Care home manager
Managerial

How to become a care home manager

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 a subject like health and social care management before applying for a place on a graduate trainee scheme.

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start on a higher apprenticeship for children, young people and families managers, or care leadership and management, then do further on-the-job training. You could do a leader in adult care higher apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You can apply for training if you're working in social care, for example as a deputy manager.

It's recommended that you start the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services within 3 months of taking up your job. You'll need to complete it within 2 to 3 years.

There are 6 pathways to choose from, which are:

• Management of Adult Services
• Management of Adult Residential Services
• Practice in Adult Services
• Management of Children and Young People's Services
• Management of Children and Young People's Residential Services
• Practice in Children and Young People's Services

The previous qualifications required to work as a care home manager are still valid if you have them but are no longer available to study. Your employer will now support you to do the Level 5 Diploma.

You'll be expected to already have qualifications relevant to the care services your home provides, for example:

• NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care
• nursing, physiotherapy or occupational therapy qualification and registration
• social work qualification and registration

Check the Skills for Care advice on meeting workforce regulations for more details.

More info

Further information You can get more advice about working as a care home manager from Think Care Careers.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

As care home manager, you will work to strict legal requirements including health and safety to:

• provide information, advice and support to residents, families and staff
• promote residents' rights and duties and encourage them to join activities
• help residents to access local services and take part in the local community
• monitor business performance and quality of care
• agree contracts, budgeting and fundraising
• develop policies and practices and keep confidentiality
• recruit, train and supervise staff

As a children's home manager you may:

• look after the welfare of children in your care
• make sure that quality standards are met
• enable access to local education, health and other services
• promote children's rights and duties
• take part in care planning, statutory case reviews and conferences
• develop positive behaviour and discipline
• respond to child protection concerns and complaints

Working environment

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 and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could become a regional manager within a large healthcare company or charity. You could also work as a freelance consultant or a care home inspector.