Job Description

Deputy Manager

Job Title:

Deputy Manager

Location:

Wickham House Children's Home, 2 Wickham Road, Shirley, CR0 8BA

Salary:

Competitive, dependent on experience

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Reporting to:

Registered Manager

About Wickham House Children's Home

Wickham House is a trauma- and attachment-informed children's home in North Shirley, Croydon, providing specialized care for up to three children aged 7-12 on admission. We support children with emotional and behavioural needs, including those with diagnoses such as ADD, ODD, or low-level autism, where trauma and attachment issues are the primary concerns. Our mission is to create a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where children can heal, grow, and transition to stable, long-term placements or independent living.

Job Purpose

The Deputy Manager will support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day operations of Wickham House, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care in line with our Attachment and Trauma-Informed Care (ATIC) model. You will play a key role in leading the staff team, managing care plans, and promoting the emotional, psychological, and developmental well-being of the children. This role requires a compassionate, proactive leader with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practices and the ability to foster a positive, inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

Assist the Registered Manager in overseeing the operational management of Wickham House, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, including Ofsted requirements. Supervise, mentor, and support a mixed-gender team of care staff, fostering a culture of reflective practice, emotional competence, and professional development. Conduct regular staff supervisions, team meetings, and contribute to monthly consultations with the in-house therapist to review and enhance care practices. Deputize for the Registered Manager in their absence, taking responsibility for decision-making and ensuring continuity of care.
Care Delivery

Implement and promote the ATIC model, ensuring individualized, trauma-informed care plans are followed to meet each child's unique needs. Support children in developing emotional regulation, social skills, and self-esteem through one-on-one engagement, key work sessions, and community meetings. Oversee the safe administration of medication and ensure health care plans are adhered to, including coordinating appointments with local GP, dental, and optician services. Promote positive relationships between children, their families, and friends, ensuring safe and supervised contact in line with care plans.
Safeguarding and Behaviour Support

Act as a Designated Safeguarding Officer, supporting the Registered Manager in handling child protection referrals and liaising with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) when necessary. Utilize +ProActive Approaches to support children's behaviour, emphasizing de-escalation, empathy, and proactive strategies to minimize the need for physical restraint. Ensure all staff are trained in break-away and deflection techniques, and monitor competency through observation, reflection, and post-crisis support. Maintain accurate records of incidents, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans, ensuring compliance with Wickham House policies.
Child-Cantered Practice

Champion the views, wishes, and feelings of children, ensuring they are consulted on their care through regular community meetings and care planning sessions. Promote anti-discriminatory practice, supporting children's cultural, linguistic, and religious needs, and ensuring their rights to dignity, privacy, and participation are upheld. Support children's educational achievement by liaising with local schools, attending meetings, and facilitating access to extracurricular activities.
Administrative and Compliance

Contribute to the development and review of risk assessments, care plans, and policies, including the Location Risk Assessment and Complaints Policy. Ensure accurate documentation, including medication records, safeguarding reports, and children's feedback forms. Support the admission process by conducting risk-matching assessments and ensuring compatibility with existing residents.
Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) with a commitment to achieving Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare within 12 months OR a Social Work background. Minimum of 2 years' experience in a residential children's home, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or leadership role. Proven experience working with children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or attachment difficulties. Knowledge of safeguarding procedures, child protection policies, and Ofsted regulations. Completion of or willingness to undertake +ProActive Approaches training (4-day course) and annual refreshers.
Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and support a diverse team. Ability to remain calm and reflective in challenging situations, modeling emotional regulation and empathy. Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail in maintaining records and ensuring compliance. Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and promoting children's rights and well-being. Proficiency in IT for record-keeping and communication.
Personal Attributes

Compassionate, empathetic, and child-centered approach to care. Resilience and ability to work within a trauma-informed framework, maintaining personal well-being and professional boundaries. Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins as required. Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
Training and Development

Participate in regular supervision, mentoring, and monthly consultations with the in-house therapist. Complete mandatory training, including +ProActive Approaches, safeguarding, medication administration, and first aid. Access opportunities for professional growth, including support to achieve the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.
Benefits

Competitive salary and pension scheme. Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities. Supportive team environment with regular supervision and mentoring. Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Job Type: Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Deputy Manager Children's Home
Expected start date: 01/08/2025