Deputy Manager

Overview

Family Focus is a vibrant family support service located in Stoke-on-Trent, integrating first-hand experience, academic studies, and best practices to deliver top-quality services to families in the area. Our range of support options for children and families in the local community includes one-on-one assistance, group support, advocacy, parenting programs, holiday activities, and short-term respite care. Currently, we are seeking a deputy manager to join our energetic team, collaborating closely with the CEO to accomplish Family Focus’s strategic goals and maintain outstanding standards of
service and care.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist the CEO of Family Focus in overseeing and achieving service outcomes that align with the organisation’s strategic plan
• Establish and nurture effective professional relationships to ensure that services are accessible and beneficial to families in the local community
• Collaborate with the family support team to uphold high-quality support and safeguarding practices
• Actively engage in supervision and relevant training as part of line management
• Serve as a professional representative for the team and the charity both internally and externally
• Aid the CEO in creating a local operational plan that meets agreed service outcomes linked to the Family Focus strategic plan
• Maintain accurate and timely storage of all monitoring and evaluation data related to the team’s service delivery
• Gather necessary data from families to support outcome monitoring and assist the team in maintaining the process
• Support the team in achieving business objectives such as composing case studies, attending promotional events, and providing other essential information as needed
• Ensure all responsibilities are carried out in accordance with Family Focus policies and procedures

Leadership and Strategy

• Offer expert guidance and instructions to staff, volunteers, and students
• Serve as a professional ambassador for Family Focus to internal and external stakeholders
• Assist the CEO in auditing the team and ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Engage in the Performance Management Process and set ambitious goals to achieve the business plan
• Take charge of personal professional growth
• Aid the Family Focus CEO in achieving operational goals in line with the strategic plan and contribute to shaping future strategies

Operational and Project Planning

• Make sure processes are documented and governed effectively, adopting a continuous improvement strategy
• Ensure that all necessary checks, training, and risk assessments are conducted to comply with current Health & Safety regulations
• Take personal responsibility for agreed-upon objectives and goals
• Arrange your own time, utilise resources efficiently, and show initiative
• Work in accordance with best practices and corporate policies

Working with Customers and Service Delivery

• Cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders such as families, referrers, partners, and various agencies
• Adhere to the safeguarding policy within the Family Focus framework
• Respond promptly to requests for information and actions from service users and other stakeholders
• Participate in relevant professional meetings and uphold effective relationships with referrers and fellow professionals

Developing, Maintaining Systems and Procedures

• Make sure that data related to areas of responsibility and activities is properly and securely recorded and stored
• Encourage team involvement in gathering and monitoring data to support service delivery and assess outcomes
• Present monthly and quarterly reports on achieved targets to the CEO
• Keep precise records of services provided and outcomes
• Utilise the Family Focus database and Microsoft Office tools effectively to maintain up-to-date, comprehensive, and accurate records

People Management and Development

• To be responsible for the support and supervision of a high calibre family support team providing diverse support across a range of activities.
• Coordinate, lead and record regular team meetings as required

Team Working and Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in all teams to deliver on priorities and objectives to ensure delivery of a high-quality service
• Act as a source of knowledge and expertise to colleagues
• Contribute to team building initiatives and activities

Special Conditions

• While the role is based at the team office, the post holder will be expected to work flexibly in other venues and attend meetings elsewhere as required
• Flexible working to meet children and families requirements, including families’ homes, family hubs and other community-based locations
• Some UK travel may be required from time to time
• The list of responsibilities outlined above is not intended to be exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out other reasonable tasks or responsibilities under the direction of a manager
• Full driver’s license required

Person Specification: Deputy Manager

• To ensure the best possible chance of being shortlisted please use the criteria listed in the person specification to demonstrate your capabilities, providing examples where possible.

Experience

• Experience in working with children and families
• Regular involvement in community settings
• Offering services in health, social care, youth, or education sectors
• Proven track record in establishing and maintaining partnerships
• Leading safeguarding efforts for children and/or vulnerable adults
• Handling recruitment and line management duties

Experience Desirable

• Working within a children’s charity/SME
• Ownership of strategic planning

Special Competencies

• Proficient in communication, both written and verbal
• Networking abilities
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Dedication to collaborating with children, young people, and families
• Experience of bid writing and/or fundraising

Special Competencies Desirable

• Up to date knowledge and understanding of family support landscape in Stoke on Trent

Disposition

• Poised and convincing communicator – quickly connecting with others
• Working cooperatively with and through people to complete tasks
• Working at a fast pace handling details whilst maintaining accuracy
• Warm and friendly team member
• Enthusiastic and persuasive motivator
• Strong sense of drive

Thinking Style

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Decision making within authorised boundaries and with manager assistance
• People oriented

Attainment

• Good standard of education: minimum A level, Relevant Degree
• Relevant previous or current employment in a leadership or management role

Attainment Desirable

• Management/leadership qualification