Assistant Manager - Residential Children's Homes in Wokingham

We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Residential Children's Home Assistant Manager to join our brand-new, multi-building Residential Children's Homes within the borough. As the Assistant Manager, you will play an active role in the day-to-day operation of the homes and provide key support to the Residential Homes Manager in their responsibilities for the effective management of the residential children's homes. You will support the provision of a professional, child-centred service, ensuring its accordance with the relevant regulations, legislation, codes of practice and policy and procedures. Wokingham Borough Council's aim is to enable our most vulnerable children and young people in care to live close to the things they hold dear – close to family, friends, community, and those who care for them most.

This service comprises of two children's homes (a 4-bedroom house and a 2-bedroom house), both supporting Emotional Behaviour Disorder/Difficulties (EBD). These homes enable more children with complex needs to remain in or return to Wokingham and avoids the use of unregistered placements and children living away from their communities and networks.

Benefits

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
• An excellent local government pension scheme
• Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
• Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
• A range of local & lifestyle discounts
• An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline
• And much more!

Key responsibilities

• Support the Homes Manager to ensure that the service meets its statutory responsibility and is compliant with the Children's Homes Regulations (2015).
• Assist in the development of a professional team that performs to the highest standards, ensuring effective supervision, staff development and training.
• Support the Homes Manager to exceed expectations at Inspection and Regulation 44 visits in terms of delivering positive outcomes for young people.
• Work openly with Quality Assurance to ensure good safeguarding standards and high-quality information recording are maintained.
• Line management for 8/9 members of staff over a working week, including 2 Senior Support workers, 4/5 Support workers and 1/2 Waking night staff.
• Take immediate management action when the welfare or safety of children or young people is at risk.

Candidate Requirements

• Hold a professional qualification in Level 3 Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Extensive professional work experience in a management position in a children's residential setting.
• Knowledge of Children Act 1989 & CH regulations and good standards of practice.
• Demonstrate experience of working effectively with children, parents, colleagues and partner agencies.
• Ability to work the required shift patterns including alternate weekends, overnight and late shifts.

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We're home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

For an informal discussion, please contact either Holli.Blackburn@wokingham.gov.uk (hiring manager) or Alix.williams@wokingham.gov.uk (recruitment team).

Closing Date: Monday 31st August 2026 at 11pm

Interview Date: 8th and 9th September, in person, in Wokingham

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.