Deputy Manager – Specialist Children’s Home (LD/Autism)
Location: Southall, West London
Salary: £42,000 - £48,000
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week + Senior On-Call Duties
Overview
We are recruiting for an experienced and passionate Deputy Manager to join a specialist 4-bed children’s home in Southall supporting young people aged 11–17 with Learning Disabilities (LD) and Autism.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly child-centred provider committed to delivering therapeutic, nurturing care within a safe and stable home environment. Working closely alongside the Registered Manager, you’ll play a key leadership role in the day-to-day running of the service while helping to shape positive outcomes for children with complex needs.
The provider is known for its commitment to therapeutic practice, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), staff development, and creating genuinely homely environments where children can flourish.
The Role
As Deputy Manager, you will support the Registered Manager in overseeing the operational leadership of the home, ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding, compliance, and team development are consistently maintained.
You’ll provide visible leadership on shift, support the development of staff, and help embed therapeutic, child-focused practice throughout the home. This role would suit an experienced Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, or existing Deputy Manager with strong LD/autism experience looking to progress within a specialist environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Deputise for the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home
* Lead and support the staff team to deliver high-quality, child-centred care
* Promote therapeutic practice and Positive Behaviour Support approaches
* Support safeguarding processes and ensure children’s welfare remains central to practice
* Assist with recruitment, induction, supervision, and development of staff
* Ensure compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
* Support care planning, risk assessments, and placement reviews
* Maintain strong working relationships with families, professionals, and external agencies
* Participate in the senior on-call rota and provide operational support when required
* Help maintain a safe, nurturing, and homely environment for children and young people
About You
* Significant experience within children’s residential LD/autism services
* Previous experience as a Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, or Deputy Manager
* Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
* Working towards or willing to complete Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, Ofsted regulations, and Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
* Experience with PBS, autism support, sensory approaches, or Makaton highly desirable
* Confident leadership and organisational skills
* Resilient, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent approach
* Full UK driving licence
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary package with structured pay grades
28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Employer pension contribution
Fully funded training and qualifications
Free enhanced DBS
Comprehensive induction programme
Therapeutic training and consultation support
Refer-a-friend bonus scheme
Genuine progression opportunities within a growing provider
Supportive leadership team and positive working culture
Wellbeing support and team-building events
If you’re an experienced residential childcare professional looking to progress your leadership career within a specialist LD/autism setting, we’d love to hear from you. At RJS, we partner with values-driven children’s home providers across the UK and consistently work on a wide range of exciting opportunities at all levels. Get in touch with us today to discuss this role or explore our wider portfolio of vacancies