3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• As the Residential Children’s Homes Registered Manager, you will take full responsibility for the effective leadership and operational management of two residential homes. The role is centred on delivering a professional, child-focused service that complies with all relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and organisational policies. This is a unique opportunity to establish and shape a new service, recruiting your own team and implementing a therapeutic practice model to influence the lives of vulnerable children positively and young people.
• The homes comprise a four-bedroom Emotional Behaviour Disorder/Difficulties (EBD) unit and up to two smaller homes for children with complex needs. The aim is to provide stable, high-quality care environments that allow children to remain within or return to their local communities, reducing reliance on out-of-area or unregistered placements.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of two residential homes, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Act as the Registered Manager with Ofsted for both homes, ensuring readiness for inspections and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train and support staff teams, embedding a consistent therapeutic approach in line with the service model.
• Oversee and manage the homes’ budgets, ensuring services are delivered within allocated financial resources.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders to deliver holistic, needs-led care plans for each child.
• Champion quality assurance practices, using data and feedback to drive improvements and remedial actions where necessary.
• Provide expert leadership and maintain up-to-date specialist knowledge within the field of residential childcare.
• Promote and maintain a culture of safeguarding and professional accountability throughout the service.
• Ensure safer recruitment practices are adhered to and that staff receive appropriate supervision and development opportunities.
Skills/Experience:
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Registered Manager in a children’s residential care setting.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering high-quality, outcomes-focused residential services.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams in line with therapeutic practice principles.
• Strong understanding of statutory requirements, including Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and Ofsted frameworks.
• Financial acumen and experience managing service budgets effectively.
• Ability to deal with complex and sensitive issues with professionalism and sound judgement.
Additional Information:
• Recognised and current Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).