Job Title: Deputy Manager – Children's Registered Home (Ofsted-Regulated)
Location: Stafford, Staffordshire
Reports to: Registered Manager / Responsible Individual
Hours: 40 hours per week (a mix of administration and shift work, including evenings, weekends, sleep-ins, and on-call as required)
Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent
About the Service
We provide Ofsted-regulated residential care for children and young people at our Children's Home in Stafford, registered under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015. We deliver person-centred, trauma-informed care that promotes safety, resilience, and positive outcomes for the young people in our care.
Purpose of the Role
The Deputy Manager plays a crucial leadership role in supporting the Registered Manager to deliver high-quality, compliant, person-centred care. This includes supervising staff, overseeing daily operations, ensuring adherence to Ofsted standards, and contributing to the ongoing development of the service. The role combines hands-on support with young people and key administrative responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home in line with Ofsted regulations, company policies, and statutory requirements.
- Provide effective supervision, mentoring, and support to Residential Support Workers, ensuring professional practice and accountability.
- Take delegated responsibility for the home in the absence of the Registered Manager, acting as designated safeguarding lead when required.
- Contribute to the recruitment, induction, and training of staff.
- Promote a positive, supportive, and inclusive team culture.
Service Delivery & Compliance
- Ensure the home operates in full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted Quality Standards.
- Contribute to audits, monitoring, and quality assurance systems to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Participate in preparing for and responding to Ofsted inspections.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, and best practice.
Support for Children & Young People
- Lead by example in delivering trauma-informed, person-centred support.
- Ensure each young person's care plan and risk assessment is reviewed and updated regularly.
- Work in partnership with social workers, education providers, and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
- Promote independence by encouraging young people to develop essential life skills and take responsibility for their personal development.
Administration & Record Keeping
- Oversee accurate record keeping, including daily logs, incident reports, risk assessments, and care documentation.
- Complete reports, staff rotas, and other administrative tasks as directed by the Registered Manager.
- Monitor compliance with data protection, health and safety, and safeguarding requirements.
- Support financial management, including petty cash reconciliation and budget tracking.
Shift & Operational Duties
- Participate in the staff rota, including direct support shifts, sleep-ins, and on-call duties as required.
- Ensure effective handovers and communication between shifts.
- Respond to emergencies or incidents appropriately, following organisational policy.
Essential Criteria
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) — essential.
- Minimum 2 years' experience working in a children's residential setting, with supervisory experience.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and trauma-informed practice.
- Excellent leadership, organisational, communication, and IT skills.
- Ability to balance administrative and operational responsibilities effectively.
- Flexibility to work a combination of office hours and shift patterns.
Desirable Criteria
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards).
- Experience working within Ofsted-regulated settings.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
What We Offer
- Salary of £30,000–£35,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications), plus sleep-in allowance where applicable.
- 40-hour working week with a balanced mix of admin and operational duties.
- Comprehensive induction, supervision, and ongoing training, including support towards Level 5 qualification.
- Opportunities for career progression into management and registration roles.
- Employee wellbeing support and professional development pathways.
- Pension scheme.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, reference checks, and verification of qualifications prior to employment.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV along with a short covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
