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Job Overview

As the Residential Children’s Care Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our children’s residential home located in Herne Bay. This key leadership role involves creating a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment where young residents can grow, heal, and flourish. You will manage a dedicated team of care professionals, ensuring that the home adheres to all applicable regulations, particularly Ofsted standards. Your leadership will inspire a culture of continuous improvement, with a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for the children in your care.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Staff Management

* Lead, inspire, and supervise a team of care staff, ensuring that high-quality care is consistently provided to all children.

* Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment that prioritizes staff well-being and professional development.

* Implement regular training and performance reviews to ensure all staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

* Promote a team-oriented culture that encourages collaboration, accountability, and excellence in care delivery.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

* Ensure the home operates in full compliance with Ofsted regulations, as well as other relevant statutory guidelines and standards.

* Prepare the home for inspections, guiding the team through the process with the goal of maintaining or improving the home’s Ofsted rating, ideally aiming for a “Good” or higher outcome.

* Conduct regular audits of care practices, safety procedures, and operational standards to identify areas for improvement and maintain a high level of care.

Safeguarding and Child Welfare

* Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring that all safeguarding procedures are followed rigorously.

* Take prompt action to address any safeguarding concerns, investigating incidents as needed and ensuring that all actions comply with statutory requirements.

* Work closely with social workers, families, and other external agencies to support the safety and well-being of each child in your care.

Financial and Resource Management

* Oversee the management of the home’s budget, ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently and in line with operational needs.

* Regularly review and monitor expenditure to ensure that the home operates within its budget, making adjustments where necessary to maintain financial stability.

* Ensure that the home is adequately resourced to meet the needs of the children, while balancing cost-effectiveness and quality of service.

Engagement with Stakeholders

* Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including children’s families, local authorities, external agencies, and the wider community.

* Advocate for the children’s voices, ensuring that their needs and views are central to all decisions made regarding their care.

* Engage with external professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care, including liaising with healthcare providers, education services, and other relevant partners.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

* Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (or equivalent qualification).

* Level 3 Diploma in Children’s and Young People’s Workforce (or equivalent qualification).

* Proven experience in a management role within a children’s residential care setting, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality care.

* Comprehensive understanding of Ofsted regulations and safeguarding procedures.

* Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and support a team effectively in a challenging environment.

Desirable:

* Experience working with children who have emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD), and an understanding of the complexities of their care needs.

* A demonstrated history of achieving positive Ofsted inspection outcomes, with the ability to lead a home towards continuous improvement.

* Additional qualifications or experience in therapeutic care practices or specialist behavioral interventions are advantageous.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be someone who is deeply passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people. You will be resilient in managing the demands of the role, with the ability to stay calm and composed in difficult situations. You will have a strong organizational capacity, excellent decision-making skills, and the ability to navigate complex situations with empathy and professionalism. Your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care will be evident in your leadership and day-to-day management of the home