Deputy Manager – Residential Services
Reports to: Registered Manager
Location: Doncaster
Salary: £38,000 - £42000
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (including evenings, weekends, and on-call duties)
Purpose of the Role:
To support the Registered Manager in the effective leadership, development, and management of residential services for children and young people.
The Deputy Manager will play a key role in ensuring a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment aligned with the ethos and values of Illuminate Care.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership
- Support day-to-day operations of the home, ensuring compliance with Ofsted and relevant regulations.
- Take full responsibility for the home in the absence of the Registered Manager.
- Participate in and lead shifts, including sleep-ins and on-call duties, as required.
- Ensure the implementation of care plans and positive behaviour support strategies.
Safeguarding & Compliance
- Promote a safeguarding culture.
- Assist the Registered Manager to ensure all staff understand and follow safeguarding policies and procedures.
- To participate in audits and inspections, contributing to quality improvement.
Staff Management & Development
- Supervise, support, and mentor staff teams.
- Participate in the recruitment, induction, training, and appraisal of staff.
- Lead by example, modelling trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches.
- Assist the Registered Manager to address and support with performance and conduct issues promptly and in line with policy.
Young Person Centred Practice
- Ensure children and young people receive high-quality, person-centred care that meets their individual needs.
- Work closely with families, social workers, education providers, and other professionals.
- Promote independence, emotional regulation, and positive outcomes for each child.
Administration & Reporting
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, risk assessments, and care plans.
- Contribute to reports for Looked After Child reviews, multi-agency meetings for those in our care, and statutory reports.
- Support the Registered Manager to ensure clear and factual recording of key documents including children’s records, health and safety logs and finance data.
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Minimum Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
- Minimum 2 years' experience working in a residential childcare setting.
- Demonstrable leadership experience.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, children’s legislation, and Ofsted standards.
- Excellent communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work flexibly including evenings, weekends, and on-call.
Desirable:
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (Children & Young People) or willingness to work towards.
- Experience with trauma-informed practice or therapeutic models.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Illuminate Care’s Ethos:
We believe in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes where children can thrive. Through our T.R.I.B.E. values we empower staff and young people alike to reach their full potential.
Safeguarding Statement
Illuminate Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff must share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Please Note:
Due to the nature of the role, applicants must have a good level of physical fitness to safely participate in physical interventions where necessary, in line with our Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) framework. This may include supporting young people during crisis situations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals involved.
**This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to support Skilled Worker or other visa applications for this position.**
You will be required to complete an application form provided by us before attending an interview.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £38,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Store discount
Experience:
- Management: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 Health & Social Care Qualification (preferred)
- Full UK Driving License & Access to Own Vehicle (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
