Residential Care Manager - Children's Home

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Sick leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Residential Care Manager in Upington to oversee our children's home, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment. You will lead residential care workers, manage daily operations, and monitor care plans to meet each child's physical, emotional, educational, and social needs.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field, at least 4 years in residential child care with 2 years in supervision, and strong leadership and trauma-informed care knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child and Youth Care, or a related field is required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in residential child care, with at least 2 years in supervisory/management capacity.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and attachment theory.
• Proven experience in managing staff, operations, and budgets in a residential setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall operations of the children's home, ensuring a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of residential care workers, fostering a positive and professional work culture.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans for each child, addressing physical, emotional, educational, and social needs.
• Ensure compliance with child protection legislation, licensing requirements, and organizational policies.
• Oversee daily routines including meals, hygiene, education support, and recreational activities.
• Manage the facility's budget, including expenses for supplies, maintenance, and staffing.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records for each child and for facility operations.
• Coordinate with social workers, schools, healthcare providers, and foster care agencies for comprehensive support.
• Respond to emergencies and implement crisis management protocols effectively.
• Promote positive relationships among children and foster a sense of community within the home.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Trauma-informed care

Child development understanding

Staff management

Budgeting

Record-keeping

Stress resilience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child and Youth Care, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable organization providing safe and nurturing environments for children in need, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Residential Care Manager to oversee their children's home in Upington, Northern Cape . This leadership role is responsible for the day-to-day management of the residential facility, ensuring the highest standards of care, safety, and well-being for all children residing there. You will lead a team of care workers, manage operational aspects of the home, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and organizational policies. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a profound understanding of child development and trauma-informed care, and a genuine commitment to creating a stable and supportive home environment. This is a vital role impacting the lives of vulnerable children in the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the overall operations of the children's home, ensuring a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of residential care workers, fostering a positive and professional work culture.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans for each child, ensuring their physical, emotional, educational, and social needs are met.
• Ensure the facility adheres to all relevant child protection legislation, licensing requirements, and organizational policies.
• Oversee the daily routines of the home, including meals, hygiene, education support, and recreational activities.
• Manage the facility's budget, including oversight of expenses related to supplies, maintenance, and staffing.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records for each child and for the facility's operations.
• Liaise with external agencies, including social workers, schools, healthcare providers, and foster care agencies, to ensure comprehensive support for the children.
• Respond to emergencies and implement crisis management protocols effectively.
• Promote positive relationships among the children and foster a sense of community within the home.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child and Youth Care, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in residential child care, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and attachment theory.
• Proven experience in managing staff, operations, and budgets in a residential setting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of child protection laws and regulations in South Africa.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and make sound judgments under pressure.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic administrative tasks.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to undertake necessary travel within the Upington area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training in child care management.
• A supportive team environment dedicated to child welfare.
• The profound satisfaction of providing a stable home for children in need.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.
• Work in the unique setting of Upington , contributing to community well-being.