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- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to provide outstanding care for children aged 5-18.
- Company: Join a brand-new children's home with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Earn £17-£18 per hour, enjoy flexible shifts, and access ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in young lives while progressing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Health & Social Care and 2 years' experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear progression potential and a focus on trauma-informed care.
Optima Plus Recruitment is proudly recruiting on behalf of a valued client for a dedicated and compassionate Deputy Manager to join a newly opening children’s residential home in Staffordshire. You’ll work closely with the Registered Home Manager, leading day and night shifts to deliver outstanding care and support for children and young people aged 5–18. This role is ideal for an experienced support worker or team leader ready to progress into management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and support the care team during day and night shifts, ensuring safe and effective practice.
- Create and maintain a positive, nurturing, and structured home environment.
- Provide emotional and practical support, encouraging independence and personal growth.
- Support young people with daily routines and community activities.
- Ensure safeguarding and child protection policies are consistently adhered to.
- Work collaboratively with the Home Manager to deliver trauma-informed care.
- Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour calmly and professionally.
- Maintain high-quality standards in line with Ofsted regulations.
What We’re Looking For:
- NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Health & Social Care (Children & Young People) – working towards Level 5 (essential).
- Minimum 2 years’ UK-based experience in a residential childcare setting.
- Experience supervising staff or leading shifts.
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (preferred).
- Right to work in the UK (essential – no COS available).
- A caring, resilient, and motivated individual with a genuine passion for supporting young people.
What You’ll Get:
- £17.00 – £18.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
- 12-hour shifts with flexibility (days, waking nights, weekends).
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Supportive and inclusive working culture with clear progression potential.
If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference and share our values of care, integrity, and compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in leading a team that truly changes young lives.
Optima Plus Recruitment is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from the Armed Forces community, individuals with disabilities, and those with lived experience relevant to the role.
Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Home | Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Optima Plus Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Optima Plus Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Home | Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the care sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to children's residential care. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role of Deputy Manager. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting young people during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our team and make a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Home | Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in residential childcare and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Your Passion: In your application, let your genuine passion for supporting young people shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. We love to see candidates who are truly dedicated to making a positive impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at this exciting new children’s home!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optima Plus Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of the Deputy Manager role. Brush up on trauma-informed care practices and safeguarding policies, as these will likely come up in conversation. Showing that you understand the nuances of the role will impress your interviewers.
✨Share Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in residential childcare settings. Think of specific examples where you’ve led a team or managed challenging behaviour. This not only demonstrates your capability but also shows your passion for supporting young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the home’s approach to creating a nurturing environment or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. Share why you’re passionate about making a difference in their lives and how you plan to encourage their independence and personal growth. A positive attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
