Job Description

"I like it when people take me out in the car and we listen to music together. I feel calm when I know what's happening and I get to choose things too. I like people who are fun but also know when to be firm. I want to feel safe and understood."

-- Young person living in the home



In our small, two-bedroom home in Ilminster, a young person is building trust, exploring independence, and learning what it means to feel safe. She thrives on connection, consistency, and calm and she's looking for adults who can offer just that.



We're searching for a Deputy Children's Home Manager who can be a steady presence in our children's lives. Someone who leads with compassion, holds boundaries with care, and brings warmth, humour, and structure to the everyday.



Deputy Children's Home Manager - Ilminster, Somerset

Full-time, Permanent

35,178 - 37,310 per annum



This is a rare opportunity to help shape a home as part of a pioneering partnership between Homes2Inspire, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and Somerset Council.



As Deputy Manager, you'll be at the heart of the home supporting the Registered Manager, leading the team, and being a consistent adult for the young people in our care. You'll help create a space where children feel safe, respected, and empowered.



What does a Deputy Manager do?

Lead with purpose:

You'll support the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring it's a safe, nurturing and well-organised environment.

Be a role model:

You'll work directly with children and young people, building relationships, supporting emotional wellbeing, and modelling positive behaviour.

Support the team:

You'll guide and mentor staff, lead shifts, and help embed love-led practice across the home.

Hold responsibility:

You'll deputise for the Registered Manager during absences, manage rotas, oversee safeguarding, and ensure compliance with Ofsted standards.

Champion the child's voice:

You'll make sure young people are actively involved in decisions about their care, routines, and future.

What we're looking for:

Minimum 2 years' experience in residential childcare



Experience as a Deputy Manager or Senior Support Worker



QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)



Commitment to completing Level 5 in Leadership & Management



A full UK driving licence



Flexibility to meet the needs of the home

What we offer:

A comprehensive 3-week induction to help you settle in



Award-winning wellbeing support and high staff engagement



Opportunities to shadow and learn from NHS and Council colleagues



Professional development pathways across the partnership



28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)



Life assurance, healthcare cash plan, and high street discounts

About the partnership:

Homes2Inspire, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and Somerset County Council have come together to create a new kind of care one that's trauma-informed, therapeutic, and rooted in love-led practice. Alongside children's homes, we're developing high-needs foster care, and therapeutic education.



You'll be part of a multi-disciplinary team with access to clinical supervision, training, and support from mental health and social work professionals.



We review applications regularly and may interview before the closing date.

Please note:

personal information may be shared with Somerset County Council during the recruitment process. All successful candidates will undergo DBS and Right to Work checks.



Homes2Inspire is proud to be part of the Shaw Trust Group , a charity transforming lives across the UK.



For questions, contact our Careers Team on 01788 487057