Deputy Children’s Home Manager

Location: Sheffield
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, permanent (including evenings and weekends)

Overview

We are recruiting for a Deputy Children’s Home Manager to support the leadership and day-to-day operation of a residential children’s home. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, child-centred care and ensuring positive outcomes for children and young people.

You will work closely with the Registered Manager to maintain a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, ensuring compliance with current regulations and inspection standards. You will also help lead a dedicated care team and promote best practice across the service.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Support the effective running of the home, providing guidance and leadership to staff
• Promote a positive, trauma-informed and child-focused culture
• Assist with recruitment, staffing levels, and staff retention
• Deliver supervision, support staff development, and contribute to appraisals
• Act as a role model, maintaining high professional standards

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure safeguarding procedures are consistently followed and concerns are escalated appropriately
• Support compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations and quality standards 
• Assist with regulatory requirements, including notifications where required
• Promote a safe culture where staff feel confident to raise concerns

Care Planning & Outcomes

• Support the development and implementation of care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour strategies
• Promote positive outcomes across education, health, and wellbeing
• Ensure young people’s views, wishes, and feelings are central to their care

Quality & Inspections

• Contribute to quality assurance processes and inspection readiness
• Support continuous improvement and implementation of action plans following inspections

Partnership Working

• Build strong relationships with external professionals including social workers, education, and health services
• Participate in multi-agency meetings and reviews
• Maintain effective communication with families and stakeholders

Operational Duties

• Ensure accurate, up-to-date record keeping
• Maintain a safe, welcoming home environment in line with health & safety standards
• Participate in training and development opportunities

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in an on-call rota
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
• Provide management cover in the absence of the Registered Manager

Requirements

Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards)
• Relevant Level 3/4 qualification in Children and Young People services
• Full UK driving licence 

Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a children’s residential setting
• At least 1 year in a senior or supervisory role
• Experience in safeguarding and child protection
• Experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs

Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of Ofsted standards and inspection frameworks 
• Strong knowledge of child development and trauma-informed care
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage challenging situations and make sound decisions
• Strong relationship-building skills