Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home

Join Our Team as a Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home

Location: Bridgwater

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 38 hours per week, including shift work and sleep-in duties

Salary: Up to £38,955.18 per annum, inclusive of sleep-in payments

Responsible for: Team Leaders and Residential Support Workers

Make a Difference in a Child's Life

Are you ready for a rewarding challenge? We are seeking an experienced, caring, and confident Deputy Manager to join our children's home in Bridgwater. Our three-bed home is rated Good by Ofsted and is led by an experienced Registered Manager who will provide ongoing support and guidance.

This is your chance to take the next step in your career, lead a dedicated staff team, and ensure that children receive high-quality, child-centered care every day. At Headway Adolescent Resources, established in 1999, we pride ourselves on providing safe, nurturing homes where children feel heard and supported, helping them build confidence and achieve positive outcomes.

About the Role

As the Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Registered Manager to oversee the daily operations of the home. Your role will involve:

• Providing visible leadership and support to the staff team.
• Maintaining strong safeguarding practices.
• Creating a stable and homely environment where children can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the safe, effective, and efficient day-to-day running of the home.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager when required, offering confident leadership.
• Safeguard children at all times and respond promptly to concerns.
• Create a nurturing environment that reflects each child's individual needs.
• Lead, supervise, and develop Team Leaders and Residential Support Workers.
• Implement and review care plans, risk assessments, and placement objectives.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and professionals.
• Stay updated on relevant legislation and quality standards.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the home.
• Manage the home's budget and resources responsibly.
• Contribute to staff training and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has at least two years of experience working directly with children.
• Holds a Level 3 qualification in Children and Young People's Workforce (or equivalent).
• Is committed to starting a relevant Level 5 leadership and management qualification.
• Has current knowledge of safeguarding and childcare legislation.
• Possesses leadership or supervisory experience.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Is organized, with strong administrative and IT skills.
• Has a calm, empathetic approach and a genuine commitment to children's welfare.
• Holds a full UK manual driving licence.
• Is flexible to work shifts, sleep-ins, weekends, and participate in the on-call rota.

What We Offer

• On-call payments of £10 for weekday duties and £50 for weekend duties.
• Ofsted bonuses: £200 for a Good inspection outcome and £500 for Outstanding.
• Enhanced overtime rates.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Company pension scheme with a 3% employer contribution.
• Company mobile phone.
• Training and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Regular supervision and support from an experienced management team.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are an experienced residential childcare professional ready to lead by example and help children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive, we would love to hear from you!

Headway Adolescent Resources 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. The successful candidate will undergo thorough safer recruitment checks, including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.