Deputy Manager

About Us

We believe every child and young person has the potential to grow, achieve, and build a positive future. Through a trauma-informed and relationship-based approach, we create safe, nurturing environments where young people can develop resilience, learn essential life skills, and gain the confidence needed to make positive choices.

Our team is committed to providing high-quality, child-centred care that empowers young people to thrive. We value compassion, ambition, transparency, and meaningful engagement in everything we do.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Deputy Manager to support the Registered Manager in the leadership and day-to-day running of our children's residential home.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is committed to delivering outstanding care and helping young people achieve positive outcomes. You will play a key role in leading staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, promoting safeguarding, and embedding trauma-informed practice throughout the home.

In the absence of the Registered Manager, you will take responsibility for the operational management of the service, ensuring children receive safe, nurturing, and effective support at all times.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Support the Registered Manager in leading and managing the home to maintain high standards of care and compliance.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager when required.
• Lead shifts and ensure the safety, wellbeing, and engagement of children and young people.
• Provide guidance, supervision, and support to Senior Support Workers and Support Workers.
• Contribute to staff recruitment, retention, development, and performance management.
• Deliver reflective supervision, development plans, and appraisals.
• Foster a positive, learning-focused and trauma-informed culture.
• Assist with staff training, development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide out-of-hours on-call support as required.

Safeguarding & Child-Centred Care

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead when required.
• Promote and implement safeguarding, child protection, and wellbeing policies.
• Act as an escalation point for safeguarding concerns, incidents, and behavioural challenges.
• Ensure care plans, risk assessments, and personalised outcomes are effectively implemented.
• Promote positive behaviour management and restorative approaches.
• Support children in achieving their educational, social, emotional, and personal goals.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people.

Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the home.
• Ensure records, reports, and documentation are accurate and completed to required standards.
• Maintain compliance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, and Ofsted requirements.
• Participate in quality assurance processes, audits, and service improvement initiatives.
• Support effective communication across the home and wider organisation.
• Chair meetings and contribute to care planning and review processes.

Health & Safety

• Support the management of health, safety, and risk within the home.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and nurturing environment is maintained.
• Monitor health and safety compliance, training, and risk assessments.
• Promote safe working practices across the team.

Financial & Resource Management

• Assist in managing staffing rotas and allocated budgets.
• Ensure resources are used effectively and responsibly.
• Support compliance with financial policies, procedures, and recording systems.
• Highlight and report financial discrepancies when required.

Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with:
  • Families and carers
  • Social Workers
  • Local Authorities
  • Independent Visitors
  • Ofsted
  • Therapeutic and specialist support services
• Promote partnership working to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.
• Build and maintain positive links within the local community.

Trauma-Informed Practice

As a Deputy Manager, you will play a key role in embedding trauma-informed care throughout the home by:

• Understanding the impact of trauma, attachment difficulties, and adverse childhood experiences.
• Using empathy, patience, and emotionally responsive approaches when supporting young people.
• Applying effective de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour support techniques.
• Helping children build resilience, confidence, and healthy relationships.
• Creating an environment where children feel safe, valued, heard, and respected.
• Participating in reflective practice, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

About You

Essential Requirements

• Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare, Health & Social Care, or equivalent.
• Commitment to completing a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification (if not already achieved).
• Experience working with children and young people in a residential, care, education, or similar setting.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and positive behaviour support.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during challenging situations.
• Strong report-writing and record-keeping skills.
• IT literacy and confidence using electronic recording systems.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous experience as a Deputy Manager, Team Leader, or Senior Residential Worker.
• Experience managing and developing teams.
• Knowledge of Ofsted regulations, Quality Standards, and Children's Home legislation.
• Experience conducting audits, quality assurance activities, and service improvement projects.
• Experience supporting children with:
  • Trauma backgrounds
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • ADHD
  • Learning disabilities
  • Complex emotional and behavioural needs
• Training in trauma-informed practice, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), safeguarding, or de-escalation techniques.
• First Aid qualification.