Deputy Manager in Kilmarnock, Scotland

Location: East Ayrshire

Hours: Full-Time Flexible Shift Pattern (including evenings, weekends, on-call duties, and participation in rota requirements)

Salary: £35,000 starting salary

Contract: Permanent

About the Role:

21HSC are recruiting for a Deputy Manager on behalf of a childrens residential service based in Ayrshire. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced residential childcare professional to support the leadership and management of a childrens residential service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nurturing, and trauma-informed care. Working closely with the Registered Manager, the successful candidate will support the day-to-day operation of the home, provide leadership and guidance to staff, and promote a positive culture built on respect, inclusion, and childrens rights. The Deputy Manager will deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager and play a key role in ensuring positive outcomes for children and young people. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a supportive and child-centred environment while contributing to the continued development of a high-quality residential care service.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day leadership and management of the residential home.
• Deputise and take operational lead in the absence of the Registered Manager.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and leadership to staff, promoting best practice and professional development.
• Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, participation, and childrens rights.
• Ensure compliance with Care Inspectorate standards, relevant legislation, and organisational policies.
• Support inspections, audits, and quality assurance processes.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation in line with regulatory requirements.
• Promote and safeguard the wellbeing of children and young people at all times.
• Respond appropriately to child protection concerns and safeguarding matters.
• Apply GIRFEC (Getting It Right for Every Child) principles in practice and care planning.
• Support the completion and review of care plans, risk assessments, and individual outcomes.
• Promote positive outcomes in education, emotional wellbeing, health, relationships, and independence.
• Support staff supervision, performance management, and workforce development.
• Assist with recruitment, induction, and staff training.
• Support staff to meet Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration requirements.
• Promote trauma-informed approaches and positive behaviour support strategies.
• Safely manage and respond to challenging behaviours where required.
• Develop positive working relationships with social workers, families, education teams, and external professionals.
• Support rota management, staffing resources, and operational reporting.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Experience working within childrens residential care in Scotland.
• Previous experience in a Senior Residential Worker, Team Leader, or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Care Inspectorate standards, safeguarding legislation, and GIRFEC principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate, guide, and support staff teams.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, child-centred, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (Children and Young People) or equivalent.
• Currently working towards SVQ Level 4 in Leadership & Management (or willingness to undertake).
• Experience supporting inspections and quality improvement processes.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and rights-based approaches to care.

Additional Information:

The successful candidate must be eligible for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and will be required to join the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. This role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the service, including participation in shift patterns, evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities where required. Training, supervision, and ongoing professional development opportunities are available to support career progression and continued learning.

How to Apply:

If this role sounds like the perfect fit for you, please click Apply to send your CV. Alternatively, for more information and a detailed job description, contact Danielle Frame at 21 Health and Social Care.

Interview Process:

Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an initial Teams call/face-to-face meeting with 21HSC staff, followed by an in-person interview with the organisation. 21 Health and Social Care Limited is an equal opportunities employer.