Assistant Manager

Are you a compassionate, reflective and resilient leader who is passionate about improving the lives of children with disabilities? We are looking for an experienced and motivated Assistant Manager to join our dedicated Children with Disabilities (CWD) Short Breaks Service. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within a nurturing and child-focused environment that provides high-quality short breaks and support for children with complex needs.

As Assistant Manager, you will support the effective day-to-day running of the home and deputise for the home's Manager when required. You will help lead a skilled and caring team, ensuring that every child receives safe, consistent and trauma-informed care that promotes positive experiences and outcomes. At the heart of our service is a commitment to creating a calm, caring and supportive environment where children feel valued, families feel listened to and staff are empowered to thrive.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role within a 24-hour residential short breaks service. Due to the nature of the service, there will be a requirement to work flexibly, including weekends, bank holidays, sleep-ins and unsociable hours in line with service need. The successful candidate will work collaboratively as part of the wider Residential Management Team across the residential estate, supporting both mainstream and CWD residential homes. This includes participating in the management on-call rota and providing leadership support and guidance across services when required. You will play a vital role in promoting consistency, high standards of care and positive outcomes for children across residential services.

We are seeking someone who is:

• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced care environment
• Caring, compassionate and genuinely child-focused
• Calm, resilient and able to lead confidently under pressure
• Reflective in practice and committed to continuous improvement
• Hard-working and reliable with a strong work ethic
• Trauma-informed in their approach to supporting children and families
• Passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and young people
• Skilled in building positive relationships with families, professionals and partner agencies
• Confident in leading, motivating and developing staff teams
• Committed to creating a positive and inclusive team culture

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the operational management of the Short Breaks Centre in line with Care Standards and relevant legislation
• Lead shifts and deputise in the absence of the Centre Manager
• Promote a positive culture and high standards of care across the service
• Ensure policies, procedures and safeguarding practices are consistently followed
• Support staff supervision, development and training, including NVQ Level 3 standards
• Monitor quality assurance systems and contribute to service improvement
• Work collaboratively with families and professionals to ensure care plans meet individual needs
• Support effective management of resources, staffing and the physical environment
• Respond appropriately to complaints, compliments and significant events
• Participate in the wider residential management and on-call arrangements across the residential estate

You will have experience working with children and young people in a residential, respite or specialist care setting, alongside a sound understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and children’s social care regulations. You will be a strong communicator who leads by example and promotes a culture of kindness, accountability, reflection and teamwork.

You will become part of a supportive and committed team that values:

• Compassion
• Teamwork
• Reflection and learning
• Inclusivity
• Child-centred care
• Professional development
• Positive relationships
• High-quality, trauma-informed practice

This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children, young people and their families every single day.

Enhanced DBS check required. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.