Service Manager for Children's Homes

Job Introduction

About us 

Help Shape the Future for Oxfordshire’s Children

We’ve 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 Children’s homes in 2025, we’re looking for a passionate and experienced Service Manager to lead and inspire our residential teams. This is more than a job — it’s a chance to transform lives and build brighter futures for children who need it most.

Our children’s 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 Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and will hold the Ofsted Responsible Individual role across the children’s homes. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of high-quality care across our children’s homes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, support, and therapeutic care.

This role is about more than compliance — it’s about creating a culture of care where children feel safe, valued, and empowered. You’ll 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, you’ll 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 children’s 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 trauma’s they have experienced.

As a qualified Social Worker and a strong leader, you will be experienced in managing children’s 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 children’s homes to say that you will champion and support them to become the best they can be. 

You’ll 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 click here to View the full Job Description & Selection Criteria here – LINK

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Charlotte Davey, Assistant Director for Countywide Services Charlotte.Davey@Oxfordshire.gov.uk 07512447609

Our Rewards & Benefits (please add any benefits specific to your role)

• 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 employer’s 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 you’re 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.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk