At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team in providing high-quality care for young people aged 16+.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire County Council's innovative Children's Residential Services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work environment with hybrid working options available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supported accommodation and a Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care required.
We are excited to be advertising for a permanent Deputy Manager for our newest children's home. We are looking for a skilled and passionate Deputy Manager to support the leadership of our new supported accommodation service for young people aged 16+, as part of our wider Children's Residential Services. This is a key leadership role where you will work alongside the Registered Manager to deliver safe, high-quality, and trauma-informed support to young people with complex needs, helping them to develop independence and prepare for adulthood.
In accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the postholder to be aged 21 years or above. This is an essential and proportionate requirement to ensure the effective and appropriate delivery of the service due to the nature of the duties of the role and the ages and complex needs of the children and young people in our care.
About Us: Our Children's Residential Service currently includes three registered homes and one operational short-break service, with three homes rated 'Good' by Ofsted. We are also expanding our provision and are excited to be developing our new in-house supported accommodation service, Southfields. This service will support up to 19 young people and care leavers aged 16-25, offering high-quality, self-contained accommodation within a structured and supportive environment. Southfields will provide young people with the stability, guidance, and practical support they need to develop independence, build life skills, and successfully transition into adulthood, all underpinned by a strong trauma-informed ethos.
About the role: You will be an integral member of the management team and will be supporting the Registered Manager in the day-to-day operations and management of the service. This includes leading on key functions to ensure the smooth running of the service. You will be required to deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager, and be responsible for establishing, overseeing, and participating in a rota system and an on-call system. You will support the recruitment, induction, and ongoing development of the staff team, helping to build a skilled, confident, and motivated workforce. You will play an active role in the mobilisation and continued development of the service, contributing to its growth, stability, and ongoing improvement. In addition, you will contribute to embedding the ethos and values of the service, ensuring a consistent, trauma-informed approach to care that underpins all aspects of practice and supports positive outcomes for young people.
About You: You will be an experienced and confident practitioner who can lead from the front and effectively support both staff and young people within what can often be challenging, yet highly rewarding environments. You will bring previous experience within supported accommodation or a similar setting, alongside leadership or supervisory experience. You will have a strong track record of working with young people who present with complex needs, including trauma and behavioural challenges, and experience supporting care leavers to develop independence and transition successfully into adulthood. You will demonstrate a solid understanding of key legislation and regulatory frameworks relevant to supported accommodation, including the Children Act 1989, the Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010, and the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023. You will also have a sound knowledge of trauma-informed care, attachment, and adolescent development. You will be confident in safeguarding and managing risk within a semi-independent setting, while promoting young people's autonomy. Strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills are essential, alongside the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with young people and partner agencies. You will be resilient, calm, and solution-focused, with a strong commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional development.
As well as your experience of working in supported accommodation, there are some things we require of you to be successfully appointed to this post:
- Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, Children & Young People, or a related field qualification
- Evidence of continued professional development
- A full driving licence and willingness to drive
- DBS clearance (enhanced Adult and Children's)
How to apply: For an informal chat about this role, please contact us. We reserve the right to close an advertisement earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a suitable number of applications. Interviews are due to take place in person on Wednesday 1st July.
Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire's diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.
Deputy Manager, Children's Residential Home in Gloucester employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. As a Deputy Manager in our new children's residential home in Gloucester, you will benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a strong commitment to trauma-informed care, all while working alongside a dedicated team focused on empowering young individuals to achieve independence and success.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager, Children's Residential Home in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to trauma-informed care and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested and committed to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about scenarios from your past work that highlight your leadership skills and ability to support young people with complex needs. We all know practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager, Children's Residential Home in Gloucester
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 Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in similar roles, as we want to see your commitment to supporting young people.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application via our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation and frameworks relevant to supported accommodation, like the Children Act 1989 and the Care Leavers Regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also committed to providing high-quality care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully supported young people with complex needs. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've helped staff develop their skills. This will demonstrate your capability to lead in a challenging environment.
✨Emphasise Trauma-Informed Care
Since this role focuses on trauma-informed support, be ready to discuss your understanding of this approach. Share any relevant experiences where you've applied trauma-informed principles in your work, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the new children's home and its ethos. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
