Head of Welfare & Community
Older Persons Services | Adult Social Care | Resident Wellbeing
Richmond, South West London
£Competitive
An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join a long established and highly respected charitable organisation supporting older people within beautiful almshouse communities across Richmond.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Head of Welfare & Community will lead the resident welfare and community function across multiple almshouse estates, ensuring residents are supported to live independently within a safe, inclusive and community-focused environment.
Managing a team of 7 Scheme Managers, this is a varied and hands-on leadership role combining safeguarding, resident wellbeing, operational management, community engagement and support for older residents.
This is a newly created role and would suit an experienced people manager with a strong background within adult social care, older persons services, community support or welfare environments.
Potentially relevant backgrounds may include:
- Older Persons Services
- Adult Social Care
- Community or Welfare Services
- Supported Living
- Care Operations or Service Management
- Retirement Living
- Resident Wellbeing Services
- Sheltered or Supported Environments
Key Responsibilities
- Leading, supporting and developing a team of 7 Scheme Managers across multiple sites
- Managing staff rotas, operational cover and day-to-day welfare support services
- Acting as a senior point of contact for safeguarding concerns and complex resident situations
- Supporting residents to maintain independence, wellbeing and quality of life
- Working closely with Social Services, healthcare professionals and external agencies
- Supporting resident meetings, mediation and sensitive conversations where required
- Overseeing resident applications, assessments, interviews and onboarding processes
- Managing the resident journey from application through to departure
- Promoting social activities, resident engagement and community participation
- Overseeing resident communications, newsletters and community events
- Supporting the review and development of welfare, safeguarding and resident policies
- Assisting with grant funding administration and liaison with local organisations
About You
- Significant experience within adult social care, older persons services, welfare or community support environments
- Previous experience managing and developing staff teams is essential
- Strong understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults
- Good working knowledge of the adult social care and benefits system
- Experience handling sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Calm, practical and highly organised approach
- Strong administrative and operational management skills
- Passionate about supporting older people to live independent and fulfilling lives
- Car driver/owner
This is a unique opportunity to join a values led organisation where you can genuinely make a lasting difference to the lives of older residents within a close-knit and supportive community