Assistant Manager

WILDERNESS WAY; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Medicash plan

24/7 GP access

Gym discounts

Referral bonuses

Wilderness Heroes awards

Pension contributions

Life assurance (2x salary)

Discounts on high street

Job summary

Wilderness Way is seeking an experienced Assistant Manager to join our residential childcare team. You will work with the Registered Manager to deliver high-quality care for children who have suffered trauma, ensuring their needs are met and the team is supported to deliver exceptional care.

You will lead a team across four homes, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and uphold safeguarding and regulatory standards while driving continuous improvement and staff development.

Qualifications

• Experience in residential childcare leadership roles.
• Level 3 Diploma in CYPW or equivalent is required.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and regulatory awareness.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Proficient IT skills and willingness to learn new tools.
• Full UK driving licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Residential and Senior Residential Support Workers.
• Support the Registered Manager in ensuring care and safety of children.
• Create a safe space for children to develop within placement plans.
• Collaborate with therapists, education specialists, and assessment leads.
• Ensure care plans are communicated and followed by all staff.
• Provide leadership ensuring safeguarding and regulatory requirements are met.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding knowledge

Mentoring

Communication

IT skills

Driving licence

Empathy

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Join Our Supportive Team as an Assistant Manager and Make a Difference.

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Manager to join our team in residential childcare. This role is ideal for a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, or Senior Residential Support Worker looking to take the next step in their career. You will work alongside the Registered Manager to deliver high-quality care and support for children who have suffered trauma and may struggle to manage their emotions and behaviour in healthy ways. Your leadership will ensure that children’s needs are met and that the team is fully supported in delivering exceptional care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise a team of Residential and Senior Residential Support Workers, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
• Support the Registered Manager in ensuring the care and safety of children across four separate homes.
• Create a safe space for children to develop, learn, and flourish, working within their placement plans and goals.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, including therapists, education specialists, and assessment leads.
• Ensure children's care plans are clearly communicated and adhered to by all team members.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the team, ensuring that safeguarding and regulatory requirements are met.

A Rewarding Package:

• Salary: Up to £44956 (discussed based on experience and qualifications).
• Annual Leave: 33 days, with extra days for continuous service at 2 and 5 years.
• Flexibility: 40-hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) with the occasional need for flexibility.
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental treatments, and gym discounts.
• Recognition & Rewards: Bonuses for referrals (£1,000 per successful referral) and monthly Wilderness Heroes awards.
• Financial Security: Pension contributions and life assurance (2x salary).
• Discounts: High street savings, leisure perks, and tailored local discounts.

A Culture of Growth:

• Opportunities to develop through coaching, industry-recognised qualifications, and career progression pathways.
• Be part of an innovative organisation, leading in therapeutic and assessment-based residential care.
• A workplace driven by Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect, and Empathy—where your voice matters.

Key Qualities We Look For:

• Proven experience in residential childcare as an Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, or Senior Residential Support Worker.
• Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent).
• A strong understanding of safeguarding children and relevant legislation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Passion for supporting children with emotional and behavioural challenges.
• Proficient IT skills with a willingness to learn new tools.
• Full, valid UK driving licence for manual vehicles.

Join the Wilderness Movement

At Wilderness Way, we’re shaping brighter futures through innovation, care, and collaboration. If you’re ready to be part of a forward-thinking organisation where every child—and every team member—matters, we want to hear from you.

All roles at Wilderness Way are subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening for successful candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, experience, or protected characteristics.