About Us
LighthouseSL is a family run 16+ supported accommodation, we are dedicated to providing outstanding care and support to our residents. Our team is passionate about empowering young people to live fulfilling, independent lives within their community. We are opening the opportunity for the right person to come and work alongside our team. We currently have a house with space for 5 young people, Lighthouse SL is a female only unit we are looking for a female staff member.
Assistant Service Manager – Supported Accommodation (16–17 & 18+)
Job Title
Assistant Service Manager
Reports To
Registered Service Manager
Location
Romford, Essex
Salary
£26,000–£37,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Contract Type
Full-Time, Permanent
Job Purpose
The Assistant Service Manager will support the Registered Service Manager in the day-to-day operation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance of our Ofsted-regulated supported accommodation service for young people aged 16–17. The postholder will also support the development and operational management of our 18+ accommodation provision, ensuring services are safe, effective, person-centred, and focused on achieving positive outcomes and independence for young people.
The successful candidate will deputise for the Registered Service Manager when required and play a key role in maintaining high standards of care, safeguarding, staff performance, and service delivery.
Key ResponsibilitiesService Delivery & Compliance
- Support the Registered Service Manager in ensuring full compliance with Ofsted requirements, Supported Accommodation Standards (2023), safeguarding legislation, and all relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Assist in maintaining a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for young people aged 16–17 and those transitioning into adulthood.
- Support the development and growth of the organisation’s 18+ accommodation services.
- Ensure safeguarding remains central to all practice and respond effectively and appropriately to safeguarding concerns, allegations, and incidents.
- Support the implementation and monitoring of policies, procedures, and best practice guidance.
- Assist in ensuring the service remains inspection-ready and achieves positive outcomes during Ofsted inspections and other audits.
Young People's Support
- Support the development, implementation, and review of individual support plans, placement plans, pathway plans, and risk assessments.
- Promote the rights, wellbeing, choices, and independence of young people.
- Ensure young people are actively involved in decisions affecting their lives and future goals.
- Support young people to develop practical life skills, emotional resilience, education, employment, and training opportunities.
Leadership & Staff Management
- Support the recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal, and development of staff.
- Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to the staff team.
- Deputise for the Registered Service Manager during periods of absence.
- Support staff training and continuous professional development to ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Assist in fostering a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture.
Quality Assurance & Service Improvement
- Participate in quality assurance audits and service reviews.
- Monitor incidents, complaints, compliments, safeguarding concerns, and outcomes to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Assist the Registered Service Manager in monitoring service performance and implementing improvement plans based on feedback, audits, and inspection recommendations.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant record-keeping across the service.
Partnership Working
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with social workers, local authorities, commissioners, families, education providers, healthcare professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Support referral assessments, admissions, and occupancy management where required.
- Represent the service professionally at meetings and multi-agency forums.
Financial Responsibilities
- Support the Registered Service Manager in monitoring budgets and ensuring the effective and appropriate use of resources.
- Assist in maintaining cost-effective service delivery while ensuring young people's needs remain at the centre of decision-making.
On-Call Duties
- Participate in the management on-call rota as required.
- Provide guidance and support to staff in responding to emergencies, incidents, and safeguarding concerns outside normal working hours.
Person SpecificationEssential Skills & Attributes
- Passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Ability to build positive and professional relationships with young people, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Resilient, proactive, and solution-focused approach.
- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum of 2 years' experience in a supervisory, deputy management, or management role within a regulated children's home, supported accommodation service, or similar setting.
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England), or equivalent qualification, or willingness to achieve this within 18 months of appointment.
- Strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, Supported Accommodation Standards (2023), safeguarding legislation, and relevant statutory guidance.
- Proven experience of safeguarding children and managing safeguarding concerns appropriately.
- Experience supporting, supervising, and motivating staff teams to deliver high standards of care and support.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work flexibly, including participation in an on-call rota.
Desirable Requirements
- Full UK driving licence.
- Experience working with young people presenting complex needs, including:
- Criminal exploitation (CCE)
- Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
- Substance misuse
- Mental health needs
- Challenging behaviour
- Unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people (UASC)
- Experience contributing to Ofsted inspections and quality assurance processes.
- Knowledge of semi-independent and supported accommodation provision.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Casual dress.
- Flexible working arrangements where operationally appropriate.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Support towards achieving relevant qualifications.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Pension scheme
- Free car parking space
Join Us
Join a dedicated and ambitious organisation committed to making a lasting difference to the lives of young people. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop high-quality supported accommodation services that empower young people to achieve independence, stability, and positive futures.
How to apply
If you are ready to make a positive impact and join a team that values your skills and dedication, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a covering letter
Lighthouse SL is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
An enhanced DBS check will be required.
Job Types: Full-time, Freelance, Zero hours contract
Pay: £27,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
Experience:
- residential: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
