Overview
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Registered Manager to lead our newly developing Supported Accommodation Service for young people aged 16–17.
The service aims to provide a safe, supportive, and aspirational environment that promotes independence, resilience, and positive outcomes for young people preparing for adulthood.
Reporting directly to the Responsible Individual and Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of six supported accommodation homes, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements while delivering exceptional standards of care and support.
Who We Are
Universal Care Group is an established and growing private healthcare provider specialising in delivering high-quality support and care to children, young people, and young adults across the Midlands.
We currently operate 28 services across the group, including CQC-regulated Transitional Services supporting young people aged 16–24 and Ofsted-registered Residential Children's Homes supporting children and young people aged 7–17.
As part of our continued growth and commitment to providing outstanding care, we are embarking on our next exciting venture: the development and registration of a Supported Accommodation Service for young people aged 16–17.
This new provision will consist of six neighbouring homes with capacity to support up to 18 young people. The service has been carefully designed to provide safe, nurturing, and supportive environments that promote independence, emotional wellbeing, education, employment opportunities, and successful transitions into adulthood.
As the service is currently progressing through registration, we are seeking an experienced, ambitious, and highly motivated Registered Manager to lead and shape the service from the outset. You will oversee all six homes, supported by two Deputy Managers who will each have responsibility for three homes, alongside established staffing teams within each provision.
This is a unique opportunity for a strong leader to play a key role in developing an innovative service, driving quality standards, building a positive culture, and achieving exceptional outcomes for young people.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Supported Accommodation Service across six homes.
- Oversee the registration process and ensure ongoing compliance with the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and Ofsted requirements.
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of young people at all times.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review support plans, risk assessments, pathway plans, and placement plans.
- Ensure young people receive high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence and life skills development.
- Supervise, support, and develop Deputy Managers and staff teams through regular supervisions, appraisals, training, and performance management.
- Lead recruitment, induction, and retention strategies to ensure a stable and competent workforce.
- Ensure effective safeguarding procedures are followed, including responding to incidents, allegations, complaints, and concerns appropriately.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure all documentation meets regulatory and organisational standards.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with local authorities, commissioners, placing authorities, and partner agencies.
- Monitor and improve service quality through audits, quality assurance processes, feedback mechanisms, and continuous improvement plans.
- Lead quality assurance and service development initiatives to achieve outstanding outcomes for young people.
- Ensure all homes operate in line with their Statement of Purpose and organisational values.
- Create a positive, child-centred culture that promotes safety, stability, independence, and emotional wellbeing.
- Lead by example, modelling professional standards, trauma-informed practice, and therapeutic approaches.
- Prepare for and successfully manage inspections, audits, and monitoring visits.
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience working with looked-after children, care leavers, or vulnerable young people.
- Previous management experience within Supported Accommodation, Residential Childcare, Semi-Independent Living, or a similar setting.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, risk management, and supporting young people with complex needs.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple services and staff teams.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Previous experience as a Registered Manager, Service Manager, or Deputy Manager within an Ofsted-regulated environment.
- Experience managing multi-site services.
- Knowledge of Supported Accommodation Regulations 2023.
- Understanding of leaving care frameworks, pathway planning, and preparation for independence.
- Experience in achieving positive inspection outcomes.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead and shape an exciting new Supported Accommodation Service from registration through to full occupancy.
- Competitive salary package.
- Performance-related bonuses.
- Additional bonuses for achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted inspections.
- Supportive and committed Senior Leadership Team and a present, visible Responsible Individual solely focused on the service.
- Ongoing professional development and funded training opportunities.
- Career progression within a growing organisation.
- Employee wellbeing programme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Annual leave entitlement that increases with service.
- Refer-a-Friend Scheme.
- Recognition and reward programmes.
Join us and play a pivotal role in creating a service that empowers young people to achieve independence, build resilience, and transition successfully into adulthood.
