Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Care

YourRecruit; Fetcham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

YourRecruit Ltd is seeking a Deputy Manager for our Ofsted-regulated children's home in Leatherhead. This role splits management responsibilities with direct childcare to support vulnerable children.

You will deputise for the Registered Manager, supervise staff, maintain safeguarding standards, and ensure care plans and records meet regulatory requirements. The position combines leadership with hands-on, trauma-informed care.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years' senior or supervisory experience in children's residential care.
• Experience as a Deputy Manager or similar leadership role.
• Experience supporting children with complex needs, trauma and challenging behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Registered Manager and oversee the home in their absence.
• Lead, supervise and develop residential childcare staff, including appraisals and training.
• Manage staff rotas, staffing levels, sickness and annual leave.
• Maintain accurate care plans, risk assessments, incident reports and safeguarding records.
• Support Ofsted compliance, internal audits and Regulation 44 visits.
• Promote safeguarding and safe working practices.
• Coordinate with social workers, therapists, schools, and local authorities.
• Undertake direct care shifts to support children's wellbeing.
• Participate in on-call rota and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Staff leadership

Regulatory compliance

Safeguarding knowledge

Communication & organisation

Education

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Deputy Manager Children's Residential Care

Location: Leatherhead
Salary: £40,000 £45,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week, typically Monday Friday, 9am 5pm, with on-call duties
Contract: Full-time, permanent

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Deputy Manager for an Ofsted-regulated children's residential home supporting children and young people with complex needs, trauma, emotional difficulties and challenging behaviour.

Working alongside the Registered Manager, you will lead staff, maintain safeguarding standards and promote high-quality, therapeutic, child-centred care in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.

This role offers a 50/50 split between management responsibilities and direct childcare, combining leadership with hands-on support.

Key Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Registered Manager and oversee the children's home in their absence.
• Lead, supervise and develop residential childcare staff, including appraisals, training and performance management.
• Manage staff rotas, staffing levels, sickness and annual leave.
• Maintain accurate care plans, risk assessments, incident reports and safeguarding records.
• Support Ofsted compliance, internal audits, inspections and Regulation 44 visits.
• Promote safeguarding, child protection, risk management and safe working practices.
• Implement trauma-informed and PACE-informed care (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy).
• Coordinate with social workers, therapists, schools, local authorities and healthcare professionals.
• Undertake direct care shifts, supporting children's emotional wellbeing, education, health and development.
• Participate in the management on-call rota and respond to emergencies.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Minimum three years' senior or supervisory experience in children's residential care.
• Experience as a Deputy Manager, Senior Residential Support Worker, Team Leader or Senior Residential Childcare Worker.
• Experience supporting children with complex needs, trauma, emotional difficulties and challenging behaviour.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, care planning and Ofsted-regulated services.
• Proven staff leadership, supervision and team development skills.
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making abilities.
• A resilient, compassionate and child-centred approach.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent Essential.
• Full UK driving licence Essential.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare Desirable, or willingness to work towards it.

Appointment is subject to safer recruitment checks, including Enhanced DBS, references, employment history, qualification and identity checks.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you have not heard within seven days, please assume you have not been shortlisted.

YourRecruit Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.

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