Deputy Manager, Children’s Homes Service

Durham County Council; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in North East England is seeking a Deputy Manager to support the Registered Manager in delivering high-quality care for children and young people. The ideal candidate will have experience in management and a strong understanding of relevant regulations. The role includes training staff and ensuring smooth operations during the Registered Manager's absence. Competitive rewards and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Scheme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a residential setting.
• Experience in a supervisory or management role.
• Understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in delivering high-quality care.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence.
• Lead training and development for staff.

Skills

People management skills

Exceptional communication skills

Experience in quality assurance

Education

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Child Care or equivalent

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards it

Job description

The Role
We are seeking Deputy Managers who will support the Registered Manager to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. You will work directly with children and young people, their families and carers, as well as other relevant professionals identified within the Care Plan.

The Deputy Manager will work in partnership with the Registered Manager to model best practice and lead on interventions to train and develop others as required.

You will deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence ensuring the smooth running of the home.

We encourage you to contact Courtney Good, Registered Manager, via email [e-mail] if you have any queries about the role.

Our Values
Durham Cares incorporates our core values and strategic objectives, shaping our work and the high-quality care we provide for young people, as well as the culture across the Children’s Homes Service. Our ‘Durham’ values - Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset are at the heart of everything we do for both our young people and our teams.

What You Will Need
You should have significant experience of working within a residential setting and experience of working in a supervisory or management role. As well as proven people management skills, and experience of quality assurance tools. You will also demonstrate exceptional communications skills and the ability to support and develop the team.

You should have an understanding of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, and their application, as well as experience of Ofsted inspections and Regulation 44. You should have an appreciation of the importance of evidence-based practice and research in relation to children and young people in our care.

Your expertise should come with relevant professional qualifications including:

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Child Care or equivalent qualification as stated in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards this within 18 months from qualification enrolment in accordance with DCC guidelines

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role, which will include safeguarding and health and safety related training to effectively manage a home and ensure the high quality care of our children and young people.

Our Offer to You
We offer competitive rewards and benefits to help you perform at your best, including:

• 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 32 days after 5 years' continuous local government service
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year
• Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), with top-up options
• Wellbeing Portal and Employee Assistance Scheme
• Learning and development opportunities, including professional qualifications and mentoring
• Employee Benefits Portal with discounts at major retailers
• Discounted gym membership
• Staff-led networks (Race Equality, LGBT+, Carers, Armed Forces, Menopause)
• Trade Union membership
• Salary sacrifice schemes, such as car leasing

Take a closer look at our Rewards and Benefits

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.

We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Take a closer look at our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Interviews
It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 11 September 2025.

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.

How to Apply
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

PLEASE NOTE THIS POST IS NOT OPEN TO JOB SHARE

If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 (option 2), or the Recruitment Team via email at [e-mail]

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