Deputy Manager Children‘s Home

Join Our Team as a Deputy Manager (9-month FTC)

Contract Type: Full-time, 9-month fixed-term contract

Salary: £24,701.04 - £28,108.08 pro rata (dependent on qualifications and experience)

Location: Poole

Specific Hours: 40 hours per week

Why Work With Us?

At Budwood, part of Polaris Community, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for young people in our Children’s Homes and 16+ Supported Accommodation. Our mission is to provide a stable, supportive home where young individuals can heal, grow in confidence, and develop essential life skills for independence.

The Role

We are on the lookout for a passionate and motivated Deputy Manager to support our two Children’s Residential Homes in Poole. In this role, you will lead a dedicated team, ensure high standards of care, and guide young people towards independent living.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Home Manager in their absence, under guidance from the Area Manager.
• Support and motivate the staff team through supervision, coaching, mentoring, and development planning.
• Ensure high-quality care and accommodation for young people, aligned with placement plans.
• Build trusted relationships with young people, promoting safety, respect, and personal development.
• Champion a culture of listening, dignity, and empowerment for all young people.
• Promote collaborative working with families, education providers, health services, and local authorities.
• Ensure staff are trained in safeguarding and compliant with policies and refresher requirements.
• Be an ambassador for Budwood’s therapeutic model, CATCH.
• Assist with rotas, budget management, and timesheet oversight.
• Lead new staff inductions and conduct absence review meetings.
• Oversee record-keeping (e.g., risk assessments, placement plans, weekly reports), ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Guide the team in supporting young people’s learning and emotional development.
• Manage home finances when needed.
• Ensure domestic standards are high, including meal preparation and home maintenance.
• Support inspections, audits, and uphold health & safety and fire safety compliance.
• Participate in the on-call rota.
• Engage in supervision, appraisal, and continuous professional development.

What We Need From You

• Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care, Children and Young People, or equivalent (or working towards).
• At least 2 years of experience in a residential children’s home or Supported Living service.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Understanding of The Children Act 1989 and 2004 and Supported Accommodation Quality Standards.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance in care settings.
• Experience in residential care, youth work, or working with young people with Emotional Behavioural Disorders (EBD).
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• A proactive, flexible, and child-centred approach.

What We Offer

At Budwood, we believe in investing in our team. Enjoy a range of benefits including:

• 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Company pension
• Employee discount scheme
• Access to wellbeing programmes
• Monthly clinical and professional supervision
• Ongoing professional training & supervision

Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.