Better Homes Manager

Posted on 18 March 2026
Applications close on 13 April 2026

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All Locations:

Dorchester

Salary Details:

£39,152 - £45,091

Vacancy Type:

Fixed Term

Fixed Term End Date:

Not Specified

Function:

Health and Social Care - Children's

Employer:

Dorset Council

Job Working Pattern:

Full time

Closing time of advert

23:59

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Better Homes Manager

About the role

Join Us as Our Next Better Homes Manager – Lead Change, Shape Futures, and Transform Children’s Lives!

We are looking for an inspiring and driven Social Work qualified leader to take on the pivotal role of Better Homes Manager within our Children’s Services. This is a rare opportunity to play a major part in the delivery and evolution of our Valuing Care (VCARE) Programme , a ground breaking, strengths-based approach that is changing the way we understand, support, and advocate for children and young people.

In this role, you will be at the forefront of shaping high-quality, cost-effective, and life-enhancing homes for children. You’ll bring together partners across health, education, social care, and provider services to make sure every child is matched with a home that truly meets their needs—now and for their future.

Lead Better Homes Panels ensuring robust decision-making and statutory compliance.
Chair Valuing Care Core Group
Monitor performance against targets using data analysis to inform improvements
Track and follow up panel actions and financial impact of interventions
Oversight of tracking and following up of actions via liaison with colleagues across service areas.
Holding regular reviews of panels to refine approach.
Provide training to Social Workers and other professionals in using the V Care Tool
Lead and support super users and champions of the VCare tool
Producing high quality and strength-based pen portraits from VCARE profiles.
Monitoring the impact of the work on improving the outcomes and life chances of children and young people.
Prepare reports and contribute to performance monitoring for panels and boards

If you are passionate about delivering outstanding outcomes, confident in driving system-wide improvement, and motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference, we want to hear from you. Bring your vision, your leadership, and your commitment to excellence and help us build better homes, better support, and better futures for Dorset’s children and young people.

Further Information

This is a full time role at 37 hours per week.

This role is fixed term until April 2028.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young people.

A generous relocation package is payable, of which up to £8,000 (of HMRC eligible elements) are free of tax. We can offer you help to move whether you are looking to buy or rent, depending on your circumstances.

Our package includes:

an initial advance of up to £2,500 payable when you start
help towards fees associated with buying/selling (up to £6,500)
an option to receive help towards your rent or mortgage in the first two years

If you are interested in this role and would like an informal conversation please contact Kelly Henry, Head of Good Care Provision and Safeguarding, [email protected]

Proposed date for interviews are 23rd April 2026, a brief presentation will be required as part of the interview which you will be briefed on if shortlisted for interview.

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

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At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
work in partnership to make a real difference
value every role and the impact it has on our communities
support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
have access to a range of benefits and support
receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.

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