Deputy Manager Children’s Home in Southampton

Contract Type: Full time, 12-month fixed term contract

Salary: £31,668.00- £36,036.00 per annum - dependent on qualifications and experience

Location: Poole

Specific Hours: 40 hours per week

Benefits: 33 days annual leave (includes bank holidays), company pension, employee discount scheme, access to wellbeing programmes, monthly clinical and professional supervision, ongoing professional training & supervision

Who are we? Budwood, part of Polaris Community, is a local service dedicated to providing high-quality Children’s Homes and 16+ Supported Accommodation. Our young people may have experienced adverse childhood experiences, and our aim is to offer them a stable, nurturing home environment where they can feel safe, grow in confidence, and gain the skills they need for adulthood and independence.

The Role: We’re looking for a passionate and motivated Deputy Manager to support two of our Children’s Residential Homes in Poole. You’ll help lead the team, ensure high standards of care, and guide young people towards independent living.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as Home Manager in their absence, under guidance from the Area Manager
• Support and motivate the staff team through supervision, coaching, mentoring, and development planning.
• Ensure high-quality care and accommodation for young people, aligned with placement plans.
• Build trusted relationships with young people, promoting safety, respect, and personal development.
• Champion a culture of listening, dignity, and empowerment for all young people.
• Promote collaborative working with families, education providers, health services, and local authorities.
• Ensure staff are trained in safeguarding and compliant with policies and refresher requirements.
• Be an ambassador for Budwood’s therapeutic model, CATCH.
• Assist with rotas, budget management, and timesheet oversight.
• Lead new staff inductions and conduct absence review meetings.
• Oversee record-keeping (e.g. risk assessments, placement plans, weekly reports), ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Guide the team in supporting young people’s learning and emotional development.
• Manage home finances when needed.
• Ensure domestic standards are high, including meal preparation and home maintenance.
• Support inspections, audits, and uphold health & safety and fire safety compliance.
• Participate in the on-call rota.
• Engage in supervision, appraisal, and continuous professional development.

What we need from you:

• Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care, Children and Young People or equivalent or working towards.
• At least 2 years’ experience of working within a residential children’s home or Supported Living service
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Understanding of The Children Act 1989 and 2004 and Supported Accommodation Quality Standards.
• Understanding of safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance in care settings.
• Experience in residential care, youth work, or working with young people with Emotional Behavioural Disorders (EBD).
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• A proactive, flexible, and child-centred approach.

Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.