Dwelling Places Homes LTD is a Residential Care Provider, guided by our values and the quality of our service. We provide a unique combination of personalised care, support, and housing solutions for children and young people.

We are looking for an experienced, passionate, reliable, and inspiring Deputy Manager to join our growing team and support the Registered Manager in leading a high-quality residential children's home in South East London.

Dwelling Places Homes LTD is a long-standing, family-run organisation dedicated to providing outstanding, person-centred care to children and young people. We value our employees and are committed to their Continued Professional Development. Join our team and play a vital role in creating safe, nurturing environments where young people can thrive and achieve positive outcomes.

About the Role:

As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Registered Manager to ensure the home consistently delivers exceptional standards of care and achieves the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

You will:

Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day leadership and management of the home.
Lead, motivate, coach and develop Residential Support Workers and Senior Residential Support Workers.
Promote a nurturing, therapeutic and trauma-informed culture throughout the home.
Ensure children receive high-quality, individualised care in accordance with their care plans.
Support safeguarding, behaviour management, and risk management processes.
Assist with recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal and staff development.
Ensure the home remains compliant with Ofsted regulations, Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
Deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence.
Build positive relationships with families, social workers, education providers, health professionals and external agencies.
Drive continuous improvement across the service.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

Support the overall leadership and operational management of the home.
Supervise and mentor staff, promoting excellent professional practice.
Conduct regular supervisions, competency observations and performance reviews.
Assist in rota planning and maintaining safe staffing levels.
Lead shifts and provide clear direction to the staff team.
Promote a positive team culture built on accountability, respect and collaboration.

Care & Safeguarding:

Ensure children receive safe, consistent and high-quality care.
Promote positive behaviour support using trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified, managed and reported appropriately.
Support the implementation and review of care plans, placement plans and risk assessments.
Encourage children to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

Monitor compliance with Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
Support preparation for Ofsted inspections.
Complete regular audits of care records, medication, safeguarding, health & safety and documentation.
Ensure all records are accurate, up to date and completed to a high standard.
Identify areas for improvement and implement action plans.

Partnership Working:

Build effective relationships with Local Authorities and commissioning teams.
Attend professionals' meetings, reviews, strategy meetings and care planning meetings.
Work collaboratively with schools, CAMHS, therapists and other partner agencies.
Promote positive family relationships where appropriate.

Essential Criteria:

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards).
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
Minimum of 3 years' experience working within a Children's Residential Home.
Minimum of 1 year's supervisory or management experience.
Strong knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and Ofsted requirements.
Excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures.
Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Strong leadership, organisational and decision-making skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to lead shifts confidently and manage challenging situations effectively.
Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain).
Full UK Driving Licence.
Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, bank holidays and participate in the on-call rota.

Desirable:

Experience supporting homes through Ofsted inspections.
Experience working with children with complex trauma.
First Aid, MAPA, PRICE or Team Teach training.
Knowledge of PACE and therapeutic parenting models.
Experience in service improvement and quality assurance.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary of £40,000 – £50,000 per annum (depending on experience).
Performance and career progression opportunities.
Ongoing training and professional development.
Support towards further qualifications.
Company pension.
Free parking.
Company events.
Employee recognition scheme.
Birthday voucher.
Referral bonus.
Employee discount programme.
Supportive management team.
Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people.

Schedule:

Full-time.
Shift work.
Weekday, weekends and bank holidays.
Participation in on-call rota.

Licence/Certification:

Level 3 Residential Childcare (Required).
Level 5 Leadership & Management (or working towards) (Required).
Enhanced DBS (Required).
Full UK Driving License.

Work Authorisation:

United Kingdom (Required).

Work Location: In person – South East London.

Dwelling Places Agency

Deputy Manager – Children's Residential Home

About the Job