Children's Home Deputy Manager

Area Camden; Croydon; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A community care organisation in Croydon seeks a Children's Home Deputy Manager to oversee the effective operation of a residential home. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of experience in residential childcare, possess a Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce, and demonstrate strong leadership capability. Responsibilities include supporting staff, ensuring compliance, and promoting emotional well-being for young residents. The position offers a salary of £37,840.86 per annum and a chance to impact young lives positively.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional growth and development

Supportive team environment

Meaningful impact in young people's lives

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years' residential childcare experience.
• Strong knowledge and experience of child protection and safeguarding.
• Experience managing budgets and staff rotas.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Registered Manager when required.
• Supervise Key / Support Workers, ensuring supervisions are completed and recorded.
• Provide high-quality personal care and ensure interactions are warm, respectful, and supportive.

Skills

Child protection and safeguarding

Leadership

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Budget management

Project management

Education

Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Job description

Children's Home Deputy Manager

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Specific Hours: Monday- Friday, 08:00am-16:00pm or 09:00am-17:00pm

Salary: £37,840.86 per annum

Location: Camden

About Us

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, is dedicated to supporting young people aged 11-18 to achieve positive outcomes, build independence, and reach their potential. We provide high-quality residential care and are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment.

We are looking for a motivated and knowledgeable Children's Home Deputy Manager to support the Registered Manager in the effective running of a 3-bed home in Camden, ensuring excellent standards of care, staff development, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Role Overview

As Deputy Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the home. You will support, supervise, and guide staff, maintain high-quality care standards, manage safeguarding and regulatory compliance, and work closely with external partners and families. You will be a positive role model, promoting independence, emotional wellbeing, and development for each young person.

Key Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Registered Manager when required.
• Supervise Key / Support Workers, ensuring supervisions are completed and recorded.
• Support staff recruitment, induction, rota planning, and ongoing training needs.
• Promote strong communication, teamwork, and a positive working culture.
• Assess individual needs and contribute to personalised care plans.
• Provide high-quality personal care and ensure interactions are warm, respectful, and supportive.
• Promote positive behaviour, independence, education, and emotional wellbeing.
• Ensure care delivery is anti-discriminatory and inclusive.
• Support young people with personal finances, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Health & Social Care Act, COSHH, Health & Safety, and all statutory requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date risk assessments and communicate changes to the team.
• Participate in Ofsted inspections, Regulation 44 visits, and external professional meetings.
• Administer medication in line with care plans and maintain accurate records.
• Contribute to the effective management of the home, including environmental health, infection control, building safety and financial duties.
• Build strong relationships with young people, families, staff and external professionals.
• Attend and organise staff meetings, partnership meetings and interagency sessions.
• Support transitions and admissions, including tours, paperwork and welcome processes.
• Always uphold Area Camden's Statement of Purpose.
• Promote safeguarding and stay up to date with legislation, policies and best practice.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 2+ years' residential childcare experience
• Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge and experience of child protection and safeguarding
• Leadership and staff supervision experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience managing budgets and staff rotas
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Proactive, solution-focused, and committed to personal development

Benefits

• A supportive, mission-driven team within the Polaris Community
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to young people's lives every day

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.