Residential Deputy Care Manager

Job Title: Deputy/Registered Manager - Children's Residential Care Home Location: Essex & London. Salary: £35-45K Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent Working Hours: 40 hours per week (may include evenings, weekends, and on-call duties as required) Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy manager to transit into Registered Manager role to lead and manage the Client Children’s Care Homes. This role requires a compassionate individual who is committed to providing high-quality care and support to children and young people with complex needs. As the interim Deputy/Registered Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of the home, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, promoting the welfare of the children, and leading a team of care professionals to deliver outstanding care. Key Responsibilities • Leadership & Management: • Provide effective leadership and management to the residential care team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality care. • Ensure the home operates in line with Ofsted regulations, Children's Home Regulations, and Quality Standards. • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children. • Conduct regular team meetings, supervisions, and appraisals to support staff development and performance. • Child-Centered Care: • Promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and young people in your care. • Develop and oversee personalized care plans for each child, ensuring their individual needs are met and they achieve positive outcomes. • Foster a nurturing and therapeutic environment that encourages children's growth, independence, and resilience. • Work collaboratively with social workers, families, schools, and other agencies to support the best interests of the children. • Compliance & Safeguarding: • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including Ofsted inspections, health and safety, and safeguarding protocols. • Lead safeguarding practices within the home, ensuring all staff are trained and adhere to safeguarding policies. • Investigate any safeguarding concerns, incidents, or complaints promptly and report to relevant authorities as required. • Operational Management: • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the home, including budgeting, staffing, and resource management. • Maintain accurate records, care plans, and reports in line with regulatory and organizational requirements. • Ensure the home is well-maintained, safe, and meets the needs of children and staff. • Manage recruitment, retention, and development of staff to build a skilled and motivated team. • Quality Assurance: • Monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided, implementing improvements where necessary. • Prepare for and manage Ofsted inspections, ensuring the home meets or exceeds the required standards. • Regularly review care practices, outcomes, and feedback to drive service excellence. Qualifications & Experience • Essential: • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (or equivalent). • Proven experience as a Registered Manager in a children’s residential care setting. • In-depth knowledge of Ofsted regulations, Children’s Home Regulations, and Quality Standards. • Strong understanding of safeguarding policies, child protection procedures, and care planning. • Experience in managing budgets, resources, and staff effectively. • Full UK driving license and the ability to travel as required. • Desirable: • Experience working with children with complex needs, including emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD). • Knowledge of therapeutic approaches and interventions. • Demonstrable track record of achieving positive Ofsted ratings. Skills & Competencies • Exceptional leadership and management skills. • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building abilities. • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. • Empathetic, patient, and resilient approach to working with vulnerable children. • Ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally. • Commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Benefits • Competitive salary with performance-related bonuses. • Comprehensive induction program and ongoing professional development. • Opportunities for career progression within the organization. • Generous holiday entitlement. • Company pension scheme. • Employee assistance program and well-being support. • [Other benefits specific to your organization]