House Manager - Residential Childcare

Polaris Inc.; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local service provider in Dorchester is seeking a passionate House Manager to lead a children's home for 12 months. This role involves managing staff, ensuring compliance, and providing quality support to young residents. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience in residential care, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safeguarding. Benefits include company pension and training opportunities.

Benefits

Company pension

Employee discount scheme

Access to wellbeing programmes

Therapeutic Parenting (DDP Level 1) training

Monthly clinical and professional supervision

Qualifications

• Experience in residential care or youth work with young people with Emotional Behavioural Disorders (EBD).
• Proactive and flexible approach in care settings.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a staff team for emotional and physical support.
• Ensure compliance and safeguarding standards are met.
• Liaise with Local Authorities and external professionals.

Skills

Leadership and team management skills

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Child-centred approach

Understanding of safeguarding and compliance

Education

Level 5 Management of Children's Services qualification

Willingness to undertake enhanced DBS check

Job description

We're seeking a passionate and motivated House Manager to lead one of our 2-bedded Children's Home in Dorchester for 12 months, covering maternity leave. As House Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the home, staff supervision, and ensuring high-quality care and support for our young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a staff team to ensure young people receive emotional and physical support in line with their needs.
• Ensure the home meets all compliance and safeguarding standards.
• Promote a safe, nurturing, and development-focused environment.
• Liaise with Local Authorities and external professionals.
• Deliver effective supervision, team development and operational oversight.
• Contribute to recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Be part of an on‑call rota for out‑of‑hours support.

Qualifications

You'll be supported by a strong network including our Clinical, Education, QA, HR, and Training Leads, and an experienced Area Manager.

Experience in residential care, youth work, or working with young people with Emotional Behavioural Disorders (EBD).

Leadership and team management skills.

Strong communication and organisational skills.

Understanding of safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance in care settings.

A proactive, flexible, and child‑centred approach.

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check (paid for by Budwood).

Budwood, part of Polaris Community, is a local service dedicated to providing high-quality Children's Homes and 16+ Supported Accommodation. Our young people may have experienced adverse childhood experiences, and our aim is to offer them a stable, nurturing home environment where they can feel safe, grow in confidence, and gain the skills they need for adulthood and independence.

Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.

Benefits

• Company pension
• Employee discount scheme
• Access to wellbeing programmes
• Therapeutic Parenting (DDP Level 1) training
• Level 5 Management of Children's Services qualification
• Monthly clinical and professional supervision
• Therapeutic support and training opportunities