Head of Supported Housing

As Head of Supported Housing – Somerset, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Thrive 16+ service, delivering 95 units of supported accommodation for young people aged 16–25 across East and South Somerset.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced housing, care or support services leader with a proven track record in Ofsted/CQC regulated environments, with expertise in managing complex safeguarding and large, multi-site teams.

The ideal candidate will be trauma-informed and capable of driving service improvement through the voices of the young people we support.

Background

The Head of Supported Housing - Somerset is a critical role which will provide leadership of our supported accommodation service in Somerset called Thrive 16+. Thrive 16+ is a service which offers housing related support and accommodation for young people in care and care leavers. It also supports young people who are homeless.

This service is for young people aged between 16 and 25 and is delivered across Glastonbury, Street, Frome, and Yeovil.  

This role will also be the Ofsted registered manager, and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).  

Job Purpose

As Head of Supported Housing – Somerset, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Thrive 16+ service, delivering 95 units of supported accommodation for young people aged 16–25 across East and South Somerset.

Thrive 16+ exists to transform the lives of young people who are leaving care or experiencing homelessness. Through safe accommodation, trauma-informed support, and aspirational pathways into independence, the service enables young people to build confidence, develop life skills and pursue their ambitions.

This service is central to YMCA Brunel Group’s mission. As a senior leader, you will shape its future direction, ensuring the service delivers exceptional outcomes for young people while maintaining strong partnerships with Somerset Council and other key stakeholders.

You will lead a workforce of around 40 colleagues, cultivating a culture that reflects YMCA Brunel Group’s values:

• Kind – creating a safe, compassionate environment where young people feel valued and supported
• Curious – continually learning, improving, and seeking better ways to support young people
• Genuine – building authentic relationships with young people, colleagues, and partners
• Wave-makers – innovating and advocating for positive change in the lives of young people
• Custodians – responsibly stewarding the homes, resources and trust placed in us

Our service is registered with Ofsted for supporting young people aged 16–17. The post holder will therefore act as the Ofsted Registered Manager, holding legal accountability for the safety and quality of the service and acting as the Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead.

With potentially seven years remaining on the current contract, this role offers a significant opportunity to shape the next evolution of the service, ensuring young people not only achieve independence but exceed their aspirations.

For full details of the role, expectations and benefits, please refer to the Job Application Pack.