Deputy Manager

Salutem Care & Education; Colchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Salutem Care & Education seeks a Children's Deputy Manager to lead a registered children's home in Colchester, ensuring high-quality care in line with regulations and standards. You will support staff, model trauma-informed practice, and empower staff and young people to achieve positive outcomes.

The role demands safeguarding expertise, resilience, and excellent communication to build strong relationships with families, social workers, and professionals across the local community.

Qualifications

• Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Experience working with children or young people
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma, behaviour management, and child development
• Resilient, compassionate, and able to lead in challenging situations
• Excellent communication

Responsibilities

• Lead the staff team in the Registered Manager's absence, ensuring safe and child-focused practice.
• Act as deputy safeguarding lead and point of escalation for incidents and concerns.
• Support staff supervision, training, appraisals, and ongoing professional development.
• Oversee care planning, key working and personalised outcomes for young people.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, strong operational standards, and accurate record-keeping.
• Manage staffing rotas, resource allocation, and support with budget oversight.
• Promote trauma-informed care, positive behaviour support, and de-escalation techniques.
• Build strong relationships with families, social workers, external professionals, and the local community.
• Ensure high standards of health & safety, safeguarding, and quality assurance across the home.

Skills

Excellent communication

Experience working with children or

Safeguarding, trauma, behaviour

Education

Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Job description

About The Company

At Salutem Care and Education, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live the life they choose.

As one of the UK's leading providers of specialist care, education, and support services, we deliver life-changing outcomes for children, young people, and adults across England and Wales. From residential care and supported living services to schools and colleges, our teams work every day to help individuals achieve their ambitions, maximise their independence, and realise their potential.

We are proud to be recognised as a Top Employer United Kingdom 2026 and one of the Top 10 Global Inspiring Workplaces 2026 - a reflection of our commitment to creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Join Our amazing Residential Home Team - Make a Difference Every Day!

Our home is a warm, welcoming, and family-oriented residential setting supporting children with complex needs, including trauma, and autism. We provide an environment where children can thrive, feel safe, and develop resilience. Our home can support up to four children, and are all making fantastic progress and achieving their personal goals with the support of our dedicated team.

About The Role

As Children's Deputy Manager, you'll support the Registered Manager in leading a high-quality children's home in line with the Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and SCCIF framework. You'll help drive a positive culture, ensure safe and effective practice, and act as a key point of support and leadership for staff and young people.

You will play a key role in modelling trauma-informed practice, supporting staff development, and ensuring that young people are empowered to make positive choices about their lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the staff team in the Registered Manager's absence, ensuring safe and child-focused practice.
• Act as deputy safeguarding lead and point of escalation for incidents and concerns.
• Support staff supervision, training, appraisals, and ongoing professional development.
• Oversee care planning, key working and personalised outcomes for young people.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, strong operational standards, and accurate record-keeping.
• Manage staffing rotas, resource allocation, and support with budget oversight.
• Promote trauma-informed care, positive behaviour support, and de-escalation techniques.
• Build strong relationships with families, social workers, external professionals, and the local community.
• Ensure high standards of health & safety, safeguarding, and quality assurance across the home.

About You

Essential:

• Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Experience working with children or young people
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma, behaviour management, and child development
• Resilient, compassionate, and able to lead in challenging situations
• Excellent communication