Residential Deputy Manager

Polaris; Soham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris is seeking a Residential Deputy Manager for Area Camden in Soham, Cambridgeshire. You will assist the Registered Manager in day-to-day operations, ensuring a supportive environment for young people aged 11–18 and compliance with safeguarding and regulatory standards.

The role requires leadership, budget awareness and hands-on management of staff and care delivery, with 12-hour shifts on a rotating pattern and a commitment to high-quality care outcomes.

Qualifications

• Two years' experience in residential childcare.
• Strong leadership and staff supervision skills.
• Experience in managing budgets and staff rotas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager and deputise when required to oversee the home.
• Supervise, guide and support staff, ensuring high standards of practice and regular supervisions.
• Contribute to care quality, recruitment, training, staffing, environment and financial duties.
• Assess young people's needs and contribute to personalised care plans respecting culture, social and emotional needs.
• Maintain records and build strong relationships with young people, families and external professionals.

Skills

Residential childcare

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budget management

Communication

Recruitment

Training

Problem solving

Education

A Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Job description

Area Camden

Residential Deputy Manager

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Specific Hours: 08:00 - 20:00 (12-hour shifts)

Salary: £39,362.67 per annum

Location: Soham, Cambridgeshire

About Us

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, provides high-quality care that supports young people to achieve their goals. As Deputy Manager, you will support the Registered Manager with the day-to-day running of the service, helping to create a caring, respectful environment for young people aged 11-18. You'll ensure individual needs are met, staff practice remains consistent with our values and all care delivery meets legal requirements and Area Camden's Statement of Purpose.

About the Role

• Support the Registered Manager and deputise when required, helping to oversee the effective running of the home
• Supervise, guide and support staff, ensuring effective communication, high standards of practice and completion of staff supervisions
• Help manage key operational areas including care quality, recruitment, training, staffing, the home environment and financial duties
• Assess young people's needs and contribute to personalised care plans, ensuring cultural, social and emotional needs are met
• Promote positive behaviour, independence, wellbeing and active participation in decision-making
• Maintain respectful, non-discriminatory practice and provide high-quality personal care in line with individual plans
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements, the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, health and safety requirements, COSHH and all relevant legislation
• Keep risk assessments and health and safety checks up to date, ensuring a safe environment and supporting inspection processes, including Regulation 44 visits
• Maintain accurate records, including care plans, risk assessments, medication and financial documentation
• Build strong relationships with young people, families, staff and external professionals
• Support with staffing needs, including recruitment, induction and identifying training requirements
• Assist with admissions, including visits, paperwork and ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition for each young person
• Attend meetings and ensure key information is shared within the team and with partner agencies
• Ensure staff are trained and confident in relevant intervention strategies
• Work within the rota pattern (08:00-20:00), supporting a minimum average of 168 hours per month

Essential Skills

• At least two years' experience in residential childcare
• A Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce or equivalent
• Child protection experience
• Strong leadership and staff supervision skills
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of managing budgets and staff rotas
• Project-management skills and an enthusiastic approach
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal development
• A proactive, solution-focused approach

Area Camden is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Area Camden is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.