Job description
Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home (2 Bed)
Location: Northampton
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Service Type: Children's Residential Home
Age Range: Young people aged 10-18 years
A Leadership Role Where You Can Truly Make a Difference
We are seeking a caring, confident, and motivated Deputy Manager to support the day-to-day running of a small, nurturing 2-bed children's residential home in Northampton.
The home supports young people aged 10-18 with emotional, behavioural, and social needs, providing stability, safety, and a strong sense of belonging. This role is ideal for an experienced Senior Residential Support Worker, Team Leader, or Deputy Manager who is ready to strengthen their leadership skills and progress their career within children's residential care.
Role Overview
As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Registered Manager to ensure the home operates safely, effectively, and in full compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards. You will play a key role in leading shifts, supporting staff, maintaining high standards of care, and ensuring positive outcomes for young people.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Registered Manager with the overall management and leadership of the home
- Deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager, ensuring continuity of care and leadership
- Lead by example to create a warm, safe, and child-centred environment
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation, Children's Homes Regulations, and Quality Standards
- Support OFSTED inspection readiness, audits, and regulatory requirements
- Lead shifts, manage rotas, and ensure safe staffing levels at all times
- Supervise, mentor, and support Residential Childcare Workers
- Assist with recruitment, inductions, training, and ongoing staff development
- Ensure care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans are implemented and regularly reviewed
- Work collaboratively with social workers, families, schools, and external professionals
- Respond appropriately to incidents, safeguarding concerns, and complaints
- Promote the voice, rights, safety, and wellbeing of young people at all times
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 1 year's experience in a leadership role within a children's residential setting (Senior, Team Leader, or Deputy)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and children's residential legislation
- Level 3 Diploma for Children & Young People's Workforce (or equivalent) - essential
- Working knowledge of OFSTED Quality Standards
- Confidence leading shifts and supervising staff
- Flexible approach, including participation in rota and on-call duties
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Children's Services (or working towards)
- Experience supporting young people with emotional and behavioural needs
Personal Attributes
- Child-centred, nurturing, and values-driven
- Calm, resilient, and confident under pressure
- Organised with strong communication and leadership skills
- A positive role model for staff and young people
- Motivated to learn, grow, and progress into senior management
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £30,000 - £35,000, depending on experience
- Opportunity to work in a small, supportive, well-run 2-bed home
- Clear progression pathway toward Registered Manager
- Ongoing training, supervision, and leadership development
- A genuinely rewarding role where your leadership makes a real difference
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and robust safer recruitment procedures.
