Care Home Manager
Job Description:Care home managers lead and run residential homes for adults or children.
Job Category:What you will do:
As an adult care home manager you may:
- provide information, advice and support to residents, families and staff
- help residents access local services
- monitor business performance and quality of care
- agree contracts, budgeting and fundraising
- develop policies and keep private information confidential
As a children’s home manager you may:
- look after the children in your care
- make sure that wellbeing standards are met
- help children access local education and health services
- take part in care planning, statutory case reviews and conferences
- respond to child protection concerns and complaints
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
As well as:
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- to enjoy working with other people
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations (leadership skills)
Entry Requirements:
To become a Care Home Manager, there are no specific qualifications that are mandatory. However, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing for a career in care management, which involves overseeing the operation of care facilities for older adults or individuals with specific care needs. Care Home Managers primarily require skills related to healthcare management, leadership, and communication. Here are some subjects that can be helpful:
- English Language: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for Care Home Managers, as they interact with staff, residents, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for budget management, financial planning, and medication administration, as well as for understanding statistical data related to resident care.
- Science (Optional): Courses in science, particularly biology, can provide some understanding of basic medical concepts and health-related topics, which can be beneficial in the care management field.
- Business Studies (Optional): Courses in business studies can introduce you to management principles, financial management, and organizational leadership, which are relevant to care home management.
- Health and Social Care (Optional): If available, courses in health and social care can provide insights into healthcare principles, patient care techniques, and the ethical aspects of caregiving.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in health and social care management.
With your degree you can apply for graduate schemes.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a higher apprenticeship in adult care or children, young people and families manager.
You could then find work and train more on the job.
Work
If you work in social care, you can apply to join a manager course.
You’ll choose a pathway relating to either adults or children and young people.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 39-41 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays on shifts.
You could work at an adult care home or at a children’s care home. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could:
- manage several care homes for a large company or charity
- freelance as a consultant or a care home inspector
- teach in further education, such as a college