At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the management of a nurturing children's home and lead a dedicated team.
- Company: Join a Sunday Times Best Small Company to Work For, focused on trauma-informed care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellness allowance, birthday off, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a blend of 9am-5pm and shift work with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a brand-new children's home and make a real difference in young lives.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Residential Childcare Diploma and at least 3 years' experience in childcare.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 39000 £ per year.
£37,000 - £39,000 per annum (DOE). 360 Children's Residential Services delivers trauma-informed care for children and young people and is proud to be recognised as a Sunday Times Best Small Company to Work For 2026. We're excited to be opening Willowhaven, our brand-new children’s home in Middleton St George, a peaceful village location close to Darlington. Willowhaven will provide a safe, nurturing environment for up to two young people aged 4-17, enabling highly personalised care and support tailored to each child's individual needs. In this small, family-style home, young people will have the opportunity to build confidence, develop independence, and create positive futures. Be part of something new from the very beginning, giving you the opportunity to help shape the culture, team, and future success of Willowhaven.
What You'll Do
- Support the day-to-day management of the home
- Work in partnership with the Registered Manager to lead and develop the service
- Lead and develop the staff team
- Promote outstanding safeguarding and child-centred practice
- Support care planning, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance
- Help create a safe, nurturing environment where young people can thrive
What We're Looking For
- Level 3 Residential Childcare Diploma (or equivalent)
- Minimum 3 years' residential childcare experience
- Experience in a senior or leadership role
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people
What We Offer
- Combination of 9am-5pm working pattern with shift work
- Blue Light Card
- Wellness Allowance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Birthday off every year
- Referral bonus scheme
- Additional annual leave with service
- Ongoing training and career progression opportunities
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, full employment history and references. In our safe havens, young people embrace their tomorrow with confidence.
Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home employer: 360 CRS
360 Children's Residential Services is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Sunday Times Best Small Company to Work For 2026, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment at our new children's home, Willowhaven, in the tranquil village of Middleton St George. With a strong commitment to employee growth through ongoing training, a wellness allowance, and unique benefits like a birthday off each year, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while fostering a collaborative and family-oriented culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at 360 CRS.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from 360 CRS!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like 360 CRS, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at 360 CRS or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to 360 CRS:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to 360 CRS! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 360 CRS
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
