Job description
Learn about the role, responsibilities and what the employer is looking for.
Deputy Children's Manager
Location: Whitworth House, Adbaston, Stafford, ST20
Salary: £41,036.49 - £41,651.39 per annum
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Shift Pattern: 2 on, 4 off, including sleep-ins
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Deputy Children's Manager to support the leadership and day-to-day running of a residential children's home in Adbaston, Stafford.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in residential childcare who is ready to take on greater responsibility, support a dedicated team and help create a safe, stable and nurturing environment for children and young people. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality, therapeutic care, promoting positive outcomes and ensuring that care practices meet the required safeguarding and regulatory standards.
About the Role
As Deputy Children's Manager, you will work closely with the Registered Manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of the home, lead staff and maintain high standards of care. You will deputise for the Registered Manager when required, helping to ensure the home continues to operate effectively and that children receive consistent, individualised support.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading care practices within the home and deputising for the Registered Manager when required.
- Supporting the supervision, development and performance management of staff.
- Ensuring safeguarding procedures, policies and regulatory requirements are consistently followed.
- Building positive relationships with children and young people, supporting their emotional, social and developmental needs.
- Planning shifts, allocating staff resources and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the home.
- Supporting the development and implementation of individual care plans, risk assessments and therapeutic approaches.
- Working collaboratively with external professionals, families and other relevant agencies to achieve positive outcomes for children.
- Promoting an inclusive, nurturing and stable home environment where children feel safe, valued and supported.
- Taking responsibility for overseeing aspects of the home in the absence of the Registered Manager and providing leadership when required.
- Supporting the home during inspections and contributing to ongoing quality assurance and service improvement.
- Maintaining accurate records and ensuring documentation meets organisational and regulatory standards.
Essential Requirements
- At least one year's experience in a supervisory or management role within residential children's care.
- At least two years' experience working in residential childcare.
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or an equivalent qualification.
- Willingness and ability to complete the Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification if not already achieved.
- A strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed practice and safeguarding.
- Knowledge of the regulations, legislation and legal frameworks governing residential childcare.
- Proven leadership, organisational and delegation skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Resilience, adaptability and the ability to remain effective under pressure.
- Flexibility to work a 2-on, 4-off shift pattern, including weekends and sleep-ins.
- A commitment to continued professional development and maintaining high standards of care.
Desirable Experience and Qualifications
- A Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management of Children's Residential Care.
- Experience managing staff performance, delivering supervision and supporting team development.
- Experience taking responsibility for the home in the absence of the Registered Manager or other senior leaders.
- Experience supporting Ofsted inspections and maintaining regulatory compliance.
The Opportunity
This role offers the opportunity to develop your leadership skills within residential childcare while making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people. You will help lead a team committed to providing consistent, therapeutic care and contribute to creating a positive environment in which children can feel safe, build relationships and work towards brighter futures.
If you have the relevant residential childcare experience, leadership ability and commitment to high-quality care, this could be an excellent next step in your career.
Salary: £41,036.49 - £41,651.39 per annum
Location: Adbaston, Stafford, ST20
Working Pattern: 2 on, 4 off, including sleep-ins
Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.