Job Description:

Role : Children's Residential Deputy Manager
Location : Sittingbourne
Salary - £34,000 to £42,000 per annum
This is a full time position - Please note, we do not offer sponsorship

The Children's Residential Deputy Manager supports the Registered Manager in the effective leadership, management, and operation of a children's residential home. The role is responsible for ensuring high-quality care, safeguarding, and positive outcomes for children and young people. The Deputy Manager leads and motivates staff, oversees daily operations, and ensures compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and organisational policies. In the absence of the Registered Manager, the Deputy Manager assumes responsibility for the management of the home.

Key Responsibilities Leadership and Management

• Support the Registered Manager in the overall management of the residential home.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to residential staff and team leaders.
• Promote a positive, child-centred culture that reflects the organisation's values and objectives.
• Assist with staff recruitment, induction, training, supervision, and performance management.
• Lead shifts and oversee the smooth running of the home when required.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager during periods of absence.

Care and Support of Children

• Ensure children and young people receive high-quality care that meets their individual needs.
• Promote positive outcomes in education, health, emotional wellbeing, and independence.
• Ensure care plans, placement plans, behaviour support plans, and risk assessments are effectively implemented and reviewed.
• Build positive relationships with children and young people, acting as a role model and advocate.
• Support staff in managing challenging behaviour through therapeutic and restorative approaches.
• Encourage children's participation in decisions affecting their lives and care.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Ensure safeguarding and child protection procedures are understood and followed by all staff.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, allegations, incidents, and complaints.
• Maintain a safe environment that protects children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Promote a culture of vigilance, accountability, and professional curiosity.
• Ensure all incidents are recorded, reported, and investigated in line with policies and statutory requirements.

Operational Management

• Monitor and maintain high standards of care, documentation, and record keeping.
• Oversee staff rotas, shift planning, and resource allocation.
• Support budget management and the effective use of resources.
• Ensure medication is managed safely and in accordance with policy and legislation.
• Monitor the quality of care and contribute to service improvement plans.
• Participate in on-call duties as required.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Support compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and standards governing children's residential care.
• Assist in preparing for inspections and audits.
• Monitor the home's performance against quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and risk assessments are reviewed and implemented effectively.
• Contribute to quality assurance systems and continuous improvement initiatives.

Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with social workers, families, schools, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Attend care reviews, strategy meetings, professionals' meetings, and court proceedings where required.
• Advocate for children and ensure their views are represented in planning and decision-making processes.
• Promote collaborative working to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.

Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

• Ensure the home maintains a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
• Promote health and safety practices and ensure compliance with organisational policies.
• Support staff wellbeing and foster a positive working environment.
• Manage emergencies and incidents effectively, ensuring appropriate action is taken.

Person Specification Essential Requirements

• at least 3 years experience working within children's residential care.
• Experience of supervising or managing staff within a residential setting
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and residential childcare regulations.
• Ability to lead teams, manage performance, and support staff development.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, sleep-ins, and on-call duties where required.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, or willingness to achieve within required timescales.