Overview
Great Oak Lodge is a private social care provider offering bespoke residential accommodation for children and young people across East Anglia. Our focus is creating safe, stable and nurturing homes where young people can grow, thrive and feel valued.
Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Deputy Manager that will deliver high quality care and strong leadership. You will play a vital role in supporting the Registered Manager in the operational and strategic management of the children's home.
This is an exciting opportunity to support the Registered Manager with the running of the home, giving you valuable experience in service development, team building and establishing high standards from the outset. You will develop your leadership skills and gain hands-on experience in the operation and growth of a residential service.
You will work closely with the Registered Manager in overseeing the day to day running of the service, ensuring the children and young people’s emotional, physical and developmental needs are met. You will also ensure that the home operates in line with Ofsted regulations, Quality Standards and company policies, maintaining the highest levels of safeguarding and care.
Responsibilities
- Support the Registered Manager with the operational and strategic management of the home
- Take full responsibility for the home in the Registered Manager’s absence
- Participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota
- Provide high quality staff supervision and promote continuous professional development
- Assist with recruitment, induction, training, and performance management
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained
- Act as a positive role model, promoting professionalism, empathy, and safeguarding best practice
- Oversee implementation and regular review of care plans, risk assessments, and placement goals
- Maintain accurate records, incident logs, and reports in line with regulatory requirements
- Build and maintain effective relationships with external professionals and stakeholders
- Contribute to Ofsted inspections and drive continuous improvement within the home
Requirements
Essential:
- Compassion and resilience together with a genuine passion and commitment to supporting young people
- Minimum of 2 years experience in a residential childcare setting
- Experience as a Senior Residential Practitioner
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
- Working towards (or willing to work towards) Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and trauma-informed practice
- Excellent leadership, communication and team-building skills
- Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally
- Right to work in the UK (please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship)
- A satisfactory DBS is required
Desirable:
- Experience as a Deputy Manager
- Knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and Quality Standards
- Full UK driving licence.
Salary:
£42,000 pa
Hours:
40 per week
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Supportive leadership team
- Career progression opportunities
- The opportunity to be involved in the operation and development of an established children's home
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives
This role is ideal for an experienced Senior Residential Practitioner ready to take the next step into management, or an established Deputy Manager looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to be part of the operational and strategic management of an established service.
Pay: £42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Health & wellbeing programme
Work Location: In person
