Deputy Manager – Residential Children’s Home

Full 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

At [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk], we're creating a warm, stable home for up to 3 children with emotional and behavioural needs. We are building a dedicated team who share our values and commitment to providing our children with the best possible care.

Our management team bring years of experience and a warm, empathetic, and highly motivated approach -dedicated to creating a nurturing, supportive home 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, management responsibilities, and participation in the on-call rota. It is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced senior practitioner 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
• Day shifts typically 07:30 – 22:30
• Sleep-ins paid £50 per night
• Includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays
• Every third full weekend off

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the Registered Manager in 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 of hours
• Provide line management and supervision to Team Leaders and Support Workers
• Support staff recruitment, induction, and development
• Ensure the home operates in line with Ofsted regulations, Quality Standards, and safeguarding policies
• Oversee care planning, risk assessments, and placement planning to ensure high-quality outcomes for children
• Monitor record keeping and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Support staff in managing complex behaviours using trauma-informed approaches such as PACE
• Lead or support team meetings, reflective practice sessions, and staff supervisions
• Work directly with children to build safe, trusting, and positive relationships
• Liaise with social workers, families, schools, and external professionals

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a compassionate, confident leader who brings strong residential experience and a commitment to high-quality care. This role suits someone who enjoys supporting and developing staff while maintaining hands-on involvement with children.

Essential:

• Must hold a Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification recognised under Ofsted regulations)
• At least 3 years’ experience in a residential childcare setting
• Experience leading shifts or supervising staff
• Ability to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Confident in supporting children with complex emotional and behavioural needs
• Able to lead shifts and make sound decisions relating to the safety and welfare of children and staff
• Flexible to work a residential rota, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and sleep-ins
• Compassionate, resilient, and committed to being a consistent, positive role model for children and staff

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a Senior Residential Worker, Team Leader, or Deputy Manager
• Working toward or willing to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (Residential Childcare)
• Familiarity with PACE, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care
• Strong understanding of Ofsted’s Quality Standards, safeguarding procedures, and residential care regulations
• Full, valid UK driving licence and willingness to drive for work purposes

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
• Career progression routes
• Supportive, trauma-informed environment with strong leadership
• Recommend a friend bonus scheme
• Recognition awards and long service bonuses
• Free on-site parking
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Beautifully refurbished, homely workplace
• A unique opportunity to be part of our leadership team
• Supportive working environment with a small-scale provider dedicated to high-quality care and staff well-being
• Positive, values-led management team

Our Approach

At [Employer hidden], we are grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care, creating consistency, emotional safety, and trust for children who have experienced early adversity. Our practice is underpinned by the PACE model – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy – and we invest in developing our team to provide exceptional care.

We know that supporting children with complex needs takes resilience, skill, and teamwork. That’s why we offer a strong induction, high-quality training, and a reflective, collaborative work environment. We strive to ensure our staff feel confident, supported, and equipped, so they can provide the best possible care for the children at [Employer hidden].

Safeguarding Statement

[Employer hidden] is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS check, identity verification, and references (including from your most recent employer).

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £35,000.00-£39,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Do you need us (the employer) to give you visa sponsorship to work in the UK?
• Do you have Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent qualifications?

Experience:

• working with children in the UK: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person