Deputy Manager Children's Home
Join Our Team as a Deputy Manager!
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? Budwood, part of Polaris Community, is on the lookout for a dedicated Deputy Manager to join our team on a 9-month fixed-term contract. If you’re ready to support our mission of providing high-quality care in our Children’s Homes and 16+ Supported Accommodation, we want to hear from you!
About Us
At Budwood, we believe in creating a nurturing environment for young people who have faced challenges in their lives. Our goal is to provide them with a stable home where they can feel safe, build confidence, and develop the skills necessary for a successful transition into adulthood.
The Role
As our Deputy Manager, you will play a crucial role in supporting two of our Children's Residential Homes in Poole. You’ll lead a passionate team, ensuring high standards of care while guiding young people towards independent living.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Home Manager in their absence, with guidance from the Area Manager.
- Support and motivate the staff team through supervision, coaching, and development planning.
- Ensure high-quality care and accommodation for young people, aligned with their 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.
- 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, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Guide the team in supporting young people's learning and emotional development.
- Manage home finances when needed.
- Ensure high domestic standards, including meal preparation and home maintenance.
- Support inspections, audits, and uphold health & safety compliance.
- Participate in the on-call rota and engage in 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 it).
- 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).
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- A proactive, flexible, and child-centred approach.
Working Conditions
This is a full-time position, requiring 40 hours per week. You will be based in Poole, with a salary range of £24,701.04 - £28,108.08 pro rata, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits
- 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee discount scheme.
- Access to wellbeing programmes.
- Monthly clinical and professional supervision.
- Ongoing professional training and development opportunities.
At Budwood, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We prioritize the safeguarding and welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.
If you’re ready to take on this rewarding challenge and make a real impact, we can’t wait to meet you!
