Head of Department Udsigten

Do you want to help create a good life for children and young people at Birkebakken – and at the same time lead a department focused on professionalism, quality and values?

We are looking for a department head for the Udsigten unit at Birkebakken

Start date: December 1, 2026 or by agreement

Are you a present and dynamic leader with strong professional values and ambitions for the specialized social field? Do you thrive on creating development for both children and young people, employees and the organization? Then you might be the one we are looking for as the new department head for Udsigten at Birkebakken.

Who are we?

Birkebakken has for more than 75 years worked to create good home-like environments for children and young people with permanent physical and mental disabilities. Birkebakken is a 24-hour residential institution with a total of 16 places across two units, Kvisten and Udsigten, as well as Birkeskolen, which is an STU program for the same target group. Birkebakken is an independent institution under Jysk Børneforsorg/Fredehjem, and the core mission is:

Through pedagogical and developmental work to support children and young people to master life and participate in equal, peer communities.

Birkebakken offers a developing, safe and caring living and living environment, where children and young people meet skilled, engaged and caring staff.

About the position

We are seeking a department head for Udsigten, which is a safe and developing home for seven children and young people aged 10-23 with extensive and lasting physical and mental disabilities.

The residents have different support needs, but common to them is the need for support with communication, personal care and guidance in social relations and everyday activities.

As department head you will play a central role in ensuring high professional quality, well-being and development for both residents and staff.

You will be responsible for

• The daily management of the department
• Professional quality and development of the pedagogical practice
• Staff leadership, duty rosters, work environment and staff development
• Interdisciplinary collaboration internally and externally
• Collaboration with relatives, authorities and other partners

You will become part of Birkebakken's leadership team, which consists of three department heads and the principal. The leadership team meets regularly every other week and works closely on both daily operations and the strategic development of Birkebakken. An important focus for the leadership team is an ongoing culture process aimed at strengthening Birkebakken's shared foundation and the psychological safety for the benefit of the core mission.

Who are you?

We imagine that you

• Have a social-pedagogical or health professional education
• Have solid experience from the specialized child and adolescent area
• Have leadership experience or a strong desire to develop yourself as a leader
• Have a solid professional foundation and preferably knowledge of Gentle Teaching, neuro-pedagogy and KRAP
• Can navigate safely between operations, professional development and relational leadership
• Are able to create followership through clear, affirming and empathetic leadership
• Focus on documentation, goals, quality and effective interventions
• Take responsibility and at the same time manage to involve and motivate the staff

We place emphasis on collaboration, joy at work and humor, and we believe that the best results are created in strong communities.

What do we offer?

With us you get

• A meaningful leadership position with the opportunity to make a real difference
• A values-based workplace with high professionalism and strong commitment
• Opportunity to influence the development of both the department and the organisation
• Focus on your personal and professional development through sparring, skills development and further education
• Salary and employment terms according to the applicable collective agreement

Would you like to know more?

You are very welcome to contact the principal Lone Svenningsen at phone 30 24 48 18 or email [email protected] , if you would like to hear more about the position, the leadership task, or daily life at Birkebakken.

Application

Send your application no later than Wednesday 21 October 2026

Interviews are expected to be held on Monday 26 October 2026

You can read more about Birkebakken at www.birkebakken.dk .