Hours: 40 hours per week, including some evenings, weekends and on-call responsibilities
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Super Young Minds provides high-quality residential care for children and young people with complex needs, challenging behaviours and additional support requirements.
At the heart of our organisation is a commitment to creating safe, stable and nurturing homes where every child is valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Our team works together to provide consistent care, promote independence, develop life skills and achieve positive outcomes for the children and young people we support.
We are growing as an organisation and are looking for an experienced and committed Deputy Manager to help lead our children’s home in Northfleet.
About the role
We are seeking a passionate, resilient and experienced Deputy Manager who can support the Registered Manager with the effective day-to-day operation of the home.
You will play a key role in maintaining a safe, warm and supportive environment where children and young people can thrive.
The successful candidate will be a visible and hands‑on leader who can support, guide and motivate the residential care team. You will help ensure that high standards of care, safeguarding and regulatory compliance are consistently maintained.
You will be confident managing challenging situations, making sound decisions and building positive relationships with children, colleagues, families, social workers and other professionals.
Key responsibilities
- Support the Registered Manager with the day‑to‑day management of the children’s home.
- Provide leadership, guidance and support to Senior Residential Care Workers and Residential Care Workers.
- Lead shifts and provide hands‑on support to children and staff when required.
- Promote a safe, nurturing and child‑centred environment.
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and that concerns are identified, recorded and escalated appropriately.
- Support the development and implementation of care plans, placement plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.
- Ensure children’s wishes, feelings and individual needs are reflected in the support they receive.
- Support the management of incidents, missing‑from‑home episodes, safeguarding concerns and challenging behaviours.
- Maintain accurate, timely and high‑quality records.
- Support staff supervision, appraisals, training and professional development.
- Assist with staff rotas, shift planning and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
- Monitor the quality of care provided and support continuous improvement across the home.
- Help ensure compliance with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards and internal policies.
- Support preparation for Ofsted inspections and contribute to maintaining a Good rating.
- Build positive working relationships with social workers, local authorities, education providers, health professionals and families.
- Deputise for the Registered Manager during periods of absence.
- Participate in the home’s on‑call rota where required.
Qualifications and experience
- Previous experience working in a children’s residential care setting.
- Experience in a Senior Residential Care Worker, Team Leader or Deputy Manager position.
- A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
- A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or a willingness to work towards it.
- Experience supporting children and young people with complex needs, challenging behaviours, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism or learning disabilities.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Good knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards.
- The ability to lead shifts, manage incidents and make appropriate decisions under pressure.
- Strong written communication and record‑keeping skills.
- The ability to motivate, support and develop colleagues.
- A positive, practical and solution‑focused approach.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Previous experience within a children’s home rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted would be advantageous.
Benefits
- Discretionary performance‑related bonus.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
- Company pension scheme.
- Enhanced DBS paid for by the company.
- Blue Light Card eligibility.
- Access to confidential staff counselling and wellbeing support.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Support to complete relevant qualifications.
- Opportunities for progression into Registered Manager and senior leadership positions.
- The opportunity to work within a modern, well‑maintained and welcoming residential home.
Super Young Minds is a growing and ambitious organisation. The Deputy Manager will need to balance a practical, hands‑on leadership style with strong professional judgement.
You must be able to respond positively to challenges, remain calm under pressure and demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the lives of children and young people.
You will be expected to promote a positive culture within the home, support staff accountability and ensure that every decision is guided by the safety, welfare and best interests of the children in our care.
Equal opportunities
Super Young Minds is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of any protected characteristic.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, verification of employment history, right‑to‑work checks and
