Assistant Manager

Wilderness Way; Darlington; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilderness Way seeks an Assistant Manager for residential childcare, responsible for leading a team and supporting children's emotional needs. This role offers a competitive salary up to £43,000, extensive benefits including private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment. Join a compassionate organization dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of children.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension contributions

Annual Leave: 33 days

Bonuses for referrals

Gym discounts

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in residential childcare as Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, or Senior Residential Support Worker.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding children and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Residential and Senior Residential Support Workers.
• Support the Registered Manager in ensuring the care and safety of children.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

IT Proficiency

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce

Job description

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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 £43,000 (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.

Click ‘Apply Now’ to register your details or contact us at [emailprotected] . We’ll guide you through our simple application process.

All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland as we follow safer recruitment processes. Proof of identity will also be required. We are an equal opportunities employer.