Deputy Manager - Children's Services

Location: Bath and/or Bristol Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum

Every child deserves more than care. They deserve a foundation of love, stability, and opportunity.

We're looking for an experienced, resilient and child-centred Deputy Manager to support our Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of one of our children's homes. You'll deputise fully in the Registered Manager's absence, help lead and develop the staff team, and act as the home's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - playing a key role in helping the home achieve and maintain a "Good" or "Outstanding" Ofsted rating.

This is a great next step for a Senior Residential Support Worker or Team Leader ready to move into management, or an existing Deputy Manager looking for a supportive, therapeutic environment with genuine career progression.

What you'll be doing

Supporting the Registered Manager in ensuring the home operates in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted's SCCIF

Deputising for the Registered Manager, including liaising with Ofsted inspectors when required

Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safeguarding concerns are identified, reported and managed appropriately

Providing day-to-day leadership and supervision to the staff team, including recruitment, induction, and performance management support

Championing the voice, wishes and feelings of the children and young people in our care

Supporting care planning, education, health and wellbeing outcomes, and each child's transition to independence

Building strong working relationships with placing authorities, social workers, virtual schools and other professionals

Contributing to budget monitoring and resource management for the home

What we're looking for

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent), with a willingness to work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare

Strong working knowledge of the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted's SCCIF

Sound understanding of safeguarding legislation, including Working Together to Safeguard Children

Experience supervising, leading or supporting the development of a staff team

Excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure

A genuine commitment to trauma-informed, child-centred practice

Ability to work flexibly, including participation in an on-call rota

A full, valid UK driving licence

A satisfactory enhanced DBS check, including a check against the Children's Barred List (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974)

Why join us

Competitive salary

Structured support and funding towards your Level 5 Diploma

Ongoing specialist and safeguarding training

A supportive, values-led senior leadership team

Clear progression pathway towards Registered Manager

Company pension scheme and generous annual leave

Ready to lead a home where children truly come first? Apply today with your CV and a short covering letter telling us why this role is right for you. This role is being managed by our retained HR Consultants, HRCentral Limited. No agents, please.

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