Job Description

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 16-18. 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