At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape high-quality residential care for children and young people.
- Company: Kirklees Children’s Residential Services, committed to exceptional care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, professional development, and flexible working.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a shared vision for excellence in care.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Management experience in children's care and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 46202 - 52100 £ per year.
About the Service
We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and experienced Service Manager to join our established leadership team within Kirklees Children’s Residential Services. This is a key strategic leadership role, working alongside an existing Service Manager, to lead and shape high-quality residential provision that delivers exceptional care and outcomes for children and young people.
Kirklees currently provides a diverse and expanding residential offer, including:
- Six children’s homes, comprising:
- Four long-term homes supporting up to 4 children aged 9–18
- Two specialist homes for children with disabilities and complex health needs:
- One long-term home for up to 6 young people aged 11–18
- One short breaks home supporting children living with families or carers through planned stays
- Ongoing development plans to expand provision, including small group living homes supporting up to 2 children
About the Role
As a Service Manager, you will:
- Provide strong, values-driven leadership to Registered Managers and their teams, embedding a positive, trauma-informed and child-centred culture
- Take strategic oversight of service delivery to ensure excellent standards of care, safeguarding and practice
- Lead on the recruitment, supervision, performance management and development of managers and emerging leaders
- Build and sustain effective multi-agency partnerships with local authorities, social workers, health professionals, families and other stakeholders
- Ensure full compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations
- Hold responsibility for budget management, ensuring services operate effectively within allocated resources
- Drive continuous improvement and service development, embedding best practice and innovation across all homes
About You
You will:
- Have substantial management experience within children’s residential care or a closely related setting
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
- Hold a Social Work Qualification or Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management or equivalent (or be willing to achieve this)
- Have excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams
- Be resilient, adaptable, and committed to working in a challenging yet highly rewarding environment
- Possess strong communication, organisational, and partnership-working skills
- Hold a full UK driving licence
Benefits
Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary and local government pension scheme
- Ongoing professional development and leadership support
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing initiatives
- Flexible working opportunities where possible
- Generous annual leave entitlement
Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community. To help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team. In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work. You will be joining a committed, supportive and ambitious leadership team, with a shared vision to provide the very best care for children and young people across Kirklees. If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership career and make a lasting difference to children’s lives, we would love to hear from you.
Interviews will take place on 14th July.
Service Manager Residential Children's Homes employer: Kirklees Council
Kirklees Children’s Residential Services is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing high-quality care for children and young people. With a strong focus on professional development, a supportive leadership team, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer a rewarding work environment where you can make a meaningful impact. Our comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries and flexible working opportunities, ensures that our staff are valued and supported in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Residential Children's Homes
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Kirklees Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Kirklees Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Kirklees Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Kirklees Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Residential Children's Homes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Kirklees Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
