**Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and dedicated Residential Children's Home Manager to oversee the operations of a children's residential care home. As the Home Manager, you will be responsible for creating a nurturing, safe, and positive environment for children and young people who may have experienced trauma, neglect, or other challenges. You will lead a team of care staff to provide high-quality, person-centered care, ensuring that the home operates in line with regulatory requirements and offers a therapeutic setting that promotes the well-being, growth, and development of the children.
**Key Responsibilities
-
Leadership and Management
-
Manage the day-to-day operations of the children's home, ensuring a caring and supportive environment for all residents.
-
Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of care workers, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
-
Ensure that all staff adhere to the home's policies, procedures, and legal requirements, particularly safeguarding and child protection protocols.
-
Monitor and evaluate the care practices within the home, striving for continuous improvement and high standards.
-
Child-Centered Care
-
Promote a nurturing environment that caters to the individual needs of each child, providing emotional, educational, and social support.
-
Work with multi-disciplinary teams (social workers, therapists, educators, etc.) to create and implement care plans, ensuring all needs of the children are met.
-
Ensure that the home operates in compliance with relevant legislation, including the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
-
Create a culture of respect, empowerment, and positive behavior management within the home.
-
Compliance and Safeguarding
-
Ensure that safeguarding procedures are robust and fully implemented to protect the welfare of all children.
-
Maintain compliance with Ofsted regulations, managing inspections and addressing any feedback or action points.
-
Keep accurate and comprehensive records, including care plans, risk assessments, and incident reports.
-
Work closely with external agencies such as local authorities, healthcare providers, and educational institutions.
-
Budget Management
-
Manage the home's budget, ensuring financial resources are used effectively to meet the needs of the home and the children.
-
Monitor expenditures, control costs, and ensure that the home remains financially viable.
-
Stakeholder Engagement
-
Build and maintain strong relationships with children, families, staff, and external professionals.
-
Promote community involvement and create opportunities for children to engage with local activities, services, and educational opportunities.
**Essential Qualifications and Skills
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Previous experience in managing or supervising in a residential care setting, preferably with children and young people.
- Strong knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and safeguarding legislation.
- Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, support, and develop a diverse team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and positive relationships with children, staff, and external partners.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage resources effectively and prioritize tasks.
- A deep understanding of trauma-informed care and therapeutic practices for children who have experienced adverse childhood events.
**Desired Attributes
- Empathy, patience, and resilience in dealing with complex and sometimes challenging situations.
- A commitment to creating positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
- Flexibility and adaptability to respond to the dynamic needs of the children and the home.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
**Benefits
- Competitive salary and pension scheme.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Supportive working environment with a commitment to staff well-being.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.