Deputy Manager – Job Advertisement
Location: Cambridgeshire
Contract Type: Full time | 40 hours per week
About the Role
Are you an experienced residential childcare professional looking to take the next step in your career?
Karoo Group is seeking a passionate and dedicated Deputy Manager to support the leadership and development of our solo Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) children's home, located in the Cambridgeshire countryside near Peterborough.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation committed to delivering high-quality, trauma-informed care to young people who have experienced adversity and trauma. Working alongside the Registered Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the home provides a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where the young person can feel valued, develop resilience, and achieve positive outcomes.
The role combines direct work with the young person and dedicated management responsibilities, offering the opportunity to maintain strong relationships while developing your leadership skills and contributing to the overall success of the home.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people and has the confidence, resilience, and leadership skills to support a staff team in delivering outstanding care.
You will be committed to safeguarding, promoting positive outcomes, and creating an environment where young people can thrive. You will be able to lead by example, support colleagues to develop their practice, and work collaboratively with professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for the young person.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
- Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day operation and development of the home.
- Lead shifts and provide effective management oversight when required.
- Promote a positive, child-centred culture and high standards of care throughout the service.
- Participate in the home's on-call rota and provide support and guidance to staff outside of normal working hours.
Supporting the Young Person
- Build positive and meaningful relationships with the young person.
- Provide consistent, nurturing care and support that promotes safety, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.
- Act as a positive corporate parent, advocating for the young person's wishes, feelings, and aspirations.
- Support engagement in education, activities, appointments, and daily routines.
Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Promote and model trauma-informed approaches to care.
- Lead and support staff in using PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches.
- Help create a therapeutic environment that supports emotional regulation, resilience, and recovery from trauma.
Safeguarding and Risk Management
- Ensure the young person's welfare and safety remain central to all decision-making.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents, and emerging risks.
- Support the development, implementation, and review of care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans.
- Ensure incidents are managed safely, effectively, and in line with organisational procedures.
Staff Development and Supervision
- Support, mentor, and develop Residential Support Workers.
- Contribute to staff supervision, performance management, and reflective practice.
- Promote professional development and high standards of practice across the team.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Support the Registered Manager in maintaining compliance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and organisational policies.
- Assist with audits, monitoring, and quality assurance activities.
- Contribute to positive outcomes during Ofsted inspections and Regulation 44 visits.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure documentation meets regulatory requirements.
Multi-Agency Working
- Develop positive working relationships with social workers, education providers, health professionals, families, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Participate in meetings and contribute to care planning and decision-making processes.
- Promote effective communication to ensure coordinated support for the young person.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Support rota planning and workforce management.
- Complete audits, reports, and management monitoring tasks.
- Assist with petty cash, young person's finances, and budget monitoring.
- Ensure records and electronic systems are maintained accurately and efficiently.
Person Specification
Essential
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 2 years' experience working within a Children's Residential Home.
- Experience leading shifts and supporting or mentoring staff.
- Sound knowledge of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and Positive Behaviour Support.
- Understanding of Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
- Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work a combination of residential shifts and office-based management days.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
- Previous experience in a Deputy Manager or Senior Residential Support Worker role.
- Experience working within therapeutic or solo residential provisions.
- Experience supporting regulatory compliance, audits, and quality assurance processes.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Support to achieve the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (where required).
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation.
- Supportive leadership and management team.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the life of a young person.
This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all shortlisted candidates must disclose any convictions or cautions that are not protected under current filtering legislation.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safer recruitment checks which includes an Enhanced DBS Check.
