Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home (Mental Health & Trauma)
Location: Rural Uckfield | Full-Time | High-Risk Therapeutic Care | Step Toward Registered Manager
We're recruiting a dynamic, emotionally intelligent Deputy Manager to support the leadership of a specialist residential home for children and young people aged 11-18 in rural Uckfield. This setting supports young people with complex mental health needs, trauma histories, and high-risk behaviours.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Senior or Team Leader ready to step up-or an existing Deputy seeking a more values-driven, therapeutic environment. You'll work closely with the Registered Manager to lead a team, manage risk, drive compliance, and create a psychologically safe, development-focused home for young people and staff alike.
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The Young People May Present With:
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Self-harm, including ligature use
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Suicidal ideation, low mood, and crisis responses
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Histories of CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation)
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Sexualised behaviour and boundary-pushing conduct
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Drug and alcohol misuse, including overdose incidents
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Diagnoses including PTSD, emerging personality disorder, ADHD, and attachment trauma
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Your Role as Deputy Manager
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Support the Registered Manager in day-to-day leadership and Ofsted compliance
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Lead shifts and deputise fully in the Manager's absence
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Coach and develop support workers and team leaders, promoting reflective practice
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Monitor safeguarding procedures and risk management plans
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Ensure regulatory documentation is accurate, reviewed, and followed
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Drive quality assurance, contribute to audits, and lead supervisions
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Be a visible, supportive presence for both staff and young people
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Contribute to rota planning, training schedules, and incident debriefs
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Work in close partnership with social workers, CAMHS, education providers, and families
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What You'll Need
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Significant experience working in a children's residential home (EBD/mental health experience essential)
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Prior Team Leader, Senior or Deputy Manager experience
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Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or CYPW - essential)
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Working toward, or willing to begin, Level 5 in Leadership and Management (fully funded)
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Strong understanding of safeguarding, regulatory standards, and trauma-informed care
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Full UK driving licence - essential (due to rural setting)
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Calm under pressure, emotionally resilient, and committed to team development
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What's On Offer
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Salary significantly above sector average - competitive and progression-linked
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Rural Uckfield location - quiet, therapeutic environment
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"1 Day On / 2 Days Off" rota structure to support wellbeing
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Private healthcare and 24/7 GP access
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Monthly gym membership stipend
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36 days of face-to-face CPD per year, including specialist trauma and leadership modules
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Fully funded Level 5 qualification
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Clear progression pathway toward Registered Manager or regional leadership
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Bonus scheme and Nest pension
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Important Information
All offers are subject to Safer Recruitment procedures, including Enhanced DBS check, references, and verification of ID and address. You'll be fully supported through onboarding and induction.
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If you're ready to step into a leadership role where you can shape practice, mentor others, and help vulnerable young people heal and thrive-apply now.
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