Deputy Children’s Home Manager

Responsible for:

To work corporately, collaboratively and in keeping with the ethos and values of Willow Care Group Ltd (WCG) and with the company’s senior management team.
To assist the Registered Manager in the running of the home in accordance with WCG policies, procedures and care quality standards, with the support of the company’s senior management team.
To assist in the effective day-to-day running of the residential home, supporting, leading, and managing a team of staff.

Why Work for Us: Benefits

• Based in Derby
• Competitive Salary – £40,734 to £44,977.20 (OTE, inclusive of sleep-ins)
• Career progression within Willow Care Group
• Comprehensive induction and continuous professional development
• Training opportunity – Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Children and Young People’s Services
• Supportive leadership and management structure
• Hours – 40 per week
• Holidays (FTE) – 14 days
• Employment Status – Full Time

Job Purpose

To support the Registered Manager in leading and managing the children’s home consistent with the approach and ethos of the organisation, delivering positive outcomes and high-quality care as set out in the home’s Statement of Purpose.

General Duties

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, ensuring all staff follow up-to-date safeguarding procedures and legislation.
• Lead by example, providing day-to-day supervision, guidance, and professional development to the staff team.
• Oversee care delivery in line with WCG policies, procedures, and the Children’s Home Regulations (England) 2015.
• Ensure care and placement plans are current, effective, and focused on positive outcomes for each young person.
• Maintain a nurturing, safe, and homely environment that supports young people’s social, educational, and emotional development.
• Manage staff rotas, on-call duties, and recruitment to ensure consistent and high-quality staffing levels.
• Deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager, supporting with Ofsted inspections and compliance requirements.
• Monitor home finances, budgets, and young people’s personal funds responsibly, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Promote an open, inclusive, and transparent working culture that values teamwork, equality, and continuous improvement.
• Engage in ongoing training, supervisions, and reflective practice to maintain professional standards and personal development.

Qualifications and Education

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (or willingness to work towards)
• Commitment to continuing professional development

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with children within the last 5 years
• Supervisory or management experience desirable
• Experience working in residential childcare settings
• Proven experience in inter-agency collaboration
• Strong understanding of children’s safeguarding and behaviour management

Knowledge and Understanding

• Children’s Home Regulations and Quality Standards 2015
• Single Social Care Inspection Framework (SSCIF)
• Children Act 1989, 2004, and Children and Families Act 2014
• Care Standards Act 2000, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015
• Knowledge of policies and procedures for residential childcare
• Understanding of the educational, health, and emotional needs of looked-after children

Job Types

• Full-time
• Permanent

Pay: £40,734 – £44,977.20 per year
(Initially shift pattern with transition to days, 5 days a week)

Additional Pay

• Performance bonus

Benefits

• Casual dress
• Ongoing professional development
• Free parking and on-site facilities
• Employee discount and referral programme
• Supportive and friendly working environment

Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Initially alternate week shift pattern (2 days on, 4 days off – includes on-call and sleep-ins)

Experience

• Childcare: 3 years (required)
• Leadership/Management: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification

• Full UK Driving Licence (required)
• Children and young people’s workforce QCF Level 3 or 4 (required)

Work Location: In person