Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Manager to join our dedicated team within our Residential Children's Home. You will lead, manage, and mentor the care team to ensure that high-quality care is consistently delivered in line with Ofsted standards and company policies and procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and skilled professional who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs or challenging behaviours.

Key Responsibilities

Child / Young Person Focus

Ensure that staffing rotas and sleep-in duties meet the needs of the home. Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people residing in the home. Maintain accurate, factual, and professional records in line with company policy. Ensure staff work effectively and safely with children and young people, promoting life skills, independence, and social engagement. Oversee the implementation and review of care and support plans. Act as a positive role model and mentor to the care team, fostering a supportive and professional environment. Ensure all reports, referrals, and notifications (e.g., Reg 40, safeguarding) are completed accurately and within required timeframes. Liaise professionally with families, carers, and external professionals to support positive outcomes for young people.

Staff Leadership and Management

Participate in monthly supervision with the Registered Manager. Deliver monthly supervision to Senior Residential Support Workers. Lead, motivate, and manage staff on shift, ensuring professionalism and adherence to policy. Organise and delegate daily shift tasks and oversee their completion. Support staff wellbeing and ensure a safe, positive working environment. Conduct effective handovers and debriefs at the start and end of each shift. Monitor internal processes to maintain compliance and effectiveness. Oversee financial responsibilities, including petty cash management and returns. Maintain safe staffing levels, addressing any shortfalls promptly. Support the training and development of team members. Conduct appraisals, return-to-work interviews, probation reviews, and support induction programmes.

General Responsibilities

Ensure adherence to budgets and financial procedures. Promote a safe working environment and report or address health and safety concerns promptly. Report incidents and issues to senior management in a timely manner. Work in accordance with key company policies, including Safeguarding, Child Protection, Whistleblowing, and Complaints. Strive to achieve high-quality standards as set by regulatory bodies. Act in the best interests of the children, young people, and the organisation at all times. Uphold and model the company's ethos and values. Participate in internal and external audits, inspections, and action planning. Act as the Responsible Manager in the absence of the Registered Manager.

Person Specification

Experience

Experience working with children and young people with complex or challenging behaviours. Experience in a residential care setting. Proven experience supervising or leading staff teams. Knowledge of Ofsted regulatory requirements and inspection processes. Experience liaising effectively with external professionals and agencies. Experience deputising in the absence of a Registered Manager is desirable.

Skills and Knowledge

Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Ability to motivate, support, and develop staff. Good organisational and time management skills. IT literate with strong report-writing skills. Resilient, adaptable, and able to work under pressure.

Qualifications / Training

Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent) - Essential Level 4 in CYP Leadership and Management (or equivalent) - Desirable Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards) - Essential

Other Requirements

Full UK Driving Licence - Essential Flexibility to work shifts, including sleep-ins and weekends, in line with the needs of the home.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 15.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Experience:

children's home: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Must hold an NVQ Level 3 in childcare (required)
Work Location: In person