Job Purpose:
To provide strategic leadership and operational management of the children’s home, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care in line with regulatory standards, safeguarding requirements, and the needs of the children. The Registered Service Manager will oversee a skilled care team, manage resources, and create a nurturing and safe environment that promotes the wellbeing and development of all children in residence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Management:
- Lead, motivate, and manage the residential care team to deliver outstanding care.
- Ensure effective team communication, staff supervision, and professional development.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures that meet regulatory standards (e.g., Ofsted, CQC).
- Safeguarding and Compliance:
- Ensure all children are safeguarded in line with local authority guidance, national legislation, and organisational policies.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory frameworks, including inspections, reports, and audits.
- Conduct regular risk assessments and ensure the safety of the premises and activities.
- Care Planning and Quality of Care:
- Oversee the assessment, planning, and delivery of individualised care for each child.
- Monitor children’s progress, well-being, and behaviour, ensuring interventions are effective and evidence-based.
- Promote the education, emotional, social, and physical development of children.
- Operational and Financial Management:
- Manage budgets, resources, and staffing to ensure efficient operation of the home.
- Maintain accurate records, including children’s files, incident reports, and staff documentation.
- Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations, infection control, and emergency procedures.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, local authorities, healthcare providers, and educational establishments.
- Act as the primary point of contact for external agencies and regulatory bodies.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Registered with Ofsted/Social Care Regulatory Body as a manager for children’s services.
- Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in residential childcare, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Proven experience of working with children with complex needs, including emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges.
- Relevant professional qualifications in social work, childcare, or leadership (e.g., Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or equivalent).
Knowledge and Skills:
- Strong knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and therapeutic approaches.
- Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage budgets, staffing, and operational tasks effectively.
- Sound decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities.
- Knowledge of current legislation and standards governing children’s residential care.
Personal Attributes:
- Empathetic, resilient, and highly professional.
- Committed to promoting a positive, inclusive, and safe environment.
- Able to inspire and motivate staff while maintaining high standards of care.
- Flexible and able to respond effectively to challenging situations.
Working Conditions:
- Full-time position, including on-call or emergency duties as required.
- Must be able to work some evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts as necessary.
- Office-based work combined with hands-on engagement in the home environment.