Assistant Unit Manager | Children's Residential Services | Accrington

Lancashire County Council; Accrington; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England seeks an Assistant Unit Manager for its Children's Residential Services. The ideal candidate will be a residential, youth, or social worker passionate about supporting young people. The role offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits, including generous leave and professional development opportunities. The deadline for applications is December 28, 2025, with interviews on January 8, 2026.

Benefits

Up to 32 days annual leave

Generous local authority pension

24/7 Employee Assistance Program

Discounts via Vivup benefits platform

Salary sacrifice options

Qualifications

• Experience as a residential, youth, or social worker is preferred.
• Ability to shape team culture in a new environment.
• Personal resilience to handle emotionally demanding situations.

Responsibilities

• Manage Children's Homes and provide leadership.
• Ensure adequate management cover during core hours.
• Support team members and promote their development.

Skills

Passion for young people

Creative & Innovative Thinking

Inspirational Leadership

Job description

Assistant Unit Manager | Children's Residential Services | Accrington

Apply for the Assistant Unit Manager | Children's Residential Services | Accrington role at Lancashire County Council.

Salary: £36,363 - £40,778 per annum. Job type: Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week. Department: Residential Services. Location: Accrington.

Job description: We are currently recruiting a Children's Homes Assistant Manager to work within our expanding Children’s Residential Service at Lancashire County Council.

Work hours: To ensure adequate management cover in the home, you will be expected to work core hours of 7am – 7pm and undertake alternating shifts of 7am – 3pm and 11am – 7pm.

Who we are looking for: We are keen to hear from both experienced Assistant Managers and those looking to take that next step into a first management position. If you are a residential, youth or social worker wanting to progress your career, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

Desired qualities

• Passion: You are passionate about young people and the difference you can make in their lives, dynamic, inspirational, with ethics, values and integrity at the heart of what you do.
• Creative & Innovative: For some posts the staff team will be brand-new, giving you the opportunity to shape and define the culture from the start, encouraging your team to think outside the box when connecting and supporting children and young people who may have personal challenges.
• Inspirational & Supportive Leadership: The role is emotionally demanding; you will be personally resilient, appreciate the impact on your team, and empower them regularly, providing additional support. You will have access to psychological support, supervision, reflective learning circles and training opportunities.

Benefits

There is fabulous flexibility and a work‑life balance you will love – up to 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays, 2 additional days at Christmas, and 20 additional days that you can purchase. A generous local authority pension, a benefits package including a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, discounts via the Vivup benefits platform, and salary sacrifice options for appliances, electronics, cars, bicycles and more.

Development

We offer 50+ free training courses and a professional qualifications scheme. You will have time for supportive reflection, supervision, and opportunities to shape your individual career pathway. Mentoring and multidisciplinary initiatives are available.

Inclusivity

We embrace diversity and flexible working to support personal and family requirements. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive environment for all staff and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

How to apply

We would love to hear from you. Please contact Senior Manager, Claire Rose Dudley at [e-mail]. Note: Please ensure you have uploaded your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria. The panel may not shortlist you for interview without this evidence.

Closing date: 28th December 2025
Interview date: 08th January 2026

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a disclosure. Further information can be found on the "Our Recruitment Process" tab.

In return, Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website.

We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.