Operational Assistant Homes Manager - Stable Loving Homes

X3 Full-time, Permanent

Be the Difference. Lead the Change.

Reading Borough Council is launching three new children’s homes in early 2026, designed to provide safe, nurturing and therapeutic environments for children and young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs. We are looking to recruit a Compliance and Regulation Assistant Home Manager and help shape the future of residential care in Reading.

Our New Homes:

Home 1- A bespoke 2-bed home offering full-time care to children with complex social emotional and mental health needs

Home 2- A 4-bed longer-term stable loving home for children and young people

Home 3- A 4-bed assessment home supporting short-term placements and transitions to stepping down to foster care or safely returning home, working closely with our excellent edge of care service.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

As an Assistant Home Manager, you will:

• Support the Registered Manager in leading the home and ensuring high-quality, child-centred care.

• Provide strong, informed leadership and supervision to residential staff.

• Deputise for the Registered Manager and take on delegated responsibilities.

• Promote trauma-informed, therapeutic approaches to care.

• Ensure care plans and risk assessments are up to date and reflect the needs of each child.

• Lead on safeguarding, compliance, and performance monitoring.

• Build strong relationships with families, professionals, and partner agencies.

• Contribute to recruitment, staff development, and workforce planning.

• Participate in the duty rota, including sleep-ins, waking nights, and weekend shifts.

What We’re Looking For:

• Compassionate Leader. Resilient Advocate.

• Level 4 Diploma in childcare or equivalent (with commitment to complete Level 5).

• Experience working with children with SEMH and complex needs.

• Proven ability to supervise and manage staff teams.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and regulatory frameworks.

• Excellent communication, organisational, and IT skills.

• Commitment to equality, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.

• UK driving licence (manual) and willingness to drive the home’s vehicle.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a pioneering service that puts children first.

• Work in a supportive, values-driven environment.

• Access excellent training, supervision, and career development.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading

Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively

Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential 

Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave

• A wide range of flexible working opportunities

• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted

• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work

• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Claire.Lewis@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Process: To be confirmed