Service Head of Care

The closing date for completed applications for this post is 12 noon on Tuesday 22 September 2026, and it is anticipated interviews will take place on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £81,155 - £84,806 (SCP 62 - 64)

The Organisation: Rossie is a registered charity, located close to Montrose, Angus. We are a multidisciplinary organisation with a high local, regional and national profile. We provide education, care, health and specialist psychological services to the most vulnerable young people across Scotland and the UK. All of our young people are assessed as having additional support needs (ASN) linked to trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Our young people are placed in our care via the Children Hearing Panels or Courts. We are actively involved with the Scottish Government and Promise Scotland in delivering all policy changes for young people. We enthusiastically engage with national and international research and are working in partnership with the Education Scotland curriculum design team.

Our vision and commitment is to be a ‘A Community of Excellence that Changes Lives’. To support this, we have won, and continue to win, multiple awards for colleagues, our young people and the organisation, providing independent validation of our dedication to continuous improvement.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Service Head of Care is a key member of the Senior Leadership and Management Team (SLMT) and plays a critical role in achieving Rossie's vision and mission. This post has both an inward and outward organisational focus, combining leadership of Secure and Residential Care (including Throughcare).

The Service Head of Care will work collaboratively across all departments and services in line with our values, contribute to the delivery of the Strategic Plan, operate within budget, and manage all resources effectively and efficiently.

The primary focus is to deliver safe, high-quality, trauma-informed care across secure and residential settings, ensuring compliance with all internal and regulatory requirements.

Drive continuous service improvement in line with internal plans, The Promise and other national developments.

Oversee and provide direction and support to direct reports, ensuring that care delivery meets with best practice and regulations. Where practice falls short of expectations, apply proportionate and timely remedial actions.

As a member of SLMT, support the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Team (EMT) in delivery and improvement of services across Secure Care, Residential Care, Throughcare. Deliver the Secure Care and Residential Care contracts and manage financial, human and physical resources to best effect
Implement improvement plans and quality assure the effectiveness of care services including safety, security and wellbeing functions
Deliver the Secure Care and Residential Care contracts and manage financial, human and physical resources to best effect
Ensure compliance with legislation, regulatory requirements and professional standards
Communicate effectively with senior managers and leaders
Provide direct line management to Deputy Service Managers ensuring operational effectiveness
Deputise for the DCEO and act as an ambassador for Rossie where requires

As a member of SLMT, support the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Team (EMT) in delivery and improvement of services across Secure Care, Residential Care, Throughcare and SIHW

Take lead responsibility for the development and review of innovative practice, policies and procedures for Secure Care, Residential Care and Throughcare services.
Fulfil the role of Registered manager for the Secure care service
Develop service responses and diversification within key national policy drivers including
The Promise
Ensure all care staff are familiar and comply with the Health and Social Care Standards, Secure Care Standards, physical intervention theory and practice, and the SSSC Code of Conduct
Ensure practice is consistent with Rossie Values and and all organisational policies
Ensure managers adhere to policy, procedures, legislative and regulatory requirements
Ensure delivery of appropriate and sustained service improvement in line with the Strategic Plan to achieve Excellent Care Inspectorate ratings
Support and advise the CEO and Executive Team on strategy, policy and direction of service
Proactively develop relationships with external health providers including GP, dental services and NHS Tayside
Work collaboratively with all members of the E&SLMT

Implement improvement plans and quality assure the effectiveness of care services including safety, security and wellbeing functions

Ensure Child Protection and safeguarding reporting is consistent with policy requirements and timelines; support staff in managing Child Protection matters and Initial Referral Discussions or investigations
Ensure all care staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training to work with young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours
Lead responsibility for referral and admission processes, maintaining occupancy levels as per contract
Ensure effective risk assessment, risk management plans and relational/behaviour management policies, procedures and strategies
Lead responsibility for monitoring, auditing and quality assurance of care, remand and sentence planning and case management
Drive excellent casework practice and best outcomes for young people
Ensure each house is homely, welcoming and maintained to a high standard

Deliver the Secure Care and Residential Care contracts and manage financial, human and physical resources to best effect

Ensure effective delivery of all contracts with full monitoring and compliance
Hold full oversight of team performance, overtime arrangements and staffing matters including learning and development, performance improvement and other HR matters
Maintain target occupancy levels, managing service budgets and any additional funding received
Develop positive relationships with Scotland Excel, Scottish Government (Care and Justice), Care Inspectorate, SSSC and Health and Social Care agencies
Operate within allocated budget levels and ensure compliance with financial regulations and Strategic Plan priorities
Work collaboratively with other senior managers to develop safety and security for the wellbeing of all

Ensure compliance with legislation, regulatory requirements and professional standards

Monitor the external operating landscape and consider developments for all services
Secure and develop sustainable partnership arrangements with external stakeholders (e.g. Health/ CAMHS, Police Scotland, local authorities and universities/ colleges)
Deliver services compliant with National Care Standards, regulatory Inspection processes and all national contractual requirements

Communicate effectively with senior managers and leaders

Report on all matters relating to Secure Care, Residential Care, Throughcare, Safety and Security, relational behaviour management, staffing, budgets, staff performance, complaints, investigations and care planning
Provide regular management information and reports to the Board of Governors, CEO and E&SLMT to support systematic and informed decision making
Prepare business cases to develop new services and agree quality assurance systems
Ensure effective communication with managers and staff through the Rossie meetings structure
Engage in regular team meetings with Deputy Service Managers, Duty Managers, Senior Practitioners and Throughcare colleagues.
Undertake management investigations into service complaints, staff conduct and related issues and prepare written reports of findings

Provide direct line management to Deputy Service Managers and SIHW managers ensuring operational effectiveness

Agree clear annual objectives and hold appraisals in line with the Strategic Plan for Deputy Service Managers and Throughcare colleagues
Provide formal 1:1 supervision in line with policy
Ensure each manager and their team has clear, annually reviewed objectives, appraisals and continuing professional development
Delegate the effective management and supervision of Rossie's Throughcare Practitioner
Ensure managers are familiar with all key organisational policies
Chair regular team meetings to discuss operational issues and service developments

Deputise for the DCEO and act as an ambassador for Rossie where required

Maintain and develop professional networks with relevant psychological, social work, health, secure care and residential care professionals and agencies
Actively contribute to the promotion of Rossie's services and achievements to key external stakeholders
Network with universities, colleges and institutions to engage in research opportunities
With prior approval of the DCEO, actively engage and participate in national and local practice initiatives
Coordinate and participate in the senior on-call rota and provide emergency cover for the Duty Manager as necessary
Attend and participate in national conferences, external events and strategic planning meetings with key stakeholders

SENIOR MANAGEMENT CORPORATE TASKS

Positively engage in Rossie's recruitment, selection, induction and retention initiatives to ensure we have competent and confident teams
Apply relevant policies to attendance management, employee performance and internal investigations
Ensure appropriate oversight of delegated budgets in line with financial regulations
Coordinate Care inspections and engage in HMIE Inspections to achieve excellent organisational grades
Communicate complex and sensitive information at all levels within the organisation and externally
Share team knowledge and provide advice, consultation and learning within a multi-disciplinary setting
Lead responsibility for all security issues across campus
Ensure effective deployment of staff through rota management and planning tools

Please note this job description is to provide a clear and concise statement of the main tasks and activities of the post, and it is not intended as an exhaustive list of every aspect of the post holder's duties. All the above duties will be carried out in line with Rossie policies and procedures.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Knowledge Base (Essential):

Children's Hearing, Youth Justice and Social Care legislation
Secure care and residential care legislation and national operating frameworks
Knowledge of GIRFEC,
The Promise, and Health and Social Care Standards
Policy landscape, commissioning and regulatory frameworks impacting secure and residential childcare
SSSC Regulatory processes
Sound knowledge of child and adolescent development, attachment theory and trauma-informed care
Working knowledge of Health and Social Care and Child Protection systems in Scotland
Care Inspection processes and preparation
Understanding of complex vulnerable young people, ACEs, ASD
Budget management and financial compliance
Awareness of community-based health, education, social work and voluntary services for young people

Knowledge Base (Desirable):

Related legislation (e.g. criminal justice/mental health)
Knowledge of Positive Behavioural Support Strategies
Reflective supervision and staff wellbeing approaches
General Data Protection Regulations

Qualifications (Essential):

Degree level in Social Work, Social Care, Health or Education/Business (To meet registered manager conditions)
Professional registration with SSSC
Membership of the PVG Scheme

Qualifications (Desirable):

MSc/BA/Diploma in Social Work or relevant field
SVQ Leadership and Management Level 4

Experience (Essential):

Operational management in a secure or residential care setting
Working with young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs
Extensive experience of Assessment, Care Planning and review processes
Working within a highly regulated environment, liaison with regulators and preparing staff teams for inspection
Liaising with external partners e.g. local authority Social Workers, Managers and Mental Health
Continuous improvement methodologies
Policy development, change management and multidisciplinary work
Managing and building effective teams
Human Resource Management

Experience (Desirable):

Scoping of service need, project design and costing and project management
Experience within Health or SIHW services
Secure care standards

Skills (Essential):

Excellent interpersonal, and networking skills
Excellent communication (written, oral, presentation, IT) skills
Excellent analytical and problem-solving/ conflict resolution skills
Crisis management skills
Engaging young people
Managing, supervising and support of staff
Work autonomously and as a member of SLMT
Ability to undertake on-call and service responding responsibilities
Ability to maintain a balance between relational and safe care
Promote Rossie Values

Skills (Desirable):

Rota management
Talent assessment and management

Resilience and Qualities (Essential):

Making a positive difference’ to young people
Committed to young people’s participation in co-design
Commitment to continuous professional development
Exhibit emotional intelligence
Ambitious for Rossie’s success, sustainability and diversification

Health (Essential)

Must be in good health for safe physical interventions

Registration Requirements (Essential)

Ability to be registered with SSSC
Ability to join the PVG Scheme

Full Clean Driving Licence (Essential)

Looking for a particular department?: Senior Leadership Management Team
Role: Service Head of Care Services
Locations: Montrose

Montrose

About Rossie Young People's Trust

Rossie is a multidisciplinary organisation which aims to help vulnerable children and young people prepare for independent living. We provide accommodation, bespoke care and individualised education, ensuring all areas of our young people’s health are being met. We have been caring for boys, aged 10-18, since 1857 and boys and girls, aged 10-18 since 1984. We are committed to helping our young people in care build strategies to cope with their past, while they prepare for their future. We deliver all our services in a safe and nurturing environment where our young people can grow, develop and thrive, at their own pace.

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