Deputy Manager – New Children's Home
Location: Mansfield
Salary: £40,000–£42,000 per annum*
Hours: Full-time / rota-based
Additional Pay: Sleep-ins (£70), On-Call Rates, Ofsted-Related Bonuses & Monthly Performance Bonuses
Service: Brand-New Children's Home
*Salary dependent on qualification status.
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in Children & Young People’s Services (Residential Childcare) — essential.
- Full UK driving licence — essential.
- Proven experience working in residential childcare, with experience supporting children and young people with complex or individualised needs.
- Experience of leading, supervising or developing care staff within a children's residential setting.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, children's homes regulations, care planning, risk assessment and Ofsted requirements.
- Ability to support the Registered Manager with the day-to-day management and regulatory compliance of a children's home.
- Strong communication, leadership and organisational skills.
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Flexibility to work on a rota and participate in the out-of-hours/on-call management rota.
About T-Junction Children's Services
T-Junction Children's Services is opening its fifth children's home in Mansfield, and we are looking for an experienced and passionate Deputy Manager to help establish and develop this brand-new service.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation and play a key role in creating a safe, nurturing and high-quality home where children and young people can thrive.
What makes T-Junction particularly meaningful is the lived experience within our leadership. The owner of the company is a care leaver, bringing a personal understanding of the care system and a genuine commitment to achieving positive outcomes for young people.
As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with an experienced Registered Manager, Responsible Individual and proactive Business Development Team. You will have the support, resources and professional development opportunities needed to help the new home become a stable, effective and high-performing service.
The Role
The Deputy Manager will support the Registered Manager with all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the children's home, while playing a hands-on role in leading the staff team and providing high-quality, personalised care.
You will help create an environment where children and young people feel safe, respected, supported and encouraged to develop, ensuring their individual needs, wishes and outcomes remain at the centre of everything we do.
You will also deputise for the Registered Manager when required and help ensure the home operates in full compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, safeguarding requirements and Ofsted standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Management
- Work alongside the Registered Manager to lead, supervise and support the residential care team.
- Deputise for the Registered Manager when required and provide effective leadership in their absence.
- Support the development of Team Leaders, Senior Residential Support Workers and Residential Support Workers.
- Assist with staff induction, training, supervision, appraisal and ongoing professional development.
- Support rota management, staffing levels and the home's out-of-hours/on-call arrangements.
- Contribute to the day-to-day management and efficient operation of the home.
- Work allocated shifts and undertake Residential Support Worker duties when required.
Care & Outcomes for Young People
- Promote a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for children and young people.
- Ensure care is delivered in accordance with individual care and placement plans.
- Support the assessment and identification of children's individual needs, involving families and relevant professionals where appropriate.
- Promote the social, emotional, educational and developmental wellbeing of young people.
- Support children and young people to achieve positive outcomes and develop independence and life skills.
- Support new admissions, ensuring appropriate planning, records and arrangements are in place.
- Support young people through transitions when they leave the home, ensuring appropriate support is provided.
Safeguarding, Compliance & Quality
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, Children's Homes Regulations and relevant statutory guidance.
- Support the Registered Manager in maintaining full regulatory and legislative compliance.
- Ensure key documentation, including care plans and risk assessments, is accurate and kept up to date.
- Contribute to the home's preparation for Ofsted inspections and implement required improvements.
- Maintain high standards of health & safety throughout the home.
- Safely administer prescribed medication in accordance with policies, procedures and individual requirements, ensuring accurate records are maintained.
- Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with company policies and procedures.
- Help monitor and evaluate the quality of care being provided and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Communication & Partnership Working
- Develop positive and professional relationships with young people, families, carers, staff and external professionals.
- Liaise effectively with social workers, education providers, health professionals and other relevant agencies.
- Promote and support the educational needs and aspirations of children and young people.
- Attend relevant internal and external meetings as required.
- Maintain clear, accurate and professional records and communication.
What We Offer
- £40,000–£42,000 salary, dependent on qualification status.
- £70 sleep-in rate.
- Additional on-call rates of pay.
- Ofsted-related bonuses.
- Monthly performance bonuses.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Additional annual leave based on length of service — up to 5 additional days.
- Specialist training and personal development opportunities.
- Support with professional qualification enrolment.
- Blue Light Discount Card.
- Social and team-building events.
- Excellent opportunity to help establish and develop a brand-new children's home.
- Ongoing support from an experienced Registered Manager, Responsible Individual and Business Development Team.
- Career progression opportunities as the organisation continues to grow.
The Person
We are looking for a confident, compassionate and motivated children's residential care professional who can combine strong leadership with a hands-on approach.
You will need to be comfortable working in a busy and sometimes challenging environment, making sound decisions, supporting staff and ensuring the needs and welfare of young people remain the priority.
Most importantly, you will share our commitment to safeguarding children, promoting positive outcomes and providing genuinely personalised care.
The role requires a high level of professionalism, integrity, resilience and commitment. You will be expected to contribute to the out-of-hours management rota and provide effective leadership when required.
If you have the required residential childcare qualification, leadership experience and passion for making a genuine difference to children and young people, we would love to hear from you.
Please ensure you read the full Job Description before applying. The full Job Description is available on request by emailing [email protected] or [email protected].
T-Junction Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Residential Children's Home and Managerial : 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
- Residential Children's Care Qualification (Level 3) (required)
Work Location: In person
