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- Tasks: Lead a therapeutic community, ensuring high standards of care for young people.
- Company: Childhood First, dedicated to helping children recover from trauma.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, healthcare benefits, and professional training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in therapeutic care and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Childhood First enables children and young people to recover from early life abuse and relational trauma, to enjoy life and to achieve their potential. We do this through the provision of specialist therapeutic residential care and treatment, together with family and network support. We are also a UKCP Training Organisational Member accredited with Middlesex University, providing in-house clinical training to its clinical staff. Merrywood House provides placements for up to 8 young people aged between 10 and 17 years old.
Purpose
12 Months Fixed term Contract – Maternity Cover. This is a senior leadership and therapeutic role within Childhood First’s provision of services for children and young people with complex needs. As the Deputy Director, you will work closely with the Director (Registered Manager) to ensure effective leadership and day to day management of the services and community.
What you’ll bring to the role
- Experience of leading a therapeutic care team ideally in a residential care setting.
- Clinical expertise and focus on the planning and delivery of a therapeutic service.
- A high level of communication skills and a methodical approach to work.
- Experience of assessment methods and psychodynamic work with children, adolescents or families.
- A sense of personal resilience and psychological awareness, and the ability to form open and constructive relationships including a willingness to consider self in relationship with others and in terms of impact on the work.
Task
- Support the Director in leading Merrywood House’s Therapeutic Community, ensuring the therapeutic community’s environment remains at a high standard, consistent with Children’s Home Regulations by being responsive to the needs of the children and staff.
- Ensure there is an effective workforce in place to deliver essential services. This includes taking the lead role in rota management and recruitment campaigns.
What we’ll do for you
- Statutory and management training.
- Monthly clinical supervision and weekly staff support groups.
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- Healthcare benefits and life assurance.
- Up to 6% employer pension contribution.
- Relocation package and recruitment referral scheme.
Closing date: Friday 15 May 2026. Interview dates: Week commencing 18 May 2026. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, including right to work verification, background vetting, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which may include overseas checks), verification of qualifications, receipt of satisfactory professional references, and medical clearance.
Deputy Director -1 Year Fixed Term Maternity Cover in Norfolk employer: Childhood First
Contact Detail:
Childhood First Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director -1 Year Fixed Term Maternity Cover in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of therapeutic care and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your clinical expertise and leadership skills. Think about real-life examples where you've made a difference in a therapeutic setting, as these stories will resonate with interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values and experience. We recommend checking out our website for roles that match your skills and passion for helping children and young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director -1 Year Fixed Term Maternity Cover in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Director. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your clinical expertise and leadership experience can benefit our therapeutic community. We want to see real examples of your work!
Be Authentic: We value personal resilience and psychological awareness, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your motivations and how you connect with the mission of Childhood First.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Childhood First
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the therapeutic approaches and assessment methods relevant to the role. Brush up on psychodynamic work with children and families, as this will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a therapeutic care team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability to support the Director effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and methodically. You might want to rehearse answers to common questions, focusing on how you can build constructive relationships within the team and with the young people.
✨Be Ready to Reflect
Expect questions that explore your personal resilience and psychological awareness. Be prepared to discuss how your self-awareness impacts your work and relationships, as this is crucial in a therapeutic environment.