About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and passionate Deputy Manager to support the leadership and development of our newly established Supported Accommodation Service for young people aged 16–18 years.
The service provides safe, supportive, and aspirational environments that promote independence, resilience, and positive outcomes for young people preparing for adulthood.
Reporting directly to the Registered Service Manager and working closely with the Responsible Individual, you will play a key role in the operational management and development of the service. You will have direct oversight of three supported accommodation homes within our six-home provision, ensuring high-quality support, safeguarding, regulatory compliance, and positive outcomes for young people.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader who is looking to further develop their management career within an innovative and growing organisation.
Who We Are
Universal Care Group is an established and growing private healthcare provider specialising in delivering high-quality support and care to children, young people, and young adults across the Midlands.
We currently operate 28 services across the group, including CQC-regulated Transitional Services supporting young people aged 16–24 and Ofsted-registered Residential Children's Homes supporting children and young people aged 7–17.
As part of our continued growth and commitment to delivering outstanding care, we are developing a Supported Accommodation Service for young people aged 16–17 years.
The provision consists of six neighbouring homes with capacity to support up to 18 young people. The service has been designed to provide safe, nurturing, and supportive environments that promote independence, emotional wellbeing, education, employment opportunities, and successful transitions into adulthood.
As Deputy Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operation of three of the six homes, providing leadership and support to staff teams while being supported by an experienced Registered Service Manager and Responsible Individual who will provide guidance, oversight, and professional development opportunities.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape a developing service, influence its culture, and contribute to achieving exceptional outcomes for young people.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Registered Service Manager in the day-to-day operational management of the Supported Accommodation Service.
- Provide direct oversight and leadership across three supported accommodation homes.
- Ensure compliance with the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023, Ofsted requirements, organisational policies, and safeguarding procedures.
- Always safeguard and promote the welfare of young people.
- Support the implementation, monitoring, and review of support plans, risk assessments, pathway plans, and placement plans.
- Ensure young people receive high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence, life skills development, and positive outcomes.
- Lead, motivate, supervise, and support staff teams through regular supervisions, performance management, coaching, and development.
- Assist with recruitment, induction, training, and retention of staff.
- Act as a role model, promoting professional standards, trauma-informed practice, and a positive culture throughout the service.
- Ensure effective responses to safeguarding concerns, incidents, complaints, and allegations.
- Monitor records, documentation, and reporting systems to ensure compliance and quality standards are maintained.
- Build positive working relationships with local authorities, social workers, commissioners, education providers, and partner agencies.
- Complete audits, quality assurance checks, and action plans to support continuous improvement.
- Support the Registered Service Manager during inspections, monitoring visits, and audits.
- Deputise for the Registered Service Manager in their absence when required.
- Promote a safe, stable, and supportive environment that empowers young people to achieve independence and prepare successfully for adulthood.
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience working with looked-after children, care leavers, or vulnerable young people.
- Previous supervisory or management experience within Supported Accommodation, Residential Childcare, Semi-Independent Living, or a similar setting.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, risk management, and supporting young people with complex needs.
- Experience leading or supervising staff teams.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
- Ability to effectively manage competing priorities across multiple homes.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards).
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
- Previous experience as a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, Team Leader, or Senior Practitioner within an Ofsted-regulated environment.
- Experience supporting multi-site services.
- Knowledge of the Supported Accommodation Regulations 2023.
- Understanding of leaving care frameworks, pathway planning, and preparation for independence.
- Experience contributing to positive inspection outcomes.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to help shape an exciting new Supported Accommodation Service from registration through to full occupancy.
- Competitive salary package.
- Performance-related bonuses.
- Additional bonuses linked to achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted inspection outcomes.
- Ongoing support and mentorship from an experienced Registered Service Manager and Responsible Individual.
- Funded training and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Clear career progression pathways within a growing organisation.
- Employee wellbeing programme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Annual leave entitlement that increases with length of service.
- Refer-a-Friend Scheme.
- Recognition and reward programmes.
Join Our Team
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and dedicated leader who is passionate about supporting young people to achieve independence, build resilience, and create positive futures.
Join us and play a key role in developing a service that makes a lasting difference to the lives of young people transitioning into adulthood.
Pay: £32,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
