Deputy Manager

We are looking for a passionate and skilled Deputy Manager to join our innovative Family Connections Children's Home - a unique service designed to support children and families on the edge of care. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to strengthening family relationships, preventing avoidable admissions into care, and supporting children to safely return home when short-term residential care is needed.

Our Family Connections Home is part of a wider Family Connections Hub and Outreach Service, providing loving, therapeutic care for up to three children aged 11-18 while intensive support is delivered to their families. Together, we work towards one clear goal: helping families stay together and achieve lasting positive change.

As Deputy Manager, you will work alongside the Registered Manager to lead a dedicated team, ensure high-quality, child-centred care, and create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and able to thrive. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines residential care, professional curiosity, and direct work with families in their own homes.

This is far more than a traditional residential role. You will play a key part in delivering our innovative Edge of Care model, helping children and families overcome challenges, rebuild relationships and create brighter futures together.

You will also support the operational leadership of the home, including staff supervision, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and participation in the on-call rota, which includes some evenings and weekends.

If you are passionate about outstanding care, strong family relationships and achieving the very best outcomes for children, we'd love to hear from you

In this role, you will;

Support the day-to-day operation of our inclusive and nurturing residential home alongside our outreach delivery.

Lead and supervise a small team of residential staff, fostering a positive and reflective practice culture

Ensure high-quality care planning, risk assessment, implementation and review

Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and positive behaviour support

Build strong relationships with families, social workers, schools, therapists and other professionals

Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, including Ofsted and the Children's Homes Regulations

Act as an advocate for children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard

Contribute to recruitment, induction, supervision and development of staff

Support audit activity, quality assurance and continuous improvement

Contribute to domestic duties and the preparation of nutritious meals for/with young people

To be confident in leading shifts, ensuring colleagues are supported effectively in completion of task.

To contribute to identifying and reviewing the training and development needs of staff

Ability/willingness to work across children's residential services if required

Contribute to the provision of an effective, physical, social and emotional care environment.

Work together with the Registered Manager to ensure there is management cover overnight and weekends to support the children and carers as required.

At the higher grade, you will also take on a specialist leadership role, contributing to service improvement initiatives and mentoring colleagues across residential services.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee and review individual care and support plans

Promote safe, warm and structured environments aligned with the Home's Statement of Purpose

Monitor and improve practice through audits, inspections and reviews

Support multi-agency working to meet children's holistic needs

Ensure accurate record keeping and effective use of care systems

Deliver or support personal care when required

Support family-centred practice and reunification where appropriate

Ensure confidentiality, equality, health and safety standards are upheld at all times