Childrens Service Manager

Job Title: Registered Manager - Children's Home
Location: Bishop Auckland, County Durham (with flexibility to work across Council sites)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time (37 hours per week)
Salary: Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 per annum
Additional Allowances: £2,500 temporary recruitment/retention allowance (annual lump sum) & £3,500 temporary Market Supplement (paid monthly)
Total Earning Potential: Up to £58,805 per annum

About the Role

We are excited to be expanding our Children's Homes Service in County Durham and are seeking a passionate Registered Manager to lead one of our homes in Bishop Auckland. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a trauma-informed environment, building a supportive and skilled team dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

As a Registered Manager, you will:

• Oversee all aspects of the Children's Home's operations.
• Lead, train, and develop your team to deliver high-quality care.
• Ensure compliance with Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted standards.
• Promote continuous service improvement and innovation.
• Support the emotional well-being and development of the children in your care.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic leader with:

• Proven leadership and management experience in a residential setting.
• Strong understanding of Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Ofsted inspections, and Regulation 44.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice and research related to children in care.
• Excellent people management skills, including training, supervision, and HR practices.
• Effective communication and decision-making skills.
• A passion for creating a nurturing environment focused on young people's aspirations and well-being.

Qualifications:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or commitment to complete within 18 months - funded by the Council)

Evening and weekend work may be required, and the role is eligible for flexi-time.

Our Values

Our work is guided by our Durham Cares approach, rooted in our core DURHAM values:

• Dignity
• Unity
• Responsibility
• Heart
• Aspiration
• Mindset

These values shape the care we provide for young people and foster a positive, supportive culture within our teams.

What We Offer

We value our staff and offer a comprehensive rewards package, including:

• 27 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing to 32 days after 5 years' service
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days' annual leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with top-up options
• Wellbeing Portal and Employee Assistance Scheme
• Professional development opportunities, including funded qualifications and mentoring
• Employee Benefits Portal with discounts at major retailers
• Discounted gym membership
• Staff-led networks (Race Equality, LGBT+, Carers, Armed Forces, Menopause)
• Salary sacrifice schemes (e.g., car leasing)
• Trade Union membership

How to Apply

If you're ready to make a difference and lead a team providing outstanding care for young people, we want to hear from you!

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