Job Description
Context
Childhood First enables children and young people to recover from early life abuse and relational trauma, to enjoy life and to achieve their potential. We do this through the provision of specialist therapeutic residential care and treatment, together with family and network support. We are also a UKCP Training Organisational Member accredited with Middlesex University, providing in-house clinical training to its clinical staff.
Merrywood House, provides placements for up to 8 young people aged between 10 and 17 years old.
Purpose
12 Months Fixed term Contract – Maternity Cover
This is a senior leadership and therapeutic role within Childhood First’s provision of services for children and young people with complex needs. As the Deputy Director, you will work closely with the Director (Registered Manager) to ensure effective leadership and day to day management of the services and community.
What you’ll bring to the role
• Experience of leading a therapeutic care team ideally in a residential care setting.
• Clinical expertise and focus on the planning and delivery of a therapeutic service.
• A high level of communication skills and a methodical approach to work.
• Experience of assessment methods and psychodynamic work with children, adolescents or families.
• A sense of personal resilience and psychological awareness, and the ability to form open and constructive relationships including a willingness to consider self in relationship with others and in terms of impact on the work.
Task
• Support the Director in leading Merrywood House’s Therapeutic Community, ensuring the therapeutic community’s environment remains at a high standard, consistent with Children’s Home Regulations by being responsive to the needs of the children and staff.
• Ensure there is an effective workforce in place to deliver essential services. This includes taking the lead role in rota management and recruitment campaigns.
What we’ll do for you
• Statutory and management training.
• Monthly clinical supervision and weekly staff support groups.
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Healthcare benefits and life assurance.
• Up to 6% employer pension contribution.
• Relocation package and recruitment referral scheme.
Closing date: Friday 15 May 2026
Interview dates: Week commencing 18 May 2026
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, including right to work verification, background vetting, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which may include overseas checks), verification of qualifications, receipt of satisfactory professional references, and medical clearance.