Childcare Residential Manager in Birmingham

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Ofsted Registered Manager to lead two children’s homes supporting young people aged 8 to 18 with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. In this pivotal role, you will oversee all aspects of both homes’ operations—ensuring a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every young person can heal, grow, and thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead the day-to-day operations of two children’s homes, ensuring alignment with Children’s Homes Regulations, Ofsted standards, and best practices. Inspire, support, and lead teams across both settings to deliver consistent, high-quality, child-centred care. Promote a positive and open culture focused on continuous improvement, therapeutic support, and team cohesion. Support and supervise Deputy Managers and senior staff in both homes to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Care Planning and Delivery: Develop, implement, and regularly review personalised care plans for each young person, tailored to their emotional, social, educational, and developmental needs. Foster therapeutic, stable environments that promote healing, resilience, and independence. Ensure effective planning for transitions, supporting young people in building life skills and preparing for adulthood.
• Safeguarding and Compliance: Take full responsibility for safeguarding practices and child protection procedures across both homes. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory standards, including Ofsted frameworks. Carry out regular audits and quality assurance processes to maintain excellence in care and compliance.
• Working in Partnership: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with external professionals including social workers, schools, health services, and families. Represent the homes at multidisciplinary meetings, reviews, and inspections, advocating for the best interests of the children. Promote holistic, joined-up care approaches across both sites.
• Operational and Administrative Duties: Oversee staffing, rotas, budgets, and resource management across both homes. Maintain accurate records, risk assessments, and reports in line with legal and regulatory requirements. Ensure all staff receive appropriate training and professional development, including safeguarding and trauma-informed care.

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Strong experience working with children and young people with SEMH needs.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop teams across multiple sites.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Children’s Homes Regulations, and Ofsted inspection frameworks.
• Skilled in implementing individualised care plans and managing complex behaviours.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with young people, staff, families, and professionals.
• Resilient, calm under pressure, and solution-focused.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and therapeutic care practices.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years' leadership experience in a children’s residential care setting (multi-site experience desirable).
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Comprehensive understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience supporting children with complex SEMH needs.
• Additional training in therapeutic models or trauma-informed approaches is highly desirable.
• Full UK driving licence (preferred due to travel between homes).