Needs to hold a Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Residential Children’s Care as a minimum and hold a full UK Driving Licence Shift work between 9.30am and 11pm, across Mon-Sun, typically 1 shift on, 2 days off in between, plus ad-hoc on call responsibilities Main Purpose of the Job: To assist the manager in achieving the aims and objectives of the Statement of Purpose. To deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager. To support and manage the staff to enable them to meet the needs of the children and young people. To undertake direct work with Children and young people as appropriate. To be the responsible person in managing child protection concerns and complaints. To work in partnership with other professionals to achieve optimum outcomes for young people. To offer supervision and support to senior staff in line with National Minimum Standards Equal Opportunities: All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Deputy Managers are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behavior or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference. Duties & Responsibilities To meet the needs of children through: • Ensuring that each young person has an allocated key worker • Ensuring that each member of staff is aware of each child’s placement plan and their responsibilities for its implementation • Attending childcare reviews and planning meetings to provide information and achieve best outcomes for young people • Undertaking direct work with young people and acting as an appropriate role model. • Assist in developing systems in which young people are consulted about the quality of care they receive • Maintaining accurate written records in logs, continuation sheets and files both to record information and enable regular monitoring and evaluation to take place • Working in partnership with parents, carers and other professionals to safeguard and promote the welfare of young people. • Chairing children’s meetings and facilitating consultation with young people generally • Acting as an appropriate adult at PACE interviews To manage a staff team through: • Providing managerial control and direction in relation to staff duties and responsibilities. • Assist with the recruitment and retention of staff including induction training for new staff into the home. • Supervision of new starters during their probationary period. • Develop a management style which balances the need to exercise control and give direction with the need to offer staff the opportunity to decision making • Taking responsibility for planning shifts and ensuring their smooth running when on duty. • Providing consultation and informal advice and support to staff in relation to day to day matters. • Offering 1:1 supervision to staff in line with National Minimum Standards • Identifying and progressing individual training and development needs of staff in the context of their personnel development plans • Undertaking annual appraisal of staff • Addressing issues in relation to conduct and competence of staff. • Conduct management investigations when required. • Assist the Registered Manager in promoting personal and professional development through the appropriate delegation of duties and responsibilities. • Contributing to team and staff meetings to facilitate good communication and staff development • Ensuring staff work within the Homes policies, procedures and National Minimum Standards requirements. To develop systems which ensure the effective allocation of resources through: • Ensuring adequate staffing levels that meet the needs of the Home • Ensuring that budgets are managed effectively, and the use of finances is properly monitored including petty cash returns, weekly attendance records. • Ensuring that company vehicles are clean and regularly maintained • Monitoring closely the fabric of the building (including fixtures, amenities, and grounds) and taking remedial action where necessary. To promote the efficient and effective operation of the Home through: • Developing in consultation with young people and staff routines in relation to all aspects of childcare. • Clarifying expectations in relation to maintaining the Home in a clean and orderly condition. • Creating rotas which fit best with children’s needs and which allow proper handovers between shifts. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable Qualifications • Secondary Education with good standard of literacy and numeracy • NVQ 3 in caring for Children and Young People (or equivalent) • Working towards NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management • Management qualification • Current driving license • NVQ Level 4 Knowledge & Skills • Awareness of Equal Opportunities/ADP issues • Knowledge of the Children Act and other relevant legislation • Team Building Skills • Supervision Skills • Ability to manage teams effectively • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing • Understanding the needs of BESD children including managing challenging behaviour • In-depth knowledge of ‘Children’s Home Regulations, Quality Standards. Excellent Organisational skills • Ability to motivate and enthuse staff • Counselling Skills • Training Skills • Drugs Awareness Training Experience • 1 year’s relevant supervisory experience • 12 months experience of working in a residential setting with young people with challenging behaviour