Registered Care Home Manager
What is the work like?
Care home managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of residential care homes. They oversee all activities within the home and make sure the quality of the service and care provided meets the National Minimum Standards for their type of home.
As a care home manager, you would usually specialise in working with one specific client group such as:
- older people
- people with mental health problems
- people with learning disabilities
- young adults
- the terminally ill
- people with physical disabilities.
Your key duties relating to residents would include:
- developing ways to promote their rights and responsibilities
- providing information, advice and support to residents, their families and carers
- arranging stimulating activities and encouraging residents to get involved
- creating the opportunity for residents to contribute to the local community and access local services.
Your role is also likely to include running a business, which would involve monitoring business performance, fundraising, negotiating contracts, working with a budget and developing clear policies and practices regarding quality standards. You would also recruit, train and supervise the care assistants and domestic staff working within the home.
The National Minimum Standards that care homes and managers need to meet varies depending on the client group in the home. Standards are issued by the Department of Health and can be found on the Commission for Social Care Inspection website.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
The National Minimum Standards for care home managers requires registered managers to have the qualifications, competence and experience to run the home and meet its stated purpose, aims and objectives.
The Standards you need to meet can vary depending on the residents you care for, however, in general you will need:
- at least two years' senior management or supervisory experience in a relevant care setting within the past five years
- NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent such as a qualification in Social Work or nursing (with 'live' registration)
- NVQ Level 4 in Management, or equivalent such as a Diploma in Management Studies (the Registered Manager Award NVQ Level 4 is the preferred qualification for new managers – you would need to complete this within three years of starting in post).
To manage a home that provides nursing care, you will usually need to be a registered nurse with a qualification in management (like NVQ Level 4 in Management).
The Registered Manager Award (RMA) NVQ Level 4 is awarded by City & Guilds, BTEC, OCR, Education Development International, the Chartered Management Institute and the Open University. Check Skills for Care for details.
When you apply for a manager's post, your employer will request a Criminal Records Bureau check.
What further training and development can I do?
As a manager you and the service you run need to meet certain standards (outlined on the Commission for Social Inspection website). The Standards state that 50% of staff working in the care home need an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent. You can support your staff through their NVQ by becoming an NVQ assessor. To become an assessor you need to complete qualifications such as the A1, A2 and V1 awards.
Throughout your career you will need to continue training and developing professionally to maintain your competence as a carer and manager, and keep your knowledge of standards and legislation up to date.
Where can I go for more information?
Albion Court5 Albion Place
Leeds
LS1 6JL
Tel: 0113 245 1716
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be between £20,000 and £28,000 a year.
- With several years' experience this may rise to between £30,000 and £40,000 a year.
Depending on the employer, a range of extra benefits can be included in a salary package, such as private healthcare, company car, bonus and share options.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, which may include shifts, weekends, and some on-call duties (in the event of an emergency).
For some jobs you may need to live-in. This work can be emotionally and physically demanding.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- strong 'people' skills and communication skills
- good observational skills
- experience of assessing an individual's care and support needs
- the ability to negotiate and manage a budget
- the ability to maintain accurate records
- knowledge of relevant legislation, local services and resources
- a good understanding of the medical conditions affecting service users
- the ability to build effective working relationships with residents, their families, staff and other professionals.
What opportunities are there?
You could work in a variety of settings within the public, private, voluntary and charitable sectors. There is a growing number of opportunities for qualified managers with private care companies providing services (especially for the elderly) as well as local authorities.
With experience, you could progress to a regional manager post within a large healthcare company or charity. You could also move into consultancy work on a freelance basis or become a care home inspector, checking that national standards are being followed.
If your background is in nursing, social care or social work, experience as a care home manager could give you the opportunity to move back into those areas at a project manager level.
Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, Jobcentre Plus and on specialist recruitment websites. You may also find the following useful for vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Social Work and Care Careers
Community Care
LG Jobs
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
