ISL Homes is committed to providing the highest quality of care to children and young people requiring specialist care and support. We seek to employ an experienced Deputy Manager with the highest quality and integrity to manage a new home for two children in the Northamptonshire area. We are looking for candidates with proven operational skills in a children’s residential care setting who are passionate about improving the lives and outcomes for children and young people.
The Deputy Manager will support and work alongside the Registered Manager to ensure the home meets with the requirements of the Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards, as well as oversee the effective day to day running of the children’s home whilst being responsible for direct supervision and support of the residential team.
Duties & Responsibilities
· Develop meaningful and nurturing relationships with children and young people, promoting their independence, wellbeing, and strengths. Encourage a supportive and empowering atmosphere that enhances their personal growth and resilience.
· Work effectively in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals, fostering open communication to support the best outcomes for children and young people. Act as a key point of contact during multi-agency meetings and contribute to care planning and reviews.
· Lead shifts, ensuring appropriate staff deployment and high standards of care throughout the day. Provide regular supervision, guidance, and support to staff, promoting continuous professional development and reflective practice.
· Assist the Registered Manager with quality assurance tasks, including audits, regulatory checks, and action plans. Take responsibility for delegated managerial tasks in the absence of the Registered Manager.
· Support the daily upkeep of the home, including participating in domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and ensuring communal areas remain welcoming and safe for the children and young people.
· Document and maintain up-to-date, accurate, and detailed records, including daily logs, safeguarding concerns, incident reports, and care plans, in line with regulatory requirements and organisational standards.
· Ensure safeguarding procedures are rigorously followed, identifying risks and concerns promptly and taking appropriate action to protect children and young people from harm.
· Proactively monitor health and safety within the home, conducting regular checks and risk assessments to ensure that the physical environment remains safe, secure, and conducive to positive living experiences.
· Act as a key worker for specific children, developing individualised support plans and ensuring consistent advocacy for their needs, goals, and aspirations.
· Provide effective support during challenging situations or crises, using de-escalation strategies and ensuring incidents are managed in line with policies and procedures.
· Participate in and promote mandatory and ongoing training for all team members, ensuring the team is equipped to deliver trauma-informed and therapeutic care.
· Champion a culture of respect and inclusivity, ensuring that the needs of all children and staff are recognised and met without discrimination.
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience working as a Deputy Manager in a residential children's home environment
- NVQ Level 5 residential childcare or equivalent or a willingness to undertake this on commencing the role.
- Related knowledge of Ofsted regulations and safeguarding procedures.
- Highly driven, proactive and enthusiastic.
- A strong people manager with a hands-on approach.
- Experience of budgets and rotas.
- You need to be able to work flexibly in caring for the children. This will include working shifts and sleep-ins
- Resilient, enthusiastic and motivated person.
- Calm, approachable manner, adaptable and non-judgemental.
- Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Knowledge of Child Protection & Safeguarding
- Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate at all levels.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure and prioritise activities.
- High level of literacy, numeracy, and computer skills
Desirable
- Experience with OFSTED registration for new services
- Detailed and working knowledge of relevant legislation including fostering regulations; safeguarding; and mental health.
- Demonstrating the highest level of integrity in day-to-day operations and decision making.
- Be well organised and work under pressure and prioritise activities.
- Ability to work in a team, promote collaboration and work on own initiative.
- High level of literacy, numeracy, and computer skills.
- Ability to drive and holds a current driving licence
ISL Homes is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & young people. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of the right to work in the UK.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
