At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the management of a children's home and lead a dedicated staff team.
- Company: Derbyshire County Council, committed to high-quality care for children.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, employee discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a beautiful location with great transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and a Level 3 Diploma or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 46202 - 52100 £ per year.
About Derbyshire Residential Children’s Services
Derbyshire County Council provides consistent, high‑quality care through twelve children’s homes across the county. Our homes offer safe, nurturing environments where children and young people feel happy to live and are supported to thrive. Our practice is underpinned by:
- PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy)
- Trauma‑informed and psychologically informed practice
- Social pedagogy
- Person‑centred, relationship‑focused care
We are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop resilience, life skills and positive futures.
About Fairview Children’s Home
Fairview is a 4‑bed children’s home providing care for children with complex emotional and behavioural needs. The home offers a stable, nurturing and therapeutically informed environment, supported by a small, experienced and committed staff team. The Deputy Manager plays a vital role in maintaining consistency, quality and strong relationships within the home, supporting both children and staff to achieve positive outcomes.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Manager to join the team at Fairview Children’s Home. Working closely with the Registered Manager, you will be responsible for the day‑to‑day operational management of the home, ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding and compliance are maintained at all times. This role requires a confident leader who can balance operational responsibilities with a strong therapeutic presence for children and staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Registered Manager in the overall management of a 4‑bed children’s home
- Lead and supervise the staff team, promoting reflective and trauma‑informed practice
- Ensure children receive high‑quality, consistent and therapeutic care
- Build strong, trusting relationships with children and model positive, emotionally attuned care
- Oversee care planning, risk assessments, behaviour support and safeguarding practice
- Ensure compliance with:
- The Children Act
- Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
- Quality Standards
- Ofsted requirements
- Manage staffing arrangements, rotas, supervision and performance
- Contribute to recruitment, induction, training and development of staff
- Support effective partnership working with families, social workers, education, health and other agencies
- Assist with budget management and effective use of resources
- Promote children’s independence, life skills and participation in daily routines and activities
- Take part in the on‑call rota, covering 50% of standby duties
What We’re Looking For
- Caring, resilient and emotionally intelligent
- Confident working in a therapeutic and relationship‑based environment
- Able to lead, motivate and support staff in a demanding but rewarding setting
- Organised, reflective and able to make sound decisions under pressure
- Committed to anti‑oppressive practice, equality and safeguarding
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience of direct work with children and young people in a residential setting
- Supervisory or management experience within residential childcare
- Sound knowledge of:
- Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards
- Safeguarding and risk management
- Trauma, attachment and child development
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (England) or equivalent
- Willingness to work towards, or hold, the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
- Ability to work a rota when required, including evenings, weekends and on‑call duties
Standby / On‑Call Arrangements
As Deputy Manager, you will be expected to cover 50% of the on‑call rota. Standby payments apply:
- £29.93 for any standby period up to 8 hours
- An additional £3.75 for each subsequent 2‑hour block (up to a maximum of 24 hours per period)
Working for Derbyshire County Council
Derbyshire is a great place to live and work, offering beautiful countryside alongside excellent transport links to Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and Manchester. Benefits include:
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Employee discounts
- Occupational health and wellbeing services
- In‑house counselling and physiotherapy support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking at most sites
Our Values
We welcome applications from individuals who share our values: Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered, Accountable. These values guide how we work together and how we support children, families and colleagues.
Safeguarding
This post involves working with children and vulnerable young people and is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent appointment; each case will be considered on its own merits.
Apply now to join us and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children at Fairview Children’s Home. If you are interested in an informal chat and a look around the home before interview, please contact Alice Thompson – alice.thompson@derbyshire.gov.uk – 07428174460
Deputy Manager - Residential Children's Home (Fairview) employer: Derbyshire Limited
Derbyshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment at Fairview Children's Home, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through training and development, we foster a culture of collaboration and empowerment. Join us in a picturesque location that combines beautiful countryside with excellent transport links, ensuring a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager - Residential Children's Home (Fairview)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager - Residential Children's Home (Fairview)
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 Derbyshire Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Derbyshire Limited! 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 Derbyshire Limited
✨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.
