Deputy Care Manager (Children's Home)
Salary: £36,000 per annum (inclusive of sleep-in rate)
Shift Pattern: Shifts are typically 15.5 hours on a rolling rota
Location: Crewe
Reports to: Home Manager
Job Purpose: We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Care Manager to support the effective running of a children's residential home and to deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager.
You will play a key role in managing staff, maintaining high standards of care, ensuring compliance with legislation and regulation, and delivering high-quality, therapeutic care to children and young people. The role involves unsociable hours, sleep-in duties, and participation in an organised rota to ensure the needs of the home are consistently met.
Care & Safeguarding
* Ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, therapeutic care
* Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people at all times
* Ensure all key worker responsibilities and direct work are delivered effectively
* Support children and young people to meet the objectives of their care plans
* Identify and support individual cultural, religious, ethnic, and gender needs
Leadership & Management
* Deputise for the Registered Manager and undertake out-of-hours management duties when required
* Take lead responsibility for the effective and efficient running of shifts
* Lead, supervise, and develop staff performance and practice
* Promote a positive, structured environment with clear boundaries and routines
* Ensure staff operate within a non-discriminatory and inclusive working environment
* Ensure the home operates in line with its Statement of Purpose and organisational policies
Care Planning & Multi-Agency Working
* Contribute to the implementation, monitoring, and review of care plans
* Oversee, write, and quality-check reports for meetings and reviews
* Participate in and contribute to statutory reviews and multi-disciplinary meetings
* Work in partnership with families, professionals, and external agencies
* Support young peoples educational progress and liaise with schools as required
Administration & Compliance
* Take responsibility for record keeping, petty cash, planning, and activity coordination
* Ensure accurate, confidential, and compliant record management
* Monitor administrative requirements to ensure regulatory compliance
* Report unsafe practices or procedures immediately
* Maintain a strong working knowledge of safeguarding, Fire, and Health & Safety procedures
* Carry out and review risk assessments where required
Home Environment
* Undertake cooking, cleaning, housekeeping, and home-making tasks
* Involve young people in daily living activities appropriate to their age and ability
Professional Development
* Attend and participate in supervision, appraisals, training, and staff meetings
* Supervise and support the ongoing development of staff
* Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development
* Promote equality, diversity, and equal opportunities in all areas of practice
Personal Attributes & Requirements
* Flexible, confident, and enthusiastic approach
* Ability to lead teams and ensure compliance with policy and procedure
* Ability to communicate effectively with children, staff, families, and professionals
* Willingness to seek guidance, reflect on practice, and develop professionally
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
* Willingness to work a 24/7 rota, including weekends and sleep-ins
* Awareness of Equal Opportunities and willingness to challenge discrimination
* Commitment to undertaking all required training
Essential
* Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce (Children's Social Care pathway) or equivalent
* Minimum 2 years experience in a children's residential care home
* Including at least 1 year as a Senior Residential Children's Worker
* Experience of leading shifts within a residential children's setting
* Experience of care planning and statutory reviews
* Experience of monitoring, recording, and report writing
* Experience of multi-disciplinary working and integrated service delivery
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and safer recruitment procedures.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person