Residential Family Assessment Centre Manager

Company Description

Primrose Family Care is a residential family assessment centre that provides safe, structured, and supportive placements for parents and their children. The centre focuses on helping families make informed, sustainable changes that support them to stay together safely. Parenting assessments are evidence‑based and grounded in the Department of Health’s Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families, alongside specialised tools such as Parent Assess.

The team uses a relationship‑based, strengths‑focused approach, offering tailored plans that combine practical assistance, emotional support, and multi‑agency collaboration. Working in partnership with social work teams, other agencies, and parents themselves, Primrose Family Care delivers consistent, compassionate care while keeping children’s welfare central to all decisions.

The Family Assessment Centre Manager is a full‑time, on‑site role based in Clayton‑Le‑Moors, responsible for the overall leadership and day‑to‑day management of the residential centre. The manager oversees the delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based assessments of parenting capacity, ensuring that children’s safety and welfare remain the primary focus. Day‑to‑day tasks include supervising and supporting a team of social workers and family support staff, coordinating referrals and admissions, and maintaining robust safeguarding, risk management, and case recording practices.

The role involves developing and reviewing individualised support plans, liaising closely with social work teams and partner agencies, and contributing to multi‑disciplinary meetings and court‑directed assessments. The manager is also responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, overseeing policies and procedures, managing budgets and resources, and promoting a culture of reflection, learning, and continuous improvement within the service.

starting at £50,000 per annum plus bonuses

• A Social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services; or an equivalent; or willingness to work towards the same.

• Responsibility for the assessment and support services based at the centre.
• Provide inspirational and dynamic leadership and management to the staff team, actively encouraging their contributions to discussions, decision‑making, daily tasks, and service enhancement.
• Assume comprehensive oversight of the centre’s operational practices, administrative functions, and financial management.
• Maintain an exemplary standard of social work practice within the centre, ensuring all staff are clear on their roles and responsibilities.
• Cultivate and sustain a safe and conducive learning environment within the service.

• Ensure all staff adhere to the Primrose Family Services Statement of Purpose.
• Ensure the day‑to‑day running of the service provides a safe and nurturing environment for assessments to take place and that parents and children are protected during their stay at the centre.
• Ensure that parenting and supplementary programmes are facilitated daily as outlined in individual care plans completed in partnership with social work teams, in compliance with the letter of instruction and/or court requirements for each family.
• Undertake Parenting Assessments, specifically using ‘Parent Assess’, within agreed timescales.
• Provide comprehensive services, including staff supervision and management, assessment and placement planning, child and family safeguarding, communications, reporting, and quality/compliance monitoring.
• Lead the assessment process, represent the centre in court proceedings, and mentor colleagues in developing their court and assessment skills.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of assessment and support offered at the centre with a view to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide effective leadership to the team, spearheading service delivery and quality management.
• Provide feedback to the directors on the effectiveness of statutory and organisational policies and service delivery.
• Ensure the centre…