Deputy Manager: Children’s Home (1)

Channels & Choices Therapeutic Children's Services; Dover; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's residential service provider in Dover is seeking a Deputy Manager to oversee daily operations and support the Registered Manager. The role involves ensuring compliance with regulations, leading a team to deliver high-quality care, and providing guidance to staff. Candidates should have experience in children’s care settings and relevant qualifications. The position offers a competitive salary and various benefits including bonuses and travel allowances.

Benefits

Private medical care

Travel allowance

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience as a senior member of staff in a children’s residential care setting.
• Understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations.
• Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage the home in the registered manager’s absence.
• Provide leadership and support to the staff team.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of Child Protection

Resilience

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Residential Service

NVQ or Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management

Job description

Overview

Deputy Manager: Children’s Home. Full Time position (37.52 hours per week). Position available: 1. Closing date: 30 November 2025. Responsible To: Registered Manager.

Starting salary of £43,678 per annum. £1,000 Bonus for an Outstanding Ofsted rating. Travel allowance of up to £40 per week. Salary includes 2 sleep-ins per week (£60 per sleep-in) and a yearly on-call payment of £1,500. Permanent, full-time position – minimum of 37.5 hours per week, including 2 sleep-ins.

Perks, Rewards And Benefits include private optical, dental and audiological cover; private medical care; loyalty scheme with extra annual leave after 2 years (up to 5 extra days); long service awards at 5, 10 and 15 years; regular team days, parties, meals and more; wellbeing support via employee assistance programme; and full training package.

What does the job involve?

As the Deputy Manager of our Residential Children’s Home, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Registered Manager in co-managing the home. This is a physically and mentally demanding role that will challenge and reward you. You will oversee the development of staff and young people in placement, formulate and update placement plans, risk assessments, and positive handling plans. Your leadership will contribute to the delivery of high-quality service provision and the Company’s therapeutic ethos.

What We Are Looking For

• Due to company policies, you must be 21 years of age or over.
• Experience of working as a senior member of staff within a children’s residential care setting
• Proven ability to lead staff teams.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Children’s Homes Regulations
• Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Residential Service or equivalent
• Previous experience in a Deputy Manager role or Senior Shift Leader in a Residential Children’s Care Setting (Desirable)
• Any relevant or transferrable skills, such as First Aid trained.
• Understanding and knowledge of Therapeutic Approach to Childcare (Desirable)
• NVQ or Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management in Residential Children’s Services or equivalent (Desirable)
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental.
• Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational skills
• Knowledge of Child Protection & Safeguarding legislations
• Resilient, enthusiastic, and motivated person
• Ability to drive and hold a current driving licence.

We have a strong commitment to staff development and there will be considerable opportunities for internal and external training and for sharing good practice within the community.

Duties & Responsibilities

• In the registered manager’s absence to have day to day managerial oversight of the home, completing all managerial responsibilities such as ensuring compliance with the Statement of Purpose.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant legislation for Children’s Homes and provide guidance to staff accordingly.
• Provide effective leadership to direct and support the staff team in delivering person-centred childcare aimed at achieving the best outcomes for each young person.
• Implement and adhere to the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Care Standards and SCCIF Guidelines.
• Promptly address recommendations or requirements for service improvement following any Ofsted inspection.
• Ensure implementation and adherence to Channels and Choices Safeguarding Policy and Local Authority Safeguarding procedures.
• Notify Local Authority Social Workers of all significant events, incidents, changes, and Physical Interventions within 24 hours.
• Work cohesively and in partnership with team members and other professionals to provide comprehensive care and support.
• Ensure that children receive sensitive and high-quality care in line with their needs and the expectations of the care planning objectives as set out by the local authority.
• Undertake all necessary administrative tasks in accordance with Channels and Choices Policies and Procedures to ensure the effective running of the home.
• Ensure compliance with Fire Regulations, Health and Safety Regulations and address action points from Quality Assurance and Regulation 44 reports promptly.
• Support the Manager in staff performance and development by conducting regular supervisions and participating in the annual appraisal process.
• Participate effectively in the on-call duty system.
• Complete required training within specified timeframes and maintain an up-to-date training record.
• Undertake any other duties deemed appropriate from time to time to ensure the smooth operation of the home.

We are looking for candidates who have proven skills and experience in a Residential Care Setting or equivalent setting and are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and young people. We promote the well-being of our young people through a wide and varied programme of activities, sports, and hobbies.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career and the chance to make a real difference to children who need it the most, apply to work for Channels & Choices today. After a successful initial application, we’ll invite you in for an informal interview.

Please note that we do not provide Sponsorship.

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