Responsible Individual Children's Homes

Responsible Individual – Children's Residential Care

Salary: From £60,000 per annum
Location: South Yorkshire
Services: Oversight of 3 children's residential homes
Hours: Full-time, permanent

Salary & Benefits

• Salary starting from £60,000 per annum
• 35 days' annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Company car and mileage allowance
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Health and wellbeing programme, including access to staff wellbeing tools
• Company events
• On-site parking
• Supportive, therapeutic working environment where your leadership can make a genuine difference to children's lives

What We're Looking For

• At least 2 years' experience in residential children's social care, ideally as a Responsible Individual or Dual Registered Manager
• A consistent track record of achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or equivalent
• Thorough understanding of trauma-informed care and therapeutic practice
• Working knowledge of PACE and what constitutes a therapeutic placement for children
• Strong knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations and legislation relating to the operation of registered children's homes
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a warm and nurturing approach
• Confidence in challenging, guiding and mentoring other managers
• Full UK driving licence
• Clear enhanced DBS and positive references from previous roles working with children or vulnerable adults

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, oversight and support to three Registered Managers across the South Yorkshire homes
• Supervise, manage, mentor and develop Registered Managers, supporting improvements in the quality and efficiency of each service
• Provide guidance, training and practical support to managers, helping to improve systems, processes and paperwork
• Work with Registered and Deputy Managers to monitor staff development and identify training needs
• Ensure each home has appropriate staffing levels, resources, equipment and a well-trained team
• Chair management meetings and attend regular meetings, addressing matters affecting the homes, staff teams and children's progress
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the area, ensuring children and staff are protected from harm and abuse
• Maintain compliance across all homes with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and relevant legislation
• Ensure each home works towards and maintains at least a Good Ofsted rating
• Attend Ofsted inspections and feedback meetings, building effective working relationships with inspectors
• Carry out spot checks and audits of key paperwork to maintain consistent, high-quality care
• Ensure health and safety checks and administration are completed within agreed timescales
• Embed therapeutic, trauma-informed and child-centred care throughout all areas of the service
• Work closely with the in-house therapy team to ensure children receive holistic support
• Be involved in care planning and monitor and evaluate outcomes for every child
• Oversee admissions, transitions and discharges to ensure they are managed safely and effectively
• Visit homes regularly, building meaningful relationships and developing an in-depth understanding of each child
• Ensure every home has a continuous improvement and development plan that is implemented, monitored and evaluated
• Support managers with allegations, disciplinary matters and investigations, taking the lead when required
• Critically analyse incidents and develop practical, evidence-based strategic action plans
• Evaluate the effectiveness of staff training and continue developing your own knowledge and practice
• Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence across the homes, ensuring the therapeutic approach is reflected in everyday practice