Small Group Homes - Assistant Care Manager

Assistant Care Manager

Directorate: Children and Family Services

Section: Children’s Social Care – Small Group Homes

Grade: Level 9 (£37,563–£40,444 per annum, plus applicable allowances)

Hours: Average 37 hours per week on a rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays

Contract: Permanent

This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.

About us

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it is about making, protecting and improving services for local people, reducing inequalities and improving independence for those who live and work in the city. That is where you come in. We are looking for people of the highest calibre, with the skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset. The skills, knowledge and experience of our employees are essential to delivering our ambitions for the organisation and the city. We want to be an employer people are proud to work for, where staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them excel and deliver the high-quality services our residents need.

Further information on why work for us

Join Our Children and Families Service

We are growing and developing our Children and Families workforce as part of an ambitious programme of service transformation. We are looking for talented, committed and values-led professionals to join us.

The Role

Help create a home where children feel safe, valued and supported to thrive. As an Assistant Care Manager in our Small Group Homes service, you will support and deputise for the Registered Care Manager, providing clear leadership and helping deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people in our care.

You will combine hands-on care with day-to-day staff management, building a nurturing environment through relationship-based practice and our psychologically informed therapeutic parenting model. From supporting education and independence to strengthening care planning and safeguarding, you will help ensure children’s experiences and aspirations shape daily life in the home. The role includes sleep-ins when rostered and on-call cover as required.

About You

• A relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent, with the ability to complete Level 5 Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) within two years of appointment.
• Considerable experience of working with children or young people in a residential care setting, alongside experience of managing staff.
• Sound knowledge of the Children Act 1989, the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, including the related quality standards.
• The ability to lead effective care and placement planning, build positive relationships with children and young people and work closely with families and partner agencies.
• Strong communication, report-writing, IT and organisational skills, with the confidence to manage competing priorities, solve problems and challenge poor practice.
• A commitment to child-centred care, equality and continuous learning, with the flexibility to work shifts and support the practical running of a safe, welcoming home.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Care Manager and deputise in their absence, making safe decisions and maintaining effective management oversight of the home.
• Lead and support residential care staff through reflective supervision, development, team meetings and clear expectations, ensuring appropriate staffing and rota cover.
• Oversee care plans, therapeutic support plans, risk assessments and daily records, promoting safeguarding and consistent, restorative responses to children’s needs.
• Support children’s education, health, identity, participation and independence, ensuring their views influence their care and that they can access advocacy.
• Maintain a safe, homely environment, support healthy routines and practical household duties, and work with families and professionals to improve children’s outcomes.
• Support budget management, monitor quality and compliance, and act on audits, Regulation 44 visits and Ofsted requirements to drive improvement.
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Why Join Us?

• Help children experience the stability, care and positive relationships they need to thrive.
• Develop your residential leadership skills while supporting a staff team to deliver consistent, therapeutic care.
• Make a practical difference in a Small Group Home where children’s wellbeing, achievements and future aspirations matter.
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What we offer

• A permanent role with a salary of £37,563–£40,444 per annum, plus weekend allowances, a 12.5% shift allowance and sleep-in payments where applicable.
• 28 days’ annual leave rising to 33 days after five years’ continuous service, plus eight public/bank holidays.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development, learning and management development.

Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here

Want to know more?

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact:
Paul Barker
Paul.Barker@stoke.gov.uk

Pre-employment checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:

• Right to Work in the UK.
• Proof of address.
• Satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Evidence of relevant professional qualifications or registrations.
• A DBS check at the appropriate level.
• A childcare disqualification declaration upon appointment.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Additional information

Your career matters here. At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we are committed to helping our people thrive. From competitive pay and a supportive working environment to opportunities for development and career progression, we invest in our workforce because we know it is our greatest asset. We are building an inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, where everyone is welcomed, valued and encouraged to make a difference.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed requirement. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves and can succeed together.

If an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy, their application will receive priority. If this happens, you will be advised accordingly.

To Apply

Please create or log in to your account and click ‘apply’. If you have any queries or need an application form in another format, email recruitment@stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 238189.

• Do you have the Right to Work in the UK?

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