Aycliffe Secure Services Centre Manager

Durham County Council; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council is seeking an experienced Social Work Manager to oversee Aycliffe Secure Centre. The role involves leading a multi-agency team, ensuring high standards in residential care for vulnerable young people. The successful candidate will manage operations, strategic priorities, and the welfare of young people, fostering a nurturing environment. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered, along with opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

27 days holiday per year

Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave

Excellent work/life balance

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Wellbeing Portal access

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Proven record in managing residential care with high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage operations of Aycliffe Secure Services.
• Set strategic priorities and manage team and budgets.
• Ensure welfare and safety of young people in care.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Leadership

Compassion

Education

Professional qualification in social work

Job description

We are looking for an experienced social work manager with significant experience of running a registered children's home.

Working collaboratively with a high performing multi-agency team, Aycliffe Secure Centre provides a safe and enriching environment for vulnerable young people. Our philosophy at the centre is 'Exceptional Parenting.' Keeping young people safe and providing a nurturing environment so they can heal and re-engage in life.


AYCLIFFE SECURE SERVICES
Aycliffe Secure Centre is a standard bearer of secure residential accommodation for vulnerable young people. The team at Aycliffe provide a caring, therapeutic, and motivational environment for young people aged between 10 and 18. Our young people are vulnerable due to complex histories which can include neglect, trauma or interaction with the Youth Custody Service.


WHAT IS INVOLVED?
You will lead and manage the operations of Aycliffe Secure Services including setting strategic priorities, management of the team, facilities and budgets and being responsible for the welfare and safety of all young people cared for by the service. This will also include managing our new transition home which has four beds to support young people moving on from a period within the secure setting.

As an exceptional leader who goes the extra mile you will continue the development and high standards expected in running a secure environment for children and young people.


WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
With a proven record in achieving high standards in managing residential care, you will have:

• Excellent communication and collaborative working skills.
• The vision and ambition to look ahead, develop strategic improvement plans and deliver on them to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• The ability to lead from the front, motivating and energising your team. Ability to engage and collaborate will be key.
• The ability to manage with compassion and patience instilling confidence and enabling transformation.

You should hold a professional qualification in social work and/or other relevant subject area to degree level or equivalent.

Take a look at the person specification for the full criteria.


REWARDS AND BENEFITS
We can promise you a rewarding career in a forward-thinking council. As the largest local authority in the North East we offer excellent opportunities for career progression too.

We are proud of our supportive team! We want every team member to feel valued and recognised for their individual contribution. We are committed to providing a working environment where everyone can continuously develop and thrive.

As a valued member of the team you can expect :

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays, rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
• Staff based at Aycliffe Secure Centre also benefit from free on site parking.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits

Additional payments ofManagement Duty Rota Payments (Stand-bys) and a 5% Secure Unit Allowance apply to this post

Removal, lodging and separation expenses will be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and in excess of 30 miles in a straight line from the new administrative centre, along with a number of other criteria for eligibility.


IS THIS ROLE FOR YOU?
For more information about the post and the team we encourage you to contact Martyn Stenton (Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable Children) by email [e-mail]


EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.

We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce


INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 June 2025

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.


HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 (option 2), or the Recruitment Team via email at [e-mail]

We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice. https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf

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