Deputy Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Emotional support

Flexible pay

Physical wellbeing

Training

Job summary

Salutem Care and Education is opening a brand-new children’s home and seeks a Deputy Manager to lead the team and deliver exceptional, trauma-informed care for young people. You will work with the Registered Manager to ensure high standards, safety, and personalised support.

You will supervise staff, manage day-to-day operations, and embed a reflective, child-centred culture. A Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is required, with a pathway to Level 5.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally in residential care.
• Qualified to Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or willing to work toward Level 5.
• Confident in leading shifts, supporting staff, and handling safeguarding concerns.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in leading the home and ensuring high standards of care.
• Act as deputy safeguarding lead and manage safeguarding concerns and incidents.
• Lead shifts and oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring safety and positive engagement.
• Supervise, develop, and support Senior Support Workers and Support Workers.
• Promote trauma-informed, relationship-based practice across the home.
• Oversee care planning, key working, and personalised outcomes for young people.
• Maintain regulatory compliance with Children’s Homes (England) Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Support with audits, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with staffing rotas, recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Build effective partnerships with families, social workers, external agencies, and professionals.
• Ensure accurate records, reports, and communication.
• Contribute to a positive, nurturing, and inclusive home environment.

Skills

Leadership

Staff mentoring

Communication

Trauma-informed practice

Safeguarding

Education

Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Level 5 qualification in progression

Job description

Are you ready to help shape a brand-new children’s home from the ground up? We’re opening an exciting new service and are looking for a passionate, skilled Deputy Manager to help lead our team and create an exceptional home where young people feel safe, valued, and supported to thrive.

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.

About The Role

As Deputy Manager, you’ll work closely with the Registered Manager to ensure the home delivers outstanding, trauma‑informed care. You will play a key leadership role, overseeing daily operations, supporting staff development, and ensuring children receive high-quality, personalised support that promotes resilience, emotional wellbeing, and positive life outcomes.

You’ll act as a point of escalation, lead shifts, supervise and mentor staff, and help embed a culture built on reflection, learning, and child-centred practice. In the Registered Manager’s absence, you will take full responsibility for the running of the home.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in leading the home and ensuring high standards of care.
• Act as deputy safeguarding lead and manage safeguarding concerns and incidents.
• Lead shifts and oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensuring safety and positive engagement.
• Supervise, develop, and support Senior Support Workers and Support Workers.
• Promote trauma‑informed, relationship‑based practice across the home.
• Oversee care planning, key working, and personalised outcomes for young people.
• Maintain regulatory compliance with Children’s Homes (England) Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Support with audits, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with staffing rotas, recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Build effective partnerships with families, social workers, external agencies, and professionals.
• Ensure accurate records, reports, and communication.
• Contribute to a positive, nurturing, and inclusive home environment.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with children or young people, ideally in residential care.
• Confident in leading shifts, supporting staff, and handling complex situations.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding, trauma‑informed practice, and behaviour support.
• Organised, resilient, calm under pressure, and strong in communication.
• Motivated to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
• Qualified to Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or willing to work toward Level 5.

A driving licence is desirable but not essential.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of building a new service with fresh ideas and a strong child-centred vision.
• Opportunities for career development, leadership training, and progression.
• A supportive organisation that values openness, respect, and reflective practice.
• The chance to make a real, lasting difference for young people from day one.

Our Values

Our values shape the way we work. We are Supportive, Ambitious, Loyal, Unique, Transparent, Engaging and Meaningful in everything we do.

We believe in creating opportunities, encouraging independence and ensuring the people we support have the opportunity to live the life they choose.

Why Choose Salutem?

We want our people to feel supported, valued and able to thrive — both at work and outside of it.

Emotional Support

• 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps and bereavement support.
• Free online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover and menopause support.

Flexible pay

• Flexible pay through Stream, utility bill savings, MoneyHelper and Life Assurance.

Physical Wellbeing

• Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts and National Trust activities.

Training

• You’ll receive training, ongoing support and opportunities to develop your skills and career in social care.

Safeguarding Commitment

At Salutem Care and Education, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of the children, young people, and adults we support, and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to robust safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (including relevant barred list checks where applicable), satisfactory references, and any other pre-employment checks required for the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who share our values and commitment to making a positive difference.

We are committed to ensuring that safeguarding is a top priority. Therefore, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence process.