Deputy Manager in Lincolnshire

Hours: 35 per week, working a combination of early and late shifts across five days, including some weekend work.

We have an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Deputy Manager to adopt a pioneering role at our brand-new children’s home in Stamford, South Lincolnshire. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for someone to assist in developing a service from scratch and rolling out a ‘gold standard’ offering in the children’s residential care sector.

As Deputy Manager, you will be working alongside our Registered Manager Jilly – she has over 13 years of experience in the social care sector, specialising in Positive Behavioural Support and Trauma Informed Practice approaches. Jilly has been readying the home for Ofsted registration and is now looking for the right person to play a huge part in establishing a caring, safe and supportive home.

Alongside other practical preparations, you will initially assist Jilly in recruiting a team of Therapeutic Support Practitioners, helping to identify people with the right skills, attitudes and values to become a part of the ‘Skylight 21 Constellation’ (staff team). The home will be registered to support up to four children between the ages of 8 and 18 who have complex support needs – this may be mental health needs, autism, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and/or mild to moderate learning disabilities. A number of the children we support may also have experienced trauma or adversity.

You will be heavily involved in the referral and assessment process for each child that comes to live with us – we strongly believe in the robustness of these processes to ensure children are well matched, and that we appropriately upskill/recruit the staff team to meet the young person’s individual needs.

Role and Responsibilities as a Deputy Manager

• Reporting to our Registered Manager, you will provide close support to manage the service effectively and efficiently to meet its Statement of Purpose.
• Demonstrate a positive outlook and ability to see beyond any behaviours of concern and work towards the progression and development of the children we look after.
• Mentor and support our Therapeutic Care Practitioners to be the best they can be.
• Work in partnership with external agencies.
• Become a Loddon certified PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructor, to enable us to minimise the use of restrictive interventions and use them safely and proportionally, where absolutely necessary.

Key Qualities we look for

• At least 2 years experience working as Deputy Manager in a children’s home, or at least six months experience working as a Registered Manager (preferably in a service rated by Ofsted as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’).
• Extensive experience managing a team.
• In-depth knowledge of the SCCIF and Children’s Home Regulations and Quality standards.
• Have achieved the Level 3 Leadership and Management Diploma, with a willingness to work towards Level 5 (if not already obtained).
• Knowledge and understanding of Positive Behavioural Support and Trauma Informed Practice.
• Creative and passionate about working with children.
• Can demonstrate solid practice leadership and support the team to create an exceptional service.
• A full, valid, UK driving licence and access to your own transport.
• Willingness to drive the home vehicle as and when required.

We are an equal opportunities employer and have a commitment to safeguarding children. We follow Safer Recruitment practices. The successful candidate will be subject to necessary background checks, governed by regulation, including obtaining an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring service (DBS).

Join us and you can expect:

• Annual Leave: You will receive 33 days per annum, plus an extra day off on your birthday!
• Additional leave: at 2 years and 5 years’ service.
• An industry leading induction and welcome programme.
• Pension: Auto enrolment into our Company pension.
• Recognition Awards: Our monthly ‘Skylight Stars’ Awards celebrate you and your team’s success.
• Your Wellbeing: Excellent health and wellbeing benefits via Medicash and Aviva including Private Medical Insurance, an employee assistance programme; a cash back healthcare plan that offers discounts on optical, dental, and a range of complimentary therapies; 24/7 access to a virtual GP, and other lifestyle apps to support your wellbeing and discounted gym memberships.
• Life Assurance: of 2 times annual salary.
• Discounts: A range of discount schemes with access to savings on high street brands, restaurants, cinemas, and other leisure outlets, including local businesses following feedback from our employees.
• Salary £50-60K dependent on experience and type of home with 28 days’ annual leave.
• Pay rate: £14.25 per hour // Sleep Night Rate of £55 (TBC).