Service Manager for Children's Homes

NHS; Oxford; On-site; GBP 66,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional authority for children's services in Oxford is seeking a passionate and experienced Service Manager to lead and inspire their residential care teams. The ideal candidate will manage compliance with regulations while focusing on the well-being of vulnerable children. Strong leadership skills and a recognized social work qualification are essential. This permanent role offers competitive pay and opportunities for development.

Benefits

Relocation expenses up to £8,000

A generous local government pension scheme

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Culture of flexible working

24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing children's residential services.
• The ability to inspire and empower teams to thrive.
• Full driving licence and flexibility to work countywide.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and delivery of high-quality care.
• Ensure compliance with Children's Homes Regulations 2015.
• Provide strategic leadership to Registered Managers.

Skills

Leadership

Knowledge of childcare legislation

Empowering staff

Ability to manage residential services

Strong communication skills

Education

Recognised social work qualification

Job description

Job summary

As Service Manager, you will be confident and knowledgeable in the application of the Childrens Homes Regulations 2015 and will hold the Ofsted Responsible Individual role across the childrens homes. Youll be responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of high-quality care across our childrens homes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, support, and therapeutic care. This role is about more than compliance its about creating a culture of care where children feel safe, valued, and empowered. Youll work closely with colleagues across the council and partner agencies to ensure our services are responsive, inclusive, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for every child. In addition, youll provide strategic leadership to Registered Managers and guide them through the exciting process of opening and embedding new homes. This would be an ideal opportunity for an experienced Social Work Qualified Registered Manager who is looking for that next career development opportunity.

Main duties of the job

You will be a highly motivated individual with a creative ambition to improve and shape services to meet the needs of children who live in our childrens homes. Your knowledge in childcare legislation, safeguarding, and Ofsted standards will help us develop our model of intervention which allows children to begin to heal from past traumas they have experienced. As a qualified Social Worker and a strong leader, you will be experienced in managing childrens residential services, leading teams, inspiring, empowering, and supporting staff to thrive. You will need to be willing to sign a pledge to children being cared for in our childrens homes to say that you will champion and support them to become the best they can be. You will need a full driving licence and the flexibility to work countywide. The post requires a recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.

About us

Weve got an ambitious road ahead and we want you to be part of it! As we prepare to expand our residential care provision for Children We Care For by opening 4 new Childrens homes in 2025, were looking for a passionate and experienced Service Manager to lead and inspire our residential teams. This is more than a job its a chance to transform lives and build brighter futures for children who need it most. Our childrens homes work with the most vulnerable children and families within the Children We Care For system and those preparing for independence. The strategic aim of this service is to deliver integrated and individualised interventions to promote the best outcomes for children and their families.

Details Date posted

01 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£66,029 to £69,355 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VPE8DE773C

Job locations

Oxford

OX1 1ND

Job description Job responsibilities About us

Help Shape the Future for Oxfordshires Children

Weve got an ambitious road ahead and we want you to be part of it!As we prepare to expand our residential care provision for Children We Care For by opening 4 new Childrens homes in 2025, were looking for a passionate and experienced Service Manager to lead and inspire our residential teams. This is more than a job its a chance to transform lives and build brighter futures for children who need it most.

Our childrens homes work with the most vulnerable children and families within the Children We Care For system and those preparing for independence.The strategic aim of this service is to deliver integrated and individualised interventions to promote the best outcomes for children and their families.

About the role

As Service Manager, you will be confident and knowledgeable in the application of the Childrens Homes Regulations 2015 and will hold the Ofsted Responsible Individual role across the childrens homes.Youll be responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of high-quality care across our childrens homes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, support, and therapeutic care.

This role is about more than compliance its about creating a culture of care where children feel safe, valued, and empowered.Youll work closely with colleagues across the council and partner agencies to ensure our services are responsive, inclusive, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for every child.In addition, youll provide strategic leadership to Registered Managers and guide them through the exciting process of opening and embedding new homes.

This would be an ideal opportunity for an experienced Social Work Qualified Registered Manager who is looking for that next career development opportunity.

About you

You will be a highly motivated individual with a creative ambition to improve and shape services to meet the needs of children who live in our childrens homes.Your knowledge in childcare legislation, safeguarding, and Ofsted standards will help us develop our model of intervention which allows children to begin to heal from past traumas they have experienced.

