At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support young people in a secure home, managing challenging behaviours and promoting high care standards.
- Company: Kyloe House, a secure children's home making a real difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, market force allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and reflective practice.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 39862 - 44075 £ per year.
Salary & Benefits: Basic Salary: £39,862 – £44,075 (Band 8); Market Force Allowance: £5,000 p/a; Enhancements: Evenings (8pm–6am) and weekends.
Location: Kyloe House, Stannington, Morpeth, NE61 6DE
Contact: KyloeAdmin@northumberland.gov.uk. Interview Date: 08th July 2026.
Make a real difference where it matters most. This is a uniquely rewarding but demanding leadership role within a secure children’s home supporting young people who have experienced significant trauma and may present with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
What the role really involves
- Supporting young people who may display behaviour that challenges, including aggression, self-harm, or disengagement
- Managing emotionally intense situations, requiring skilled de-escalation and, at times, physical intervention (training provided)
- Working shifts, including evenings, and weekends
- Making decisions under pressure to keep young people and staff safe
- Working within a structured, regulated environment where consistency is critical
This is not an office‑based role — you will be visible on shift, leading by example and directly supporting both staff and young people.
About the role
You will support the Residential Manager in the day‑to‑day running of the home, with a particular responsibility for driving high standards of care practice, staff development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
Key aspects include:
- Promoting consistent, high-quality care through coaching, feedback, and reflective supervision
- Supporting staff to build confidence and capability through reflective practice and learning from experience
- Monitoring, evaluating, and continuously improving care practice through audits, feedback, and performance information
- Reviewing practice quality and using insight to identify areas for development and implement improvements
- Ensuring compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and safeguarding standards
- Learning from incidents, inspections, and feedback to strengthen practice and outcomes for young people
- Maintaining high-quality records and reports to support service evaluation and improvement
- Stepping up to lead the service in the absence of the Residential Manager
Who we’re looking for
- Resilient and emotionally intelligent, able to remain calm and purposeful in challenging situations
- Experienced in working with young people who have experienced trauma and display complex or behaviours that challenge
- Confident in leading, coaching, and developing others to improve practice
- Committed to high standards, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Able to balance compassion with clear professional boundaries and decision‑making
Essential experience and qualifications
- Experience in a residential childcare setting, ideally in a senior or supervisory role
- Experience supporting young people with behaviours that challenge and complex needs
- Knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations and safeguarding frameworks
- Experience of quality assurance, audits, or practice review
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
- GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent)
Desirable
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (or working towards)
Why join us?
- Be part of a service making a genuine, lasting impact on young people’s lives.
- Strong focus on learning, reflective practice, and professional development.
- Opportunity to shape care quality and influence service improvement.
- Supportive leadership team and structured supervision.
A realistic view – is this the right role for you?
This role can be physically and emotionally demanding, and not every shift will feel rewarding. You will be working with young people at times of crisis and uncertainty, where progress can be gradual and setbacks are part of the journey. However, for the right person, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead change, build resilience in others, and make a meaningful, lasting difference.
Apply now
If you are motivated by challenge, committed to high standards, and driven to improve outcomes for young people, we would love to hear from you.
Residential Assistant Manager - Kyloe House employer: Northumberland Fire Group
At Kyloe House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning and reflective practice, while our leadership team is committed to providing guidance and development opportunities. Located in the serene surroundings of Stannington, Morpeth, we offer a unique chance to lead impactful change in a structured environment, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Assistant Manager - Kyloe House
✨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 Northumberland Fire Group.
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Residential Assistant Manager - Kyloe House
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 Northumberland Fire Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Northumberland Fire Group! 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 Northumberland Fire Group
✨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.
