Parenting Assessment Manager

Job Title: Registered Manager - Residential Family Centre
Location: Manchester
Salary: Up to £50,000

Job Description:
We are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Registered Manager - Residential Family Centre to lead the operational and strategic delivery of a new Ofsted-regulated residential family service. The successful candidate will provide trauma-informed, child-centred assessments and support for families involved in care proceedings. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape a high-quality service, ensuring compliance with national standards and fostering strong partnerships within the local community. The Registered Manager - Residential Family Centre will oversee both residential and community-based services, ensuring seamless pathways and excellent outcomes for families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the pre-registration, mobilisation, and inspection processes for the Residential Family Centre, ensuring readiness and compliance with Ofsted standards.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Registered Manager - Residential Family Centre, maintaining high standards of safeguarding, risk management, and service delivery.
• Oversee the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and quality assurance systems aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the operational delivery of community-based parenting assessments and supervised contact services, ensuring safeguarding and court compliance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authority partners, courts, and health services.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure ongoing compliance with relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Lead Ofsted inspections, manage any actions or recommendations, and maintain accurate records for inspection and court purposes.
• Promote a trauma-informed, relational approach that supports both child safety and parental capacity.
• Support staff recruitment, induction, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to organisational learning, service development, and future service models.

Requirements:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• At least 2 years' experience managing residential or intensive family support services.
• Strong knowledge of care proceedings, safeguarding, and Ofsted regulatory frameworks.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex services.
• Excellent organisational and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based practice.
• Full driving licence and access to a roadworthy vehicle.
• Social Work qualification and registration (highly desirable).
• Experience in residential family centres, parenting assessments, or supervised contact services (desirable).
• Background in social work, psychology, early years, health, or family support.

Skills and Experience:

• Compassionate, values-led leadership style.
• Confident decision-maker with strong risk management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage a demanding workload.
• Experience managing multi-site or new service mobilisation is advantageous.
• Knowledge of family court processes and relevant case law.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience working with vulnerable families and safeguarding.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the Residential Family Centres National Minimum Standards.
• Understanding of the Children Act 1989 and related legislation.
• Familiarity with Ofsted regulatory requirements and trauma-informed practice.
• Knowledge of parenting assessment frameworks and care proceedings.

Personal Traits:

• Independent worker and team player.
• Punctual, professional, and reliable.
• Empathetic, patient, and resilient.
• Positive, engaging, and solution-focused.
• Capable of handling complex situations with confidence.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and on-call duties.
• Enhanced DBS check and references.
• Ability to meet Ofsted 'Fit Person' checks.

Terms & Conditions:

• 28 days annual leave.
• Company pension, supervision, and CPD support.
• In-person work location.

Vetro Recruitment acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Vetro is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merit alone.