Children's Home Deputy Manager

Sittingbourne, Kent

Deputy Manager - Permanent

Job Description

Title: Deputy Manager
Salary: Competitive  (plus on-call allowance as applicable)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Qualifications: NVQ Children’s Residential Level 3 or NVQ Children, Young People & Family Practitioner Level 4. Relevant bachelor’s degrees may also be accepted.
Experience: Minimum 1 year supervising/shift leading as a Senior Residential Care Practitioner
Reports to: Registered Manager
Line Manager: Registered Manager

Job Purpose

Working as part of a team for a specialist provider of care to children and young people in residential settings. The client’s philosophy is to support young people from all backgrounds and provide a safe, stable home environment. The role aims to help children and young people develop life skills, enjoy and achieve, and become the best versions of themselves.

Children and young people you support may have social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties due to past experiences.

The Deputy Manager supports the Registered Manager in running the home, achieving compliance with legislation, leading the staff team, promoting positive culture and practice, delegating duties, and taking accountability for decision-making. You will ensure high standards of care while maintaining a professional persona in a homely, non-judgmental environment. This may occasionally include rota and on-call duties.

The role requires knowledge of health & safety, non-oppressive practice, anti-discriminatory practice, equality, child protection, childcare legislation and regulations, as well as the client’s policies and procedures, aligned with the home’s Statement of Purpose. All staff must safeguard children and maintain confidentiality.

Rota and Hours of Work

Predominantly three 8-hour office days plus one long 16-hour shift to engage with staff and young people. Hours may vary depending on the home’s needs. Flexibility is required to cover absences or annual leave, which may include sleep-ins.

• Attendance: Essential for service delivery. Non-attendance may lead to capability or conduct procedures. Attendance at training and reflection meetings is mandatory.

• Flexibility: Must adapt to changing shift patterns, weekends, and bank holidays to ensure consistent staffing.

• On-Call: Deputy Managers share an on-call rota with the Registered Manager for evenings and weekends, providing guidance and occasionally covering shifts if needed.

Professional Persona

• Appearance: Dress appropriately for the role and direct work with young people. Avoid revealing clothing or inappropriate logos.

• Timekeeping: Essential for smooth handovers and service quality.

• Role Model: Maintain professional language, body language, and values. Set good examples for staff and young people without imposing personal beliefs.

• Communication: Clear, open, and adaptable with young people, staff, and stakeholders. Confident to challenge and receive constructive feedback. Represent the client professionally.

• Time Management: Prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and delegate effectively.

• Conduct Outside Work: Maintain professional standards; disciplinary action may result from unprofessional behaviour.

• Whistleblowing: Report malpractice or safeguarding concerns according to the client’s policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage home operations in collaboration with the Registered Manager.

• Ensure compliance with The Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and internal policies.

• Supervise, support, and develop staff to maintain high professional standards.

• Act as Acting Manager when the Registered Manager is on leave.

• Plan and implement care models and activities for young people, collaborating with professionals (schools, social workers, health staff).

• Allocate and define staff duties clearly.

• Organise staff training (internal and external).

• Maintain accurate records, reports, and attend relevant meetings, care reviews, and parents’ evenings.

• Ensure safe storage, control, and administration of medicines.

• Maintain home equipment and furniture; report defects.

• Promote positive relationships between young people and staff through consultation.

• Monitor and report any service issues affecting the organisation.

• Participate in recruitment, selection, interviewing, and induction of staff.

• Ensure staff understand accountability, reporting lines, emergency procedures, and child protection policies.

• Provide regular reports and updates to the Registered Manager.

• Uphold Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety legislation.

Personal Development

• Induction/Probation: Complete the client’s induction and probation within six months, including shadowing the Registered Manager.

• Qualifications: Complete NVQ requirements within the set timescale.

• Training: Participate in mandatory and role-specific development programmes.

• Supervision: Engage in appraisal and supervision processes to meet personal development objectives.

• Supporting Knowledge: Maintain knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Ofsted/CQC Quality Standards, safeguarding legislation, and all internal policies.

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