visitor has concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, they must report it immediately to the designated safeguarding lead. All concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly and appropriately. By adhering to these principles, Ability Beams is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where every child can grow, learn, and flourish.

Safer Recruitment:

To further safeguard children in our care we have a strict recruitment process which ensures each new candidate applying to work in our organisation has their work history effectively scrutinised. A post will NOT be offered unless you successfully pass through ALL stages of the recruitment process.

Our recruitment process includes:

1. Screening: Detailed application forms, interviews, and reference checks must be completed. A reference will be required for all roles where candidates worked with children in any setting and/or in any educational setting no matter how long ago the role was.

2. Background Checks: All candidates must have or be willing to apply for an enhanced DBS certificate. Once obtained all DBS certificates must be added to the update service.

3. Verification: All candidates will be required to confirm their identity, right to work status, qualifications, and professional registration(s) with original documentation. Right to work status will be re-checked at regular intervals throughout employment.

4. Probation: All new employees will be placed on 6 month probation. During this time managers will be assessing your suitability for the role. If for any unfortunate reason you do not possess the required skills or capability, as determined against a list of identifiable goals for that particular role, you contract may be terminated within your probation period. If you successfully complete the probation period you gain access to additional staff perks including pay rises and bonuses.

5. Induction: All new employees will be expected to complete a full induction.

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all communities.

Transport links:

Redditch Station, Bromsgrove Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B97 4RB (16 minute walk, 5 minutes cycle, 4 minutes by car, 12-8 minutes via bus)

Roadside parking available

Sheltered cycle shed on-site

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Schedule:

Flexitime
Application question(s):

Do you have thorough understanding and knowledge of relevant legislation and regulation relating to residential children's homes?
Licence/Certification:

Level 5 or 7 in Leadership and Management? (preferred)
Work Location: In person