As a qualified Social Worker and a strong leader, you will be experienced in managing childrens residential services, leading teams, inspiring, empowering, and supporting staff to thrive.

You will need to be willing to sign a pledge to children being cared for in our childrens homes to say that you will champion and support them to become the best they can be.

Youll need a full driving licence and the flexibility to work countywide.

The post requires a recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.

Please find the job description and full selection criteria attached to this advert.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Charlotte Davey, Assistant Director for Countywide Services [e-mail] 07512447609

Our Rewards & Benefits

• Relocation expenses of up to £8,000
• A good to outstanding OFSTED rating
• Regular training opportunities
• A flexible, agile organisation
• A generous local government pension scheme
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Culture of flexible working
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Option to buy additional holiday
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

How to apply

To apply, you will need to complete an online application form.This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the requirements of the job role and selection criteria, as specified in the job description. You may attach a cover letter and/or CV to your application form; however, it is not mandatory.

If you experience any difficulties whilst completing the application form, please contact the Recruitment Team using the Recruitment Application Enquiry Form on the Home Page.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether youre pregnant or on family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff.

Our commitment to safeguarding

Our Organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Guaranteed interviews

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

To stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: [e-mail]

Job description Job responsibilities About us

Help Shape the Future for Oxfordshires Children

Weve got an ambitious road ahead and we want you to be part of it!As we prepare to expand our residential care provision for Children We Care For by opening 4 new Childrens homes in 2025, were looking for a passionate and experienced Service Manager to lead and inspire our residential teams. This is more than a job its a chance to transform lives and build brighter futures for children who need it most.

Our childrens homes work with the most vulnerable children and families within the Children We Care For system and those preparing for independence.The strategic aim of this service is to deliver integrated and individualised interventions to promote the best outcomes for children and their families.

About the role

As Service Manager, you will be confident and knowledgeable in the application of the Childrens Homes Regulations 2015 and will hold the Ofsted Responsible Individual role across the childrens homes.Youll be responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of high-quality care across our childrens homes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, support, and therapeutic care.

This role is about more than compliance its about creating a culture of care where children feel safe, valued, and empowered.Youll work closely with colleagues across the council and partner agencies to ensure our services are responsive, inclusive, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for every child.In addition, youll provide strategic leadership to Registered Managers and guide them through the exciting process of opening and embedding new homes.

This would be an ideal opportunity for an experienced Social Work Qualified Registered Manager who is looking for that next career development opportunity.

About you

You will be a highly motivated individual with a creative ambition to improve and shape services to meet the needs of children who live in our childrens homes.Your knowledge in childcare legislation, safeguarding, and Ofsted standards will help us develop our model of intervention which allows children to begin to heal from past traumas they have experienced.

As a qualified Social Worker and a strong leader, you will be experienced in managing childrens residential services, leading teams, inspiring, empowering, and supporting staff to thrive.

You will need to be willing to sign a pledge to children being cared for in our childrens homes to say that you will champion and support them to become the best they can be.

Youll need a full driving licence and the flexibility to work countywide.

The post requires a recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.

Please find the job description and full selection criteria attached to this advert.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Charlotte Davey, Assistant Director for Countywide Services [e-mail] 07512447609

Our Rewards & Benefits

• Relocation expenses of up to £8,000
• A good to outstanding OFSTED rating
• Regular training opportunities
• A flexible, agile organisation
• A generous local government pension scheme
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Culture of flexible working
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Option to buy additional holiday
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

How to apply

To apply, you will need to complete an online application form.This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the requirements of the job role and selection criteria, as specified in the job description. You may attach a cover letter and/or CV to your application form; however, it is not mandatory.

If you experience any difficulties whilst completing the application form, please contact the Recruitment Team using the Recruitment Application Enquiry Form on the Home Page.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether youre pregnant or on family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff.

Our commitment to safeguarding

Our Organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Guaranteed interviews

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

To stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: [e-mail]

Person Specification General Requirements Essential

• Please refer to job description above

Desirable

• Please refer to job description above

Person Specification General Requirements Essential

• Please refer to job description above

Desirable

• Please refer to job description above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND

Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND

Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)