At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in a residential home and lead a dedicated team.
- Company: Exciting new children's residential home in Sutton, focused on high-quality care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £40,000, career development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and leadership in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a brand-new service and positively impact young lives.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in children's residential care and QCF Level 3 qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Location: Wellington, Sutton
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Start Date: March 2026
Positions Available: 2 x Deputy Managers
We are recruiting two Deputy Managers for a brand-new, fully refurbished children's residential home based in Sutton. The home will support 2-3 young people aged 10-16 with a range of needs including EBD, Learning Disabilities, Complex Needs, and ADHD. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the development of a new service, working closely with the Registered Manager to establish high-quality care, strong routines, and a positive culture from the outset.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and day-to-day running of the children's home
- Work as part of a small, dedicated team to deliver high-quality care
- Support and supervise staff, addressing performance or staffing issues where appropriate
- Act as a positive role model and effective leader within the home
- Step into the Manager role when required
Job Summary
Provide consistent, child-centred support to enable young people to participate in community and personal activities. Ensure all administrative duties and paperwork meet required standards and regulatory expectations.
Key Duties
- Maintain a strong understanding of relevant legislation and standards for children's residential care
- Liaise regularly with the Manager and external professionals/agencies
- Act as a key/primary worker for allocated young people
- Ensure daily tasks, routines, and care plans are completed to a high standard
- Assist with staff supervisions and attend your own supervision
- Arrange, attend, and contribute to team meetings
- Monitor, administer, and manage medication in line with policies and procedures
- Oversee petty cash and young people's finances when required
- Support young people to develop life skills in preparation for greater independence
- Maintain confidentiality and follow safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures at all times
Requirements
- Minimum 2 years' experience working in a children's residential home
- At least 1 year in a senior or supervisory role
- QCF Level 3 in Children & Young People (essential)
- QCF Level 5 (or working towards)
- Full UK driving licence
- DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain)
Deputy Manager Ofsted - Wallington, Sutton employer: Virtual Bridges
Join our dynamic team at a newly established children's residential home in Wallington, Sutton, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping a nurturing environment for young people with diverse needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, offering opportunities for growth and training to enhance your skills. With a competitive salary and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, this is an exceptional opportunity for those passionate about care and leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager Ofsted - Wallington, Sutton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Virtual Bridges.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Virtual Bridges!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Virtual Bridges, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Virtual Bridges or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager Ofsted - Wallington, Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Virtual Bridges:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Virtual Bridges! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virtual Bridges
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
