Job Description

Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you want to be part of something new and innovative? Led by an experienced team, we are opening our first home in Sheffield with aspirations to provide the very best care for our children, whilst making this the very best place to work. Working from a blank canvas to "get it right, first time", we are looking for an inspirational team to join us on the journey.

Job Purpose

The Deputy Manager will be responsible for supporting the effective leadership, management, and operation of a registered children's residential home, providing high-quality, child-centred care that meets the individual needs of children and young people. The postholder will support the Registered Manager to ensure that the home operates in full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations, fostering a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where each young person can thrive.

They will line manage a dedicated team of senior support workers, champion safeguarding and positive outcomes, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice. The Deputy Manager will work collaboratively with external partners, professionals, and families to ensure the emotional, physical, educational, and social development of all children and young people in their care. Through their support of the Registered Manager, and personal accountability, they will be instrumental in ensuring the home achieves and maintains an Ofsted rating of 'Good' or 'Outstanding'.

The Deputy Manager will provide cover for the Registered Manager during periods of absence and support an on-call management rota.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Provide dynamic leadership and clear direction to the staff team, fostering a positive, child-centred culture grounded in trauma-informed care. Promote a high-performance, reflective practice ethos with clear professional boundaries and accountability. Work alongside the Registered Manager to ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained within the home, including overseeing recruitment and prioritising the retention of staff. Deliver a programme of regular supervision for staff and ensure annual appraisal and development plans are in place for the team. Act as a role model for staff and children, promoting a culture of safe working practices.

Safeguarding & Compliance

Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed by all staff, with all concerns reported and escalated in line with policy. Support the Registered Manager to maintain compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards. In the absence of the Registered Manager, ensure all statutory notifications are submitted accurately and promptly to Ofsted and other relevant bodies. Maintain a culture of safe working practices where staff feel confident to challenge poor practice and report concerns and utilise whistleblowing procedures if necessary.

Care Planning & Child Development

Support the manager to develop and implement comprehensive, individualised care plans, behaviour management strategies, and risk assessments that align with local authority placement plans, incorporating existing Education, Health and Care Plans where applicable, to ensure consistency. Promote the emotional, educational, social, and physical development of each child in partnership with professionals, families and other significant people. Ensure children's voices are heard and their wishes and feelings are incorporated into all aspects of their care, home and their future. Facilitate structured individualised routines, boundaries, and meaningful activities that promote resilience and self-esteem.

Quality Assurance & Inspections

Work alongside the Manager to lead inspection readiness and quality assurance in line with the Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF). Respond proactively to inspection outcomes and support the implementation of improvement plans as required.

Partnership Working & Communication

Develop effective working relationships with social workers, education providers, CAMHS, health professionals, and other agencies. Represent the home in multi-agency meetings and reviews, advocating for the best interests of each child. Maintain open, transparent communication with families and local authorities. Promote the home positively in the local community and contribute to safeguarding partnerships.

Operational

Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with data protection and confidentiality standards. Ensure the home is well-maintained, safe, and welcoming, in line with health and safety regulations. Attend training in line at the direction of your line manager.

Other

To contribute to an out of hours on call procedure ensuring management oversight outside of normal office hours.

A commitment to working flexibly to suit the needs of the business, this could include out of hours working (evenings and weekends).

This job description is not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties as directed by the Head of Children's Services, provided these are appropriate to the role and in line with current employment law and good practice.

Safer Recruitment Statement

Surepath Homes is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff, volunteers, and contractors to share this commitment.

All job offers are subject to a range of safer recruitment checks in line with statutory guidance, including:

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including the children's barred list Verification of identity and right to work in the UK Receipt of satisfactory references, including one from your most recent employer Verification of employment history, qualifications, and professional status Completion of a satisfactory probation period
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings (even if considered "spent") must be declared unless they are "protected" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Application question(s):

Do you have a Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Apprenticeship or Level 3 Children and Young People Workforce Diploma with social care pathway or equivalent?
Experience:

Childrens residential setting or equivalent : 2 years (required) management or supervisory: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person