Job details
- Salary Grade 10: £48,227 – £52,414 (pay award pending)
- Contractual hours: 37 per week – Full Time
- Region: Doncaster
- Job category/type: Children’s Social Work
- Date posted: 28/05/2026
- Job reference: REQ22967
Job description
Based at: Acorn Lodge, Doncaster
Salary Details: Grade 10 £48,227 – £52,414 (pay award pending)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 14th June 2026
Enhanced with barred list DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post.
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation which puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. You have an opportunity to be part of this in the role of Registered Homes Manager.
Are you a dedicated and experienced leader with a passion for transforming the lives of vulnerable children? Do you have a track record of managing good or outstanding services or looking at the next step up from a deputy manager and a commitment to therapeutic approaches? If so, we want to hear from you!
Who Are We:
Our Residential and Inspiring Futures Team is responsible for caring for and supporting our children in care through children’s homes, supported accommodation and inspiring our young people to take the next step into adulthood with continued care for our care leaver service.
Most of our in‑house Children’s homes are judged by Ofsted as “Outstanding” and “Good”. We are committed to providing a nurturing and therapeutic environment for children who need it most. Our residential children’s home offers a safe place where young people can heal, grow, and thrive. We believe in the power of therapeutic care and are dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering atmosphere for both our residents and our staff. We are committed to continuing to build upon our achievements and to increase our in‑house services, creating a skilled, stable, committed, and passionate workforce.
The Role:
This is a unique opportunity to be part of the next stage of our journey. We are recruiting to the role of Registered Homes Manager in our Children with Disabilities Home, who will be responsible for management oversight and support with a focus on relationships and therapeutic support.
The successful candidate will lead and manage a team of residential care staff, so you will need to have a clear and thorough working knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 (including guidance to the regulations), Children’s Act 2004, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and a clear understanding of Ofsted requirements and the inspection framework.
This role will require the successful candidate to consider quality assurance, performance, impact, team building, cultural awareness within organisations, change management, and innovation. Experience of managing significant budgets and a staff team is also essential. As part of the wider leadership team across the Council, you will be responsible for improving experiences of children in care and ensuring children’s voice is central to and supports service development.
You must have extensive experience working with Children in Care as a Registered Manager achieving good and outstanding Ofsted gradings or a Deputy Manager looking at the next chapter in your career. We want the best for the children and young people ensuring that we provide high quality care, support, and consistency, to allow children to grow and develop.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the in‑house residential children’s home, ensuring a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
- Implement and oversee therapeutic practices that promote the emotional, psychological, and social well‑being of the children.
- Register with Ofsted and achieve good and outstanding Ofsted gradings in inspection.
- Have extensive knowledge in residential care and be able to drive excellence within the home.
- Manage budgeting and take the lead on the financial aspects of the children’s home.
- Undertake robust quality assurance audits and implement effective action plans to improve change.
- Take full responsibility for the effectiveness of the service delivery and that each child’s needs are supported to reach their full potential.
- Utilise excellent communication skills and act as a good advocate for Doncaster Council and the children they care for.
- Manage equality and diversity and prioritise the needs of the child, fostering a creative and non‑oppressive manner which can influence a good and positive culture for children and young people in which to live.
- Develop and mentor a dedicated team of professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards, including safeguarding and health and safety requirements.
- Work collaboratively with external and internal partners, families, and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for the children in our care.
About You
- Within the last 5 years you have worked at least 2 years in a management position relevant to Residential Care of children.
- Worked for at least two years in a position requiring the supervision and management of staff working in a care role.
- By the relevant date attained the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Child Care or be prepared to have completed the Level 5 Diploma with 3 years of appointment.
- Be willing to attend Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Signs of Safety training and ensure this is embedded in the culture within the home.
- Have strong knowledge and experience of therapeutic approaches in a residential setting.
- Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and external partners.
- A thorough understanding of relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in children’s residential care.
- A commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
We value a range of experiences and skills. If you have transferable skills from other roles or voluntary work, we encourage you to apply.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dedicated and passionate team making a real impact on children’s lives.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package which includes up to 33 days annual leave (this excludes the UK public holidays which are in addition and the ability to sign up to South Yorkshire Pension Authority).
Benefits
- Competitive leave entitlement
- Generous local government pension scheme
- Wellbeing support and staff networks
- Development and training opportunities
- Staff discounts and benefits schemes
- More information on benefits can be found in the attached benefits booklet.
Please review the job summary and profile and demonstrate in your application how you meet the required criteria.
Shortlisting is to be confirmed and interviews are anticipated on 23rd June 2026.
If you are interested in finding out more about this exciting role and would like an informal discussion, please contact:
Simon Breeds, Head of Service at simon.breeds@doncaster.gov.uk or Cathy Richardson, Residential Service Manager at cathy.richardson@doncaster.gov.uk
The Advance Employment Team offers personalised support to help you take your next step into work. From building your CV and getting the right interview skills to accessing a wide range of free courses, the team will help you grow your skills and confidence and find a job you’ll enjoy. Get in touch by email (advanceemploymenthub@doncaster.gov.uk) or visit the Advance website (www.advancedoncaster.co.uk) to discover the support available.
City of Doncaster Council is committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and improving quality of life for all. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults.
We are a Disability Confident employer and committed to a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and make reasonable adjustments as required.
This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.
AddressCivic OfficeWaterdaleDoncasterDN1 3BU
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