Youth Work Manager jobs in Greater London

We are seeking a committed and experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join our children’s residential home and play a key role in ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and protection of the children in our care.

This is a vital leadership position responsible for overseeing safeguarding systems, supporting staff, and ensuring the highest standards of child protection practice. The successful candidate will act as the central point of contact for safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and referrals, ensuring all safeguarding processes are robust, compliant with legislation, and centered around the needs and voices of the children.

This role may be offered on a self-employed contractor basis, depending on organisational needs and candidate suitability. You will work closely with internal staff and external professionals to ensure a coordinated, proactive approach to safeguarding.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding & Child Protection Leadership

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the home.
• Ensure compliance with statutory safeguarding guidance including Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Provide clear guidance and decision-making support when safeguarding concerns arise.
• Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records in line with regulatory expectations.
• Make timely referrals to the Local Authority, LADO, police, and other relevant agencies.
• Lead or support safeguarding investigations and ensure lessons learned are embedded into practice.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and local procedures.

Staff Training, Support & Development

• Deliver safeguarding training, induction sessions, and refresher workshops for staff.
• Provide reflective supervision, professional guidance, and safeguarding advice.
• Encourage professional curiosity and proactive risk recognition across the team.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Monitor and review safeguarding documentation for accuracy, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare safeguarding reports for internal audits and Ofsted inspections.
• Lead on the development and review of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Support the home in maintaining compliance with Quality Standards.

Multi-Agency Partnership Working

• Build strong relationships with social workers, police, schools, health professionals, and Ofsted.
• Represent the home at strategy meetings, case conferences, and multi-agency reviews.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are addressed through collaborative and coordinated responses.

Child-Centred Practice

• Ensure all safeguarding decisions prioritise the voice, welfare, and rights of the child.
• Promote a culture where children feel safe, heard, and supported to share concerns.
• Advocate for children and ensure their experiences and views inform care practice.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Current Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in children’s residential care
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance
• Excellent record-keeping, risk assessment, and communication skills
• Ability to make confident decisions in complex safeguarding situations

Desirable

• Additional safeguarding qualifications (e.g. NSPCC or Local Authority DSL training)
• Experience leading safeguarding investigations
• Experience contributing to Ofsted inspections
• Professional background in social work, psychology, youth justice, or related fields

Core Competencies

• Safeguarding Leadership
• Professional Curiosity
• Strong Decision-Making Under Pressure
• Confidentiality and Ethical Practice
• Multi-Agency Collaboration

Pay Rate:

• Rates of pay will be dependent on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills relevant to the role.

If you are passionate about protecting children, strengthening safeguarding practice, and supporting teams to deliver the highest standards of care, we would love to hear from you.

• This job description outlines the main duties of the role but is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake additional responsibilities as necessary to support the needs of the service and the children in our care.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £20.00-£30.00 per hour

Experience:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: 2 years (required)
• Ofsted Children's Home: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person