Deputy Children\'s Manager

Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.

Reports to: Registered Manager / Operations Manager

Salary Range: offering up to 35k

Location: Linton - DE12

Additional Benefits:

• Sleep rate: £60 per night
• Extra holiday for your birthday
• Welcome gift pack
• Free meals with young people
• DBS update service paid annually
• £200 for successful "Refer a Friend" scheme

Job Purpose:

The Deputy Manager will support the Registered Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations within the residential service, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and company policies. In the absence of the Registered Manager, the Deputy will take on all responsibilities and duties as required by the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, company guidelines, and the OFSTED inspection framework. The Deputy Manager will lead the staff team in delivering high-quality care to meet the physical, health, emotional, and social needs of the young people. This includes helping to implement individual care plans, promoting safeguarding, and supporting the development of young people in a safe and caring environment.

Job Location:

The role is based at our residential home in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire. While the main work location is here, you may be asked to work at other homes within the organization. You’ll support a team that provides care for young people with various needs, and your role will include flexible shift patterns including weekends, evenings, and holidays. Additional administrative duties such as attending meetings, staff training, and young people’s reviews will also be part of the role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Management: Oversee daily operations to provide a 24/7 service, ensuring that the home can respond to any out-of-hours needs in the absence of the Registered Manager.
• Team Support: Work alongside the Registered Manager to plan, review, and deliver services. Contribute to monitoring and maintaining service standards, ensuring quality assurance systems are implemented and maintained.
• Resource Management: Assist with managing resources such as budgets, staffing, and equipment, ensuring efficient use and adherence to policies.
• Staff Supervision & Development: Provide supervision and guidance to staff, support their professional development, and ensure they meet required training standards. Foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Creating a Safe Environment: Lead efforts to ensure a safe, secure, and supportive environment for the young people, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs. Promote diversity and respect for cultural and religious backgrounds.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Health & Social Care (Children and Young People) or an equivalent qualification.
• Willingness to complete Level 5 QCF in Leadership and Management in Residential Services within 12 months.
• At least 3 years’ experience in residential children’s care, with a minimum of 1 year in a senior role.
• Experience working with young people with Emotional and Behavioural Disorders (EBD), Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), or Learning Disabilities (LD) is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to work at a senior level in a residential home rated as “GOOD” or “OUTSTANDING” by OFSTED.

Key Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, supervise, and support staff.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to write clear reports and chair meetings.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to plan and manage staff rotas effectively.
• Ability to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the work and handle varying challenges.

Other Requirements:

• A clean, current driving license (required for the role).
• Access to a vehicle with business insurance.
• A genuine passion for improving services for children and young people.

Additional Information:

Working with vulnerable individuals can be physically demanding, and employees must be able to perform all job requirements, including emergency first aid and physical intervention training. Disability or medical conditions will not prevent employment, but any necessary adjustments to the working agreement must be communicated. The organization is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All staff must undergo an Enhanced DBS check, provide full work history, and supply references covering the last 5 years of employment.