Job Description

We are a new service, with two homes due to open in upcoming months. You will play a pivotal role in the set up and ongoing management of one of our homes here in Portsmouth.

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the day-to-day operations of a 3-bed children's residential care home, ensuring it provides a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for children aged 8-17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), attachment disorders, and/or complex trauma. You will be responsible for the effective safeguarding of all children, ensuring high standards of care, regulatory compliance, and promoting positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Compliance

Register with Ofsted as the Registered Manager and maintain compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards. Uphold the home's Statement of Purpose, ensuring services are child-centred and meet individual needs. Maintain full operational oversight of the 3-bed home, leading the staff team to deliver consistent, high-quality care. Ensure the home is always Ofsted inspection-ready, driving continuous improvement to achieve and maintain 'Good' or 'Outstanding' outcomes.

Safeguarding & Risk Management

Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and ensure robust safeguarding procedures are followed at all times. Maintain oversight of risk assessments, behaviour support strategies, and incidents. Proactively manage concerns, disclosures, and complaints in line with safeguarding protocols.

Care Planning & Child Outcomes

Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive care plans, placement plans, and pathway plans for each child. Work closely with Social Workers, IROs, schools, and health professionals to coordinate multi-agency support. Ensure children are supported in their education, physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing, and life skills development. Create a trauma-informed and attachment-aware culture that promotes resilience, trust, and empowerment.

Staff Leadership & Team Culture

Recruit, lead, and develop a staff team (including deputies, senior support workers, and support workers) to deliver outstanding care, in line with relevant regulations. Provide regular supervision, coaching, and professional development opportunities. Promote staff wellbeing, address performance concerns, and build a stable and skilled team capable of supporting young people with complex needs. Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and manage rota planning.

Regulatory & Quality Assurance

Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, including health & safety, data protection, and safeguarding legislation. Complete Regulation 45 reports and contribute to Regulation 44 visits. Conduct regular internal audits, file reviews, and service evaluations to improve practice. Prepare for and respond to Ofsted inspections, acting on recommendations or enforcement actions as necessary.

Person Specification

Essential:

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent, for example a Social Work Degree). At least 2 years of experience in a residential childcare setting, with 1 year in a supervisory or management role. Sound knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations. Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and managing challenging behaviour. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Enhanced DBS check, full employment history check and registration suitability with Ofsted.

Desirable:

Previous experience as a Registered Manager in a multi-bed EBD children's home. Experience leading homes to achieve Good or Outstanding Ofsted judgments. Therapeutic care model experience (e.g., PACE, Dyadic Developmental Practice).

Benefits:

Competitive salary plus performance-based incentives. 30+ days annual leave (including bank holidays). Ongoing training, leadership development, and support for further qualifications. Supportive senior management and Responsible Individual. Opportunities to influence service development and innovation.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 55,000.00-60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension
Experience:

children's residential care: 2 years (preferred) management: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

UK driving licence (preferred) L5 in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 26/09/2025