Join Our Team as a Deputy Manager!
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? Budwood, part of Polaris Community, is on the lookout for a dedicated Deputy Manager to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract in beautiful Poole.
About Us
At Budwood, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality