Deputy Manager (Supported Accommodation) in Southampton

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of young people and helping them develop the confidence, skills and resilience needed for adulthood?

Oaktree Education Services is seeking an experienced and committed Deputy Manager for Supported Accommodation to facilitate the effective day-to-day running and ongoing development of our growing service.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will help oversee our supported accommodation homes, ensuring young people receive consistent, person-centred support. You will oversee staff practice, monitor the quality of support plans and safeguarding records, respond to emerging risks and ensure young people are making meaningful progress towards independence.

You will also help maintain compliance with Ofsted's Supported Accommodation Regulations, promote consistent standards across the service and undertake delegated management responsibilities, including deputising for the Operations Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Operations Manager with the management and ongoing development of the supported accommodation service, taking on delegated responsibilities and deputising when required.
• Take ownership of allocated responsibilities, ensuring tasks and actions are completed within agreed timescales.
• Support and guide staff, contributing to supervisions, monitoring performance and ensuring consistent standards of safeguarding and professional practice.
• Promote a calm, structured environment where young people feel respected, understood and heard.
• Ensure support reflects each young person's individual practical, emotional, educational and social needs.
• Work collaboratively with local authorities, families, education providers, social workers and other professionals to provide coordinated support.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, operational risks and areas for improvement, escalating significant matters to the Operations Manager where appropriate.
• Support the consistent implementation of organisational policies, procedures and expectations.
• Contribute to service improvement, organisational growth and additional projects or responsibilities as reasonably required.
• Monitor the quality of support plans, risk assessments and safeguarding records, identifying gaps in practice and ensuring appropriate actions are taken.

Our Approach

We are committed to delivering trauma-informed, relationship-based and person-centred support that recognises each young person’s individual needs and circumstances. Our aim is to provide the stability, understanding and tailored support that enables young people to feel safe, develop confidence and progress towards independence.

We value collaboration, flexibility, accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement. As our organisation continues to grow, the role and its responsibilities may evolve, so the successful candidate must be adaptable, proactive and willing to take on new challenges.

Working Arrangements

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, on-site role. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays may be required, along with participation in on-call arrangements where necessary. Additional pay is provided for on-call duties.

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Employee discount
• Health and wellbeing programme
• Opportunities for career progression as the service expands.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Previous experience working within supported accommodation, residential childcare or a similar setting supporting vulnerable young people.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the needs of young people who may have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and take responsibility for completing tasks.
• Confidence working with other professionals and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns and operational challenges.
• A flexible, proactive approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a management team.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• A Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in Residential Childcare, Health and Social Care, Youth Work or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Previous experience in a Deputy Manager or similar operational management position within supported accommodation or children's services.
• Knowledge of Ofsted's Supported Accommodation Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Experience contributing to staff supervision, quality assurance activities or service development.

If you have relevant experience and are committed to helping young people achieve positive outcomes and develop the skills and confidence needed for independent living, we would welcome your application.

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