Children's Overnight Short Break Service Manager

We are looking for an inspirational and pro-active leader to join our team as the Service Manager for Children’s Overnight Short Break service. The first few months of this role will be working with internal and external partners to re-establish the service to accept guests from May 2026. Having closed to overnight guests in 2022, you will work from our purpose-built facility, the Grace Little Centre, to ensure the building and service is positioned to deliver fun and fulfilling short breaks for children with learning disabilities aged 8–18 years old. This is a unique opportunity to create and develop a new service, building a team to deliver an unrivalled experience of overnight short breaks for children and their parents/carers.

Closing date 2nd January 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 5th January 2026.

In the event of a large number of applications we reserve the right to close the advert early so please apply as soon as possible.

Main Purpose of the Post:

To provide effective, high-quality, and inspirational leadership and management for the Children's Overnight Short Break service. The Manager will be responsible for the overall operational management, compliance, and strategic development of the service, ensuring that all children and young people with a learning disability and/or complex needs receive person-centred, safe, and nurturing care in line with Carlisle Mencap's values and all regulatory requirements (e.g., CQC/Ofsted/Local Authority).

Key Responsibilities

Service Management and Quality Assurance

• Assume the role of Registered Manager for the service (where applicable) and ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and quality standards (e.g., CQC/Ofsted/Local Authority contract specifications).

• Develop, implement, and monitor robust policies, procedures, and quality assurance systems to ensure the highest standard of care and support.

• Manage the occupancy and referrals for the service, ensuring effective scheduling and resource allocation to meet the diverse needs of children and young people.

• Oversee the maintenance and safety of the service environment, ensuring it is a welcoming, therapeutic, and child-friendly space.

Leadership and Staff Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage a dedicated team of Team Leaders and Support Workers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, respect, and excellence.

• Conduct regular supervision, appraisals, and performance management, identifying and addressing training and development needs for all staff.

• Manage staff rotas, ensuring appropriate and safe staffing levels, including an effective on-call system for out-of-hours support.

• Lead on staff recruitment and retention initiatives, promoting Carlisle Mencap as an employer of choice.

Person-Centred Care and Safeguarding

• Ensure the delivery of truly person-centred short breaks, where the child's needs, choices, and developmental goals are at the heart of the care planning process.

• Take lead responsibility for all safeguarding matters within the service, ensuring all staff are trained, and all concerns are reported and managed in line with statutory and organisational procedures.

• Oversee the development, review, and implementation of complex individual care plans, risk assessments, and health protocols (e.g., medication management, specialised feeding, challenging behaviour strategies).

Financial and Administrative Management

• Manage the service budget effectively, monitoring expenditure and ensuring the service operates within agreed financial parameters.

• Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping, data management, and reporting to the Senior Leadership Team, Local Authority, and regulatory bodies.

Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative, and professional working relationships with parents, carers, social workers, health professionals (e.g., CAMHS, Paediatricians), schools, and other external agencies.

• Act as the primary point of contact for the service, effectively managing enquiries, concerns, and formal complaints from families and professionals.

Safety and administration:

·         Be proactive in identifying risks and acting accordingly.

·         Maintain clear and detailed records.

·         Undertake finance and medication audits as required.

·         Ensure all medication in services is stored and administered in accordance with the medication policy.

·         Ensure the support team receive in house training specific to the individual’s needs.

·         Support the staff team in the administration of medication through observations and ensure all competencies are completed.

·         Work within and promote the Safeguarding policies of Carlisle Mencap and Cumberland County Council Adult Social Care.

Organisational Compliance:

·         Participate in relevant training to update and enhance knowledge base.

·         Adhere to all company policies and procedures.

·         Participate in regular supervision with your line manager.

·         Participate in staff meetings for the Service.

·         Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required. This may include transfer to another location or service.

·         Uphold the good reputation of Carlisle Mencap.

·         Always Maintain confidentiality (except for where there are safeguarding concerns).

Skills

Essential

Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and inspire staff to deliver outstanding person-centred care.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with children, families, staff, and external agencies.

Decision Making: Ability to make sound, timely decisions, especially under pressure or in emergency situations (e.g., safeguarding or crisis management).

IT & Administration: Competent in using IT systems for care planning, record-keeping, and general administration.

Desirable

Ability to use sign language e.g. Makaton.

Full Driving Licence

Familiar with local community.

Qualifications

• Relevant Health or Social Care qualification (e.g., Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services or equivalent) or willingness to work towards.

• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) in areas such as Safeguarding, Management, and Learning Disabilities.

• Registered Manager status (or willingness to register immediately upon appointment).

Experience

Essential

• Significant management experience in a regulated care setting, preferably with children/young people with a learning disability/complex needs.

• Demonstrable knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., CQC, Children's Homes Regulations/Quality Standards, Local Authority Short Break Frameworks).

• Experience of managing multi-disciplinary teams, including performance management, supervision, and rota management.

• Proven experience in safeguarding children, including investigation and reporting procedures.

Desirable

• Experience of budget management and financial oversight of a service.

Attitude and Personal Attributes

Essential

• Commitment to the values and mission of Carlisle Mencap and the rights of people with a learning disability.

• Resilience, integrity, and a proactive, solution-focused approach to challenges.

• Flexibility to work unsocial hours and participate in the on-call rota.