Job Description:

Deputy Manager – Residential Children's Home

Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Salary: £35,000 – £39,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
Plus: Sleep-ins paid at £50 per night
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Annual Leave: 28 days, plus a paid day off for your birthday

We are creating a warm, stable home for up to three children with emotional and behavioural needs. We are building a dedicated team who share our values and commitment to providing children with the highest standard of care.

Our leadership team brings years of residential childcare experience, alongside a warm, empathetic and highly motivated approach, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for both the children and the staff who care for them.

We are seeking a Deputy Manager to work closely with the Registered Manager in leading the home. This role combines hands-on shift work with leadership responsibilities, management duties and participation in the on-call rota. It is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Residential Worker or Team Leader who is ready to take the next step in their career.

Working Pattern

• 37.5 hours per week
• Mixture of shift work and management hours

What You'll Be Doing

• Support the Registered Manager with the overall leadership and management of the home.
• Lead shifts and provide senior decision-making and safeguarding oversight.
• Participate in the on-call rota, responding to incidents or staff support needs outside normal working hours.
• Provide line management and supervision to Team Leaders and Residential Support Workers.
• Support staff recruitment, induction and ongoing development.
• Ensure the home operates in line with Ofsted regulations, Quality Standards and safeguarding requirements.
• Oversee care planning, risk assessments and placement planning to achieve positive outcomes for children.
• Monitor records and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support staff in managing complex behaviours using trauma-informed approaches, including PACE.
• Lead or contribute to team meetings, reflective practice sessions and staff supervision.
• Work directly with children to build safe, trusting and positive relationships.
• Liaise with social workers, families, schools and other professionals involved in children's care.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a compassionate and confident leader with strong residential childcare experience and a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys developing others while remaining actively involved in supporting young people.

Essential

• Previous experience as a Senior Residential Worker, Team Leader or Deputy Manager.
• Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification recognised under Ofsted regulations).
• At least three years' experience working within residential childcare.
• Experience leading shifts or supervising staff.
• Ability to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Experience supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
• Confidence to make sound decisions relating to safeguarding and the welfare of children and staff.
• Flexibility to work a residential rota, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and sleep-ins.
• Compassionate, resilient and committed to being a consistent positive role model.

Desirable

• Working towards, or willing to complete, the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
• Knowledge of PACE, attachment theory and trauma-informed practice.
• Good understanding of Ofsted's Quality Standards, safeguarding procedures and residential childcare regulations.

What We Offer

• 28 days' annual leave, plus a paid day off for your birthday.
• Regular reflective supervision and wellbeing support.
• Fully funded training, including PACE and Level 5 Diploma opportunities.
• Supportive, trauma-informed working environment with experienced leadership.

Our Approach

Our approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, creating consistency, emotional safety and trusting relationships for children who have experienced early adversity. Practice is underpinned by the PACE model—Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy—and we invest heavily in training and developing our team to deliver exceptional care.

We recognise that supporting children with complex needs requires resilience, skill and teamwork. That's why we provide a comprehensive induction, high-quality training and a reflective, collaborative working environment where staff feel confident, supported and equipped to make a lasting difference.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, identity verification and satisfactory references, including from their most recent employer.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace.