Job Description

Are you ready to take the next step in your career, supporting children while leading a team with confidence and care?

At Able Health Care, we provide safe, therapeutic homes for children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and complex needs. Our homes are guided by our Secure Base model and our values Aspire, Belong, Love, Empower (A-B-L-E), and are proud to be rated "Good in all areas" by Ofsted.

We are now seeking an inspiring

Deputy Manager

to support the Registered Manager at our 7-bed home in

Ipswich

, caring for young people aged 12-17. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine direct support for children with leadership responsibility for staff and operational management.

A Day in the Life of a Deputy Manager

No two days are the same, but you might find yourself:

Leading handover, overseeing daily routines, and ensuring care plans are followed. Supporting children through school transitions, activities, and daily life. Coaching and supervising colleagues, modelling best practice and trauma-informed care. Responding calmly and consistently to challenging behaviour, always prioritising safety. Managing the rota and staffing levels to ensure safe, effective cover. Contributing to Regulation 44 visits, Regulation 45 reports, and inspection readiness. Working alongside the Registered Manager, and deputising in their absence, to ensure the smooth running of the home.

Your Role Will Include

Acting as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at all times and embedding a strong safeguarding culture. Managing the staff rota to ensure safe and effective staffing levels. Supporting the Registered Manager with budget oversight, maintaining accurate records and ensuring value for money. Leading on staff recruitment, induction, and development, including supporting colleagues through qualifications and training. Supervising, coaching, and motivating staff to deliver consistent high-quality care. Contributing to quality assurance systems, including audits, monitoring, Regulation 44 visits, and Regulation 45 reports. Working alongside and in the absence of the Registered Manager to lead the home day-to-day, represent the company in meetings, and maintain professional relationships with external agencies. Working directly with children to support care plans, behaviour management strategies, and positive outcomes in education, health, and independence. Balancing a combination of administrative and care shifts, with flexibility to cover evenings and weekends, as well as sleep-ins (additional to salary) if required. Taking part in a weekly on-call rota, providing out-of-hours leadership support to the home. Maintaining accurate and timely records in line with Ofsted expectations.
This advert outlines the key responsibilities of the Deputy Manager role. It is not exhaustive, and you may be asked to undertake other duties as reasonably required to support the effective running of the home.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

At least 2 years' experience in a children's residential setting, including leadership at Senior or Deputy level.

Essential:

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).

Essential:

Commitment to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (funded, commencing after probation). Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and Ofsted frameworks. Excellent communication, organisational, and people management skills. Resilience, flexibility, and the ability to inspire confidence in staff and children. Full UK driving licence. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship).
This role is offered on a 6-month probationary period, with full support and training provided.
This is a fully on-site role within the children's home. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, hybrid or home working

is not available

.

Training & Development

Under Regulation 32 of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, a Deputy Manager must have the appropriate skills and qualifications for their role, which includes the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare.
You don't need the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management to join us -- but you must be willing to work towards it (and we'll fully fund and support you to achieve it within two years).

We invest in you through:

A full, structured induction Ongoing training, reflective practice, and supervision Therapeutic development based on our Secure Basemodel Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation

What We Offer

Enhanced DBS check (paid for) and annual reimbursement for Update Service subscription Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme (24/7 confidential counselling, advice, and support) Employee discounts at hundreds of UK companies Company pension Casual dress Free meals while on shift Free parking

Safer Recruitment

Able Health Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to robust safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, full reference checks, and verification of qualifications and employment history.

Apply Today

If you're ready to start a rewarding leadership career where every day you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us at Able Health Care and help provide children with the safe, nurturing home they deserve.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Health & wellbeing programme
Ability to commute/relocate:

Ipswich IP1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Children's Residential Leadership: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) (required) Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (preferred) Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/09/2025