Job Overview
Kids Safe Haven Residential Children’s Home is seeking an experienced and capable Deputy Manager to support the Registered Manager in leading the safe, effective and high-quality operation of our home in Gravesend, which supports children and young people aged 8–17 (on admission) with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).
The successful candidate will deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence, taking delegated responsibility for the day-to-day running of the home, the leadership of the staff team, and the consistent delivery of high-quality therapeutic care. The Deputy Manager will play a central role in maintaining a safe, warm and nurturing environment in which children and young people can thrive, ensuring care is delivered in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards and our Statement of Purpose. This is a senior leadership position requiring a confident, proactive and reflective approach to management, child welfare, safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence, taking delegated responsibility for the overall day-to-day management and safe operation of the home
- Lead, supervise, support and develop the staff team, including Team Leaders and residential support workers, ensuring all duties are carried out to the highest standards and in line with the home’s therapeutic model
- Support the recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and performance management of staff in line with safer recruitment practice and HR procedures
- Oversee the development, implementation and review of individual care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans, ensuring personalised, child-centred support
- Foster a positive, inclusive and therapeutic environment that promotes the safety, wellbeing and development of every child and young person
- Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, procedures and regulatory requirements, including the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
- Contribute to the home’s quality assurance, monitoring and reporting systems, supporting Regulation 44 and 45 processes and preparation for Ofsted inspection
- Coordinate staffing rotas, shift planning and resource allocation to ensure safe staffing levels at all times
- Maintain accurate, timely records of care provided, incidents and other documentation using the home’s IT systems, and oversee the quality of recording across the team
- Communicate effectively with children, families, social workers, placing authorities, external agencies and colleagues to promote collaborative, joined-up working
- Lead and respond appropriately to emergencies, safeguarding concerns and incidents, including de-escalation and positive behaviour support, and ensure correct reporting and escalation
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and medication protocols are adhered to at all times
- Participate in the management on-call rota, providing out-of-hours guidance and decision-making support to staff
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the home to enhance the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people
Skills and Experience
- Substantial experience within a residential childcare setting, including proven experience at supervisory, senior or team leader level
- Experience of supporting children and young people, ideally those with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD)
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate, manage, develop and hold accountable a diverse team
- Sound understanding of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Quality Standards and the Ofsted regulatory and inspection framework
- Thorough knowledge of child protection legislation, safeguarding procedures and best practice in therapeutic care
- Excellent communication skills for liaising with children, families, colleagues, placing authorities and external agencies
- Competent IT skills for maintaining accurate records and managing care plans digitally
- A full, valid UK driving licence to facilitate transportation as required by the role
- Ability to organise, prioritise and manage a varied workload effectively while maintaining high safety and quality standards
- A compassionate, resilient and child-centred approach, with a genuine commitment to supporting children’s development and wellbeing
Additional Requirements
- Availability to work the home’s 8:00am – 8:00pm shift pattern, including weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins, plus participation in the on-call management rota in line with the needs of the home
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) as a minimum; holding or willingness to work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare is essential
- Satisfactory enhanced DBS check and references, in line with safer recruitment practice
- Commitment to ongoing training and professional development
Why Join Kids Safe Haven?
This role is ideal for an experienced, motivated practitioner ready to take the next step into a senior management position within a caring, therapeutic environment. We are looking for someone who leads by example, demonstrates excellent interpersonal, organisational and decision-making skills, and shares our genuine commitment to making a positive difference to children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. In return, we offer a supportive management structure, robust training and supervision, and the opportunity to play a meaningful part in changing children’s lives for the better.
Work Location: In person
Pay: £34,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
