Cluster Manager (Supported Accommodation for 16-24 Year Olds)
Job Title: Cluster Manager
Location: Multi-site (4-5 supported accommodation homes within a Doncaster)
Reports To: Senior Leadership Team / Regional Manager
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Hours: Full-time, including some on-call responsibilities
Job Purpose:
The Cluster Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance of 4-5 supported accommodation homes for young people aged 16-18 years old. The role ensures that all homes within the cluster operate efficiently, safely, and in line with national standards, offering a nurturing and empowering environment for young people transitioning to independence.
The post-holder will work collaboratively with staff, external professionals, and local authorities to ensure that young people receive high-quality care, support, and guidance, aligned with the ethos of Illuminate Care's love-led approach and T.R.I.B.E values (Trust, Respect, Impact, Belonging, Enable).
Key Responsibilities:
1. Operational Leadership & Service Delivery
* Oversee the day-to-day running of 4-5 supported accommodation homes within the designated cluster.
* Ensure each home is staffed appropriately, fostering a positive and consistent environment for young people.
* Monitor occupancy levels and referrals, working with local authorities to maintain high standards of placements.
* Implement Illuminate Care's trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, ensuring young people feel safe, valued, and empowered.
2. Compliance & Safeguarding
* Ensure all homes operate in line with Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and local safeguarding policies.
* Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the cluster, ensuring robust safeguarding procedures are followed.
* Oversee risk assessments, incident reporting, and care plans, ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated.
* Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, conducting audits and ensuring safe working environments.
3. Team Management & Staff Development
* Line manage and provide leadership, supervision, and support to Registered Managers and senior staff within the cluster.
* Oversee the training and development of staff, ensuring compliance with mandatory training requirements via Illuminate Care's Training Hub and Training Matrix.
* Foster a positive and supportive workplace culture, leading by example in embedding love-led practice and natural interactions.
* Ensure staff performance is managed effectively, addressing concerns, setting goals, and promoting professional development.
4. Financial & Resource Management
* Manage budgets for the cluster, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while maintaining high standards of care.
* Oversee staffing budgets, training investments, and home maintenance costs.
* Ensure financial oversight aligns with Illuminate Care's commitment to sustainable, high-quality service delivery.
5. Multi-Agency Working & Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as the primary point of contact for local authorities, social workers, education providers, and external agencies.
* Attend placement review meetings, safeguarding strategy discussions, and multi-agency panels to advocate for young people.
* Work closely with therapeutic and education teams to ensure a 360-degree approach to young people's development.
* Engage with families and significant others, where appropriate, to support relationship-building and positive transitions.
6. Quality Assurance & Service Improvement
* Conduct regular audits and inspections across all homes, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.
* Lead on service improvement plans, identifying areas for development and implementing innovative solutions.
* Ensure feedback from young people and staff informs service developments, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
* Prepare homes for Ofsted inspections, local authority reviews, and external assessments, ensuring high ratings and compliance.
Person Specification:
Essential Criteria:
* Experience managing multiple supported accommodation settings or children's residential homes.
* Strong knowledge of Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, safeguarding legislation, and social care frameworks.
* Proven experience in leading teams, managing budgets, and driving service improvements.
* Excellent multi-agency working skills, with experience in engaging with social workers, local authorities, and external professionals.
* Strong understanding of trauma-informed, love-led care approaches and a passion for supporting young people.
* Ability to work flexibly, including on-call duties, to ensure the safety and well-being of young people.
* Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Desirable Criteria:
* Experience in developing new services and contributing to strategic growth.
* Minimum Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (Children & Young People's Services) or equivalent.
* Training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Attachment-Based Practice, or Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
* Experience with budget management and financial oversight.
* Knowledge of education pathways and employment support for care-experienced young people.
The Cluster Manager role is a key leadership position within Illuminate Care, responsible for ensuring that multiple supported accommodation homes deliver high-quality, person-centered support to young people aged This role requires a strong, compassionate leader who is committed to trauma-informed, relationship-based care and the empowerment of young people as they transition toward independence.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £32,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company pension
* Employee mentoring programme
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Private medical insurance
* Store discount
Experience:
* Management: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Level 3 Health & Social Care Qualification (preferred)
* Full UK Driving License & Access to Own Vehicle (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
* 25% (required)
Work Location: In person