Location - Crewe and Stoke-On-Trent
Salary - from £16.74 per hour plus £57.20 per sleep in
Contract - Full-time, permanent. Including public holidays and on-call responsibilities
About Us
At Excel Solutions Group Ltd and Emerge Care & Therapeutic Solutions Ltd, we do more than provide care — we create warm, stable homes where every child feels safe, seen, and supported. Guided by our values of Voice, Connection, Growth, and Inclusion, our therapeutic, trauma-informed Roots to Wings model helps children build resilience, independence, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
About the Role
As an On-Shift Deputy Care Manager, you will be at the heart of the home’s leadership team, supporting the Registered Manager to deliver safe, nurturing, therapeutic care and maintain excellent standards. You will coach and guide colleagues, lead by example during shifts, and help create a reflective team culture where practitioners feel confident, supported, and able to do their best work.
You will help oversee staff rotas, daily routines, safeguarding, compliance, documentation, and the overall quality of care. In the absence of the Registered Manager, you will step confidently into operational leadership, ensuring the home continues to run smoothly and children remain at the centre of every decision.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced children’s residential practitioner who is ready to take the next step in leadership. You will gain hands-on experience in supervision, safeguarding, quality assurance, and regulatory responsibility, with a clear development pathway towards Registered Manager level.
Experience & Qualities
- Significant experience in children’s residential care (essential).
- Confidence in leading teams and supporting colleagues during shifts.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
- Reflective, resilient, and values-driven approach.
- Emotionally resilient and able to stay calm in high-stress situations.
- Effective communicator, able to engage with professionals, families, and regulators.
- Committed to continual learning, personal growth and team development.
Professional Competencies
- Skilled in staff supervision, reflective practice, and team leadership.
- Strong safeguarding knowledge, able to act as safeguarding lead in RM’s absence.
- Proficient in care planning, behaviour support planning, and quality assurance.
- Understanding of compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and Ofsted frameworks.
Training & Development
- We invest in you from day one:
- Comprehensive induction into therapeutic care, specifically focusing on our Roots to Wings model.
- Leadership coaching and management training.
- Access to our Knowledge Nest, with therapeutic tools, reflection guides, and development modules.
- Monthly clinical input and reflective supervision to support your wellbeing and professional growth.
- Clear career progression pathway.
- Support to complete or progress to Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (Children’s Pathway).
Job Requirements
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, sleep-ins and public holidays as part of a rolling rota.
- Willingness to work across services, including high-risk homes, where needed.
- Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references required before appointment.
- Must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
- Requirement to hold Level 4 (or higher) qualification in Children’s Residential Care, and commitment to completing Level 5 (this will be funded by the business).
Why Join Us?
This is more than a Deputy role — it is a progression opportunity for someone who wants to lead with purpose, develop others, and make a lasting difference in children’s lives. With structured training, strong senior support, and a values-led culture, you will be supported to grow your confidence, expand your leadership skills, and prepare for future Registered Manager responsibilities.
We offer:
- Competitive pay and allowances for sleep-ins.
- Structured career progression and funded qualifications.
- A supportive, values-driven culture focused on staff wellbeing.
- Regular reflective practice and clinical consultation.
- Private Healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Blue Light Card
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At Excel Solutions Group Ltd and Emerge Care & Therapeutic Solutions Ltd, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We believe that embracing diversity enhances our ability to provide compassionate and effective care to the children and young people we support.
Right to Work and Visa Sponsorship
Please note that Excel Solutions Group Ltd and Emerge Care & Therapeutic Solutions Ltd are not licensed sponsors under the UK Home Office points-based immigration system. As such, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
How to Apply
If you are ready to take the next step in your children’s residential care career, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a short supporting statement explaining why you are interested in this role and how your skills, values, and experience match the requirements.
Pay: From £16.74 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Licence/Certification:
- Drivers Licence (preferred)
- Level 4 Children's Residential (preferred)
Work Location: In person
