Service Manager

GinareMedilink; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist provider of children's services in the UK seeks an experienced individual to manage multiple supported accommodation units. Responsibilities include operational leadership, ensuring compliance with regulations, and staff recruitment and supervision. The candidate must have experience in children's services, strong communication skills, and safeguarding experience. This role involves engaging with young people and developing a supportive environment. A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management is preferred, along with flexibility to work outside standard hours.

Qualifications

• Experience managing children's or 16+ supported living / residential services.
• Demonstrable safeguarding experience and DSL training.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary staff teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational management of multiple supported accommodation units.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the service.
• Recruit, train and supervise a diverse staff team.

Skills

Experience managing children's or 16+ supported living / residential services

In-depth knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015

Strong report writing and communication skills

Ability to manage budgets and operational planning

Communication skills

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Job description

Role Summary

This service supports 16+ young people including Looked After Children (LAC), Unaccompanied Asylum‑Seeking Children (UASC), and Care Leavers transitioning to independent adulthood. The service operates under the Childrens Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010, and is subject to Ofsted regulation and inspection. Homes support up to 4 residents each, with a focus on safeguarding, life skills development, and trauma‑informed care.

About Us

We are an established and highly respected specialist provider of children and young people services in London, Nottingham, Kent and Norfolk, committed to delivering exceptional, person‑centred care to individuals in their own homes and within supported living accommodation. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to take a leading role across our organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Service Leadership and Governance:

• Lead the operational management of multiple 16+ supported accommodation units.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, Childrens Homes Regulations, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) protocols.
• Maintain robust care and placement planning records aligned with Pathway Plans and PEPs.
• Ensure the home environment is welcoming, emotionally safe, and trauma‑informed.

Safeguarding and Risk Management:

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the service.
• Maintain an open and transparent safeguarding culture, leading investigations and liaising with MASH, LADO and IROs as necessary.
• Ensure robust risk assessments, missing‑from‑care protocols, and incident management procedures are in place and reviewed regularly.

Staff Leadership and Development:

• Recruit, train and supervise a diverse staff team including Support Workers, Team Leaders and Key Workers.
• Ensure all staff complete mandatory and statutory training, including safeguarding, contextualised risk, trauma, and attachment.
• Oversee regular team supervisions, reflective practice sessions, and performance reviews.

Young Person‑Focused Practice:

• Promote co‑production, participation, and engagement with young people in care planning and service development.
• Ensure staff support young people with emotional regulation, independent living skills, education, employment, and cultural needs.
• Embed trauma‑informed and restorative approaches to behaviour support and relationship building.

Compliance, Quality and Reporting:

• Lead on monthly Regulation 44 visits and ensure timely submission of Regulation 45 reports.
• Prepare for and participate in Ofsted inspections, local authority audits, and quality assurance reviews.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR and safeguarding best practice.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with social workers, personal advisors, education providers, mental health and substance misuse services.
• Represent the organisation in LAC reviews, Child Protection conferences, and professionals meetings.
• Develop strong working relationships with Lambeths commissioning team and placement team.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Experience managing childrens or 16+ supported living / residential services.
• In‑depth knowledge of Childrens Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Care Leavers statutory guidance, and Ofsted standards.
• Demonstrable safeguarding experience and DSL training.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary staff teams in a regulatory environment.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, staffing, and operational planning.

Desirable:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to complete).
• Experience with UASC, contextual safeguarding, and complex risk profiles.
• Understanding of Lambeths Childrens Services commissioning priorities.
• Project or mobilisation experience for new childrens placements or supported accommodation.

Other Requirements

• Enhanced DBS with Childrens Barred List check.
• Participation in the out‑of‑hours on‑call rota.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

A natural ability to multi‑task and problem solve in an open and transparent, honest manner is essential, but at the same time, it requires you to have an ability to build and maintain quality, respectful relationships based on integrity and trust, so a fair and equitable manner is required in all instances.