At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support teams in creating safe, nurturing homes for children.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council's innovative Residential Children's Services.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, health initiatives, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Stable management team with a commitment to staff development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 46142 £ per year.
Salary: £40,777 - £46,142 per annum
Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week
International Sponsorship: This role is not open to international sponsorship.
Location: Skelmersdale
We are currently recruiting for new Deputy Manager roles within Lancashire County Council’s Residential Children’s Services, as part of our “Where Our Children Live” programme. This initiative is focused on creating safe, supportive homes for Lancashire children and forms a key part of our wider strategy to modernise and expand residential childcare across the county.
These roles present an excellent opportunity for experienced Assistant Managers who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Deputy Managers will work core hours (Monday to Friday, between 7am and 7pm), providing leadership, supervision and guidance to teams of Senior Residential Childcare Workers and Residential Childcare Workers.
Posts are available in a variety of settings across Lancashire, including small children’s homes, a specialist home for children with complex mental health needs, and innovative hubs that offer intensive support to help prevent children from entering care.
This is a key leadership position, working closely with the Home Manager to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the home. The role involves a balance of operational and direct care responsibilities, including overseeing individual care plans, monitoring health and educational outcomes, and maintaining strong working relationships with external professionals. Attendance at reviews and multi-agency meetings is expected, as is contributing to wider service projects, initiatives and staff development.
Deputy Managers are also expected to work collaboratively as part of the broader management team across Children’s Residential Services, taking a lead on key areas of development and supporting the ongoing training and growth of the workforce. At the heart of this role is a commitment to our vision: that children, young people and their families are safe, healthy and able to achieve their full potential.
This vision is underpinned by five key outcomes:
- Vulnerable children are safe from harm and resilient.
- They achieve in education and employment.
- They lead healthy lifestyles and support others.
- They have a voice in shaping their support.
- They live in a Lancashire where they enjoy a good quality of life and want to stay.
What we are looking for:
- A passion for working with children and a commitment to their well-being.
- A QCF 4 or NVQ 3 or 4 Leadership & Management in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
- Minimum of 3 years' experience working within Residential Children and Young People's Services or equivalent.
- Driving license and access to a vehicle – this is an essential car user post.
Why join us:
- Generous annual leave allocation, 25 days (rising to 32 days after five years' service) plus eight days bank holidays and two extra statutory days.
- Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible Working arrangements.
- Health and Wellbeing Initiatives including wellness programs and other services including Occupational Health Services, Cycle to work scheme, Eyesight test contribution and our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Generous annual leave, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave policies.
- Access to various discounts on products and services, including local businesses, national retailers, and car purchase schemes.
- Free parking and all meals/drinks included when on shift.
- Stable experienced management team and dedicated Head of Service.
- Extensive training programme, including funded apprenticeships up to degree level.
How to apply:
You should demonstrate in your application how you meet the requirements of the job description by uploading a copy of your CV and Supporting Statement. Please feel free to contact us for an initial informal and confidential chat – contact our talent team on talent@lancashire.gov.uk.
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Interviews: TBC
Lancashire County Council reserves the right to close this job advertisement at any time prior to the stated closing date. This decision may be made without prior notice and is at the sole discretion of Lancashire County Council. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly, as we may fill the position before the advertised closing date.
Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.
We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Deputy Manager | Willow Space Hub | Skelmersdale employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of architectural design. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and ample annual leave, and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives, this role as Principal Architect provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of building design in Lancashire while advancing your career in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager | Willow Space Hub | Skelmersdale
✨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 Lancashire County Council.
✨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 Lancashire County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager | Willow Space Hub | Skelmersdale
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 Lancashire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancashire County Council! 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 Lancashire County Council
✨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.
