Job Title: Residential Children’s Home Manager Location: Liverpool
Reports to: Directors / Responsible Individual
Responsible for: Deputy Manager, Senior Support Workers, Support Workers
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary Range: £55,000 – £65,000
Holidays: 28 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
Probation: 6 months
Notice Period: 3 months
DBS Requirement: Enhanced Disclosure
As Residential Children’s Home Manager, you will lead the daily operations of our children’s home, ensuring the delivery of safe, nurturing, and high-quality care in line with all relevant regulations and standards. You will be responsible for the welfare and development of children and young people, managing staff teams effectively, and ensuring compliance with Ofsted requirements. Your leadership will directly influence outcomes for children and the quality of the home.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Management
Ensure the home meets all regulatory requirements under the Children’s Homes Regulations (2015) and associated legislation.
Provide effective leadership to staff, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and child-centred practice.
Ensure a safe, supportive environment is maintained at all times.
Oversee the recruitment, induction, supervision, and development of staff.
Monitor team performance through regular appraisals and supervision. Safeguarding & Welfare
Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the home.
Ensure robust safeguarding procedures are in place, adhered to, and regularly reviewed.
Lead on the response to any safeguarding concerns or incidents, liaising with relevant professionals and agencies.
Promote the physical and emotional well-being of all children in your care. Care Planning & Delivery
Oversee and contribute to the development of individualised care plans and risk assessments.
Ensure plans are implemented effectively and reviewed regularly in partnership with key stakeholders (social workers, families, education providers, etc.).
Support young people in achieving positive outcomes in areas such as education, behaviour, relationships, and independence. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure full compliance with Ofsted’s Quality Standards.
Lead on the preparation and response to Regulation 44 visits and Ofsted inspections.
Complete and submit bi-annual Regulation 45 Quality of Care reports.
Maintain up-to-date and accurate records, policies, and procedures in accordance with legal and organisational requirements. Budget & Resource Management
Manage the home’s budget effectively, ensuring financial sustainability.
Allocate resources appropriately to meet the needs of the children and ensure the smooth running of the home.
Ensure all health & safety and risk management protocols are followed. Partnership & Multi-agency Working
Build and maintain positive relationships with external partners, including local authorities, health professionals, education providers, and the community.
Represent the home at external meetings, reviews, and planning forums.
Promote collaborative working to ensure the best outcomes for children. Support for Children and Young People
Promote the emotional, educational, cultural, and social development of each young person.
Facilitate access to education, therapeutic services, healthcare, and recreational activities.
Encourage participation in decision-making and independence skills.
Support transitions into and out of the home, ensuring continuity of care. People Management
Lead a motivated, well-trained, and confident team committed to delivering high standards of care.
Ensure effective rota planning to maintain appropriate staffing levels at all times.
Encourage reflective practice and ensure staff receive regular supervision.
Promote professional development through training, mentoring, and performance management.
Support staff well-being and create a positive team culture. Professional Standards
Maintain a working knowledge of current legislation and guidance relevant to residential childcare.
Operate in accordance with the home’s policies, procedures, and values.
Model high standards of professional conduct and integrity.
Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the service.
Champion the rights, voice, and participation of children and young people. Person Specification Essential Qualifications
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) or willingness to work towards.
Enhanced DBS clearance. Essential Experience
Minimum 2 years’ experience in a residential childcare setting within the last 5 years.
At least 2 years in a leadership or senior role in a residential children’s setting.
Experience of working with children with emotional, behavioural, or complex needs.
Proven track record of leading inspections and achieving good or outstanding Ofsted ratings. Knowledge & Skills
Strong understanding of children’s residential care legislation (Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Children Act 1989 & 2004, Care Standards Act 2000).
Comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding practices and child protection procedures.
Skilled in behaviour management and trauma-informed care.
Financial and budget management skills.
Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
Confidence in liaising with multi-agency professionals and leading multi-disciplinary meetings.
Proficient in using IT systems and recording software relevant to social care. Desirable
Qualification in therapeutic care or counselling.
Experience supporting young people transitioning into independence or semi-independent settings.
Knowledge of Regulation 44 and 45 processes and quality frameworks.
Understanding of child development, attachment theory, and the impact of trauma. Personal Qualities
Passionate about making a positive difference in children’s lives.
Emotionally resilient and able to manage high-pressure situations.
Empathetic, patient, and emotionally intelligent.
Committed to safeguarding and child-centred practice.
Honest, trustworthy, and dependable.
Strong leadership presence and the ability to inspire others. Equality and Diversity
Uphold and promote the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Ensure services are accessible, culturally sensitive, and non-discriminatory.
Understand and implement legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010. Additional Information
Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the home, which may include working outside standard hours and participating in the on-call rota.
You will be expected to participate in ongoing training and CPD opportunities to maintain professional competence and knowledge