Deputy Manager

Durham County Council; Hamsterley; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewards and Benefits package

Leadership development

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking an inspiring Deputy Manager to help shape a new Supported Accommodation Service for looked-after young people. You will lead with heart, support a dedicated team and ensure high-quality, child-centred practice.

Working with the Registered Service Manager, you will develop the service, drive improvement, prepare for Ofsted inspections and promote safeguarding and evidence-based practice.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Willingness to work towards a Level 5 in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience working with children and young people in a relevant setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire staff to deliver outstanding support to young people.
• Champion high-quality, child-centred practice.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Promote a culture of aspiration, achievement and positive outcomes.
• Drive safeguarding and care planning practice to ensure safe environments for young people.
• Prepare for and support Ofsted inspections.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Strategy & service development

Staff development

Education

Level 3 Diploma or equivalent

Willingness to work towards Level 5

Job description

We're looking for an inspiring Deputy Manager to join us on that journey. This is more than a management role. It's an opportunity to help shape a service from the very beginning, create a culture where young people can thrive, and support a dedicated team to achieve exceptional outcomes. Working alongside the Registered Service Manager, you'll play a key role in creating opportunities, building aspiration and ensuring young people have the support, encouragement and belief they need to succeed. If you're passionate about young people, committed to quality and ready to lead with heart, ambition and purpose, we'd love to hear from you. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS? The transition to adulthood can be exciting, challenging and sometimes overwhelming. As Deputy Manager, you'll help ensure that every young person receives the right support, at the right time, from people who genuinely care. You'll help create an environment where young people feel safe, valued and listened to. Build confidence and independence as well as develop important life skills. You will support our young people to achieve their goals and ambitions, believing in themselves and their future. Every decision you make, every member of staff you support and every improvement you drive will help shape brighter futures for young people across County Durham.

WHAT IS INVOLVED? Working closely with the Registered Service Manager, you will:

• Help develop and shape an innovative new Supported Accommodation Service.
• Lead, motivate and inspire staff to deliver outstanding support to young people.
• Champion high-quality, child-centred practice.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Promote a culture of aspiration, achievement and positive outcomes.
• Drive excellent safeguarding and care planning practice.
• Prepare for and support Ofsted inspections.
• Use evidence, research and best practice to continually improve the service.
• Create a nurturing environment where young people feel respected, supported and empowered.

We're looking for someone who can inspire others and bring out the very best in both young people and colleagues.

You’ll be passionate about helping young people thrive and have the skills and experience to lead with confidence, compassion and professionalism.

You will have:

• Level 3 Diploma (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Willingness to work towards a Level 5 in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience working with children and young people in a relevant setting.
• Experience in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience of quality assurance, auditing and service improvement.
• Knowledge of Supported Accommodation legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience of Ofsted inspections and performance improvement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A strong understanding of evidence-based practice and research relating to children and young people.

Applicants must hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle (employees with a disability must have access to suitable mobility support).

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

We're looking for leaders who believe that every young person deserves the best possible start in adulthood and who are prepared to go the extra mile to help make that happen.

If you're ready for your next challenge and want to help build something truly special, we'd love to hear from you.

VALUES

• Dignity - treating everyone with respect and compassion.
• Unity - working together to achieve the best outcomes.
• Responsibility - supporting young people to make positive choices.
• Heart - showing kindness, care and commitment.
• Aspiration - helping young people dream big and achieve their goals.
• Mindset - believing that growth, learning and success are possible for everyone.

These values underpin every aspect of our service and leadership approach.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held on 29th October 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

This is a unique opportunity to help create and lead a service that will make a real difference to young people's lives.

• Comprehensive management and leadership development.
• Specialist safeguarding and health and safety training.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive and ambitious leadership team.
• Access to Durham County Council's extensive rewards and benefits package, take a closer look via Rewards and Benefits.

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to see the lasting impact your leadership has on young people as they develop confidence, independence and hope for the future.