Job Title: Deputy Children's Home Manager
Location: Leek
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Service Type: 6-bed Children's Home, specialising in learning disabilities and autism
Hours: Full-time, permanent
About the Role:
Claire at Amber Mace is looking for a dedicated Deputy Children's Home Manager to join the team at a specialist children’s home that provides care for young people with learning disabilities and autism. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the management of the home, ensuring high-quality care, safeguarding, and supporting the development of a positive and safe environment for the young people. The role requires a hands-on approach to leadership, combined with the ability to manage a team, liaise with external professionals, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the home.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist in the overall management of the children’s home, ensuring compliance with all regulations, including OFSTED standards.
Support the Home Manager in developing and delivering high-quality care plans tailored to each young person’s individual needs, with a focus on learning disabilities and autism.
Supervise and lead a team of carers, supporting their professional development and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.
Manage the daily operations of the home, including staff rotas, health and safety protocols, and ensuring a positive, nurturing environment for the young people.
Work closely with external professionals such as social workers, therapists, and healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated approach to care.
Take the lead on safeguarding and child protection issues, ensuring that all staff are well-trained and compliant with safeguarding protocols.
Ensure all documentation is up to date in relation to care plans, risk assessments, and incident reports.
Assist with recruitment, training, and performance management of staff members, including conducting supervisions and appraisals.
Contribute to achieving and maintaining OFSTED compliance and improving ratings through regular audits, reviews, and proactive actions.
Essential Criteria:
Experience in a similar setting (children's home or residential care for young people with learning disabilities and autism).
OFSTED experience – a thorough understanding of OFSTED standards and regulations, with prior experience of achieving good or outstanding ratings.
A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent). Additional qualifications in management or leadership are desirable.
Proven experience in managing or deputizing within a children’s home setting.
Strong knowledge of safeguarding protocols and child protection.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and support a team.
Ability to manage challenging behavior in a calm, constructive, and positive way.
A genuine commitment to improving the lives and outcomes of young people with learning disabilities and autism.
Desirable Criteria:
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.
Previous experience in a 6-bed children’s home setting.
Experience working with young people with complex needs and behavioral challenges.
Benefits:
A salary of £35,000 per annum.
A supportive and welcoming team environment.
Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
Access to training and support to maintain OFSTED compliance and improve quality of care.
Generous annual leave and other benefits.
If you have a passion for supporting young people with learning disabilities and autism and want to make a real difference, please call Claire at Amber Mace on (phone number removed) or email your updated CV to (url removed)