Childrens Service Manager

Children's Homes Manager - Residential
Permanent | Full Time | 37 hours
Salary: £45,691 - £53,642 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated and experienced leader with a passion for transforming the lives of vulnerable children? Do you have a track record of managing good or outstanding services, or are you a Deputy Manager looking for the next step in your career? If so, we want to hear from you!

Who We Are:
Our Residential and Inspiring Futures Teams Service is responsible for caring for and supporting children in care through children's homes, supported accommodation, and inspiring young people to take the next step into adulthood with continued care for care leavers.

Most of our in-house Children's homes are judged by Ofsted as "Outstanding" and "Good." We are committed to providing a nurturing and therapeutic environment for children who need it most. Our residential children's homes offer a safe place where young people can heal, grow, and thrive. We believe in the power of therapeutic care and are dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering atmosphere for both our residents and staff. We are continuing to build upon our achievements and increase our in-house services, creating a skilled, stable, committed, and passionate workforce.

The Role:
This is a unique opportunity to be part of the next stage of our journey. We are recruiting for a Children's Homes Manager who will be responsible for management oversight and support of 2 x 2 bed children's homes with a focus on relationships and therapeutic support.

The successful candidate will lead and manage a team of residential care staff, so you will need to have a clear and thorough working knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015 (including guidance to the regulations), Children's Act 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, along with a clear understanding of Ofsted requirements and the inspection framework.

This role requires consideration of quality assurance, performance, impact, team building, cultural awareness, change management, and innovation. Experience of managing significant budgets and staff teams is essential. As part of the wider leadership team, you will be responsible for improving experiences for children in care and ensuring the child's voice is central to service development.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage up to 2 x 2 bed in-house residential children's homes, ensuring a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Implement and oversee therapeutic practices promoting emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Register with Ofsted and strive for good and outstanding Ofsted gradings.

Drive excellence in residential care through robust quality assurance and action plans.

Manage budgets and oversee the financial aspects of the children's homes.

Ensure each child's needs are fully supported to reach their potential.

Act as an advocate for children, promoting a positive culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and the child's voice.

Develop and mentor a dedicated team of professionals, fostering continuous learning and development.

Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safeguarding practices, and health and safety requirements.

Collaborate with internal and external partners, families, and stakeholders for the best outcomes.

About You:

At least 2 years' experience within the last 5 years in a role relevant to Residential Child Care.

At least 1 year's experience supervising and managing staff in a care role.

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Child Care (or willingness to complete within 3 years of appointment).

Strong knowledge and experience of therapeutic approaches in a residential setting.

Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a team.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff.

Thorough understanding of relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in children's residential care.

Commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for making a real difference in children's lives.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a dedicated and passionate team making a real impact on children's lives.

Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Supportive and collaborative working environment.

Competitive salary and benefits package, including up to 33 days annual leave (excluding UK public holidays) and the option to join the South Yorkshire Pension Authority.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead a team providing high-quality, therapeutic care for children, we want to hear from you. Apply now to join us on this meaningful journey