At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead change and support young people in a new residential service.
- Company: Join Southwark’s innovative Children’s Home team.
- Benefits: Professional development, training opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a groundbreaking project with a supportive multidisciplinary team.
- Why this job: Shape the lives of children and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in management and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Shape lives. Lead with purpose. Build futures in an outstanding home.
Some leadership roles manage services. This one shapes lives.
At Olive House Children’s Home, every decision you make helps create a safe, nurturing environment where children build trust, grow in confidence and thrive.
At Southwark, we are committed to giving every child and young person the stability, care and support they need to flourish. If you are an experienced residential leader ready for your next step, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
About Olive House
Olive House is a nurturing children’s home supporting up to five children and young people with complex emotional, behavioural and social needs, often linked to trauma and associated difficulties.
We are proud to be rated Outstanding by Ofsted, recognising the strength of our relationships, leadership and the progress children make every day.
Our approach is firmly rooted in trauma-informed practice. We have a clinical practitioner who works directly with both the children and the staff team and who also leads monthly group supervision.
We are also proud that all our children are in education. To support this, an education advisor from the Virtual School is based in the home two days each week.
We are building on this success and are looking for a Deputy Manager to help take Olive House even further. Could this be you?
What You’ll Be Doing
As Deputy Manager, you will work alongside the Registered Manager to lead the home and shape a culture where children feel safe, valued, and understood.
You will deputise for the Registered Manager as required, ensuring strong leadership continuity and effective oversight of the service in their absence.
You will also be responsible for managing and overseeing operational systems and programmes as directed by the Registered Manager. This includes:
- Ensuring care planning, recording and monitoring systems are accurate, consistent and up to date
- Supporting the implementation and ongoing management of key programmes, frameworks, or initiatives within the home
- Monitoring compliance with internal systems and regulatory requirements
- Supporting staff to use systems effectively to improve outcomes for children
This is a visible, hands‑on leadership role where you will:
- Lead and support staff in delivering high‑quality, trauma‑informed care
- Influence daily practice and safeguarding decisions
- Ensure consistency, stability, and strong relationships for every child
- Help shape each child’s lived experience and long‑term progress
You will join a supportive, forward‑thinking service where children are at the centre of every decision and reflective practice is part of everyday work.
In Return, You Will
- Work in an Outstanding‑rated children’s home
- Be part of a values‑led leadership culture
- Access career development and progression opportunities
- Make a meaningful, lasting difference every day
- Help shape the future of residential care in Southwark
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, emotionally intelligent leader who combines high standards with genuine care.
You will bring:
- Experience in residential children’s homes (senior/deputy level desirable)
- QCF Level 4 Diploma in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it
- Strong understanding of trauma, attachment, and child development
- Knowledge of safeguarding and Ofsted frameworks
- Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs
- Proven leadership, supervision, and team development skills
- Strong communication and decision‑making abilities
- Flexibility to work shifts and deputise when required
- Working hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £50,175 - £57,495
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition
Advert closes: 11:59pm on Sunday 31st May 2026
Residential Deputy Manager employer: Southwark Council
Join Southwark’s Children & Families Services as a Residential Deputy Manager and be part of a transformative journey in establishing a new children’s home. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive multidisciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in a nurturing environment. Our culture prioritises collaboration and innovation, ensuring that you are equipped to lead positive change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Deputy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Deputy Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for shaping positive change in children's lives. Let them see how committed you are to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing the ins and outs of Southwark’s Children & Families Services. Familiarise yourself with their achievements and values so you can align your answers with what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Deputy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about shaping positive change in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in residential care or management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and support a team effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see how you fit the role of Deputy Manager.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Deputy Manager in a residential setting. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the specific needs of children aged 8 to 17. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with professionals from different backgrounds, such as psychologists and social workers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving young people. Think about challenges you might face in a residential home and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Express Your Vision
This role is about shaping a new service, so be prepared to discuss your ideas for creating a nurturing environment. Share your vision for how you would support the children and young people in your care, and how you plan to contribute to the home's success.
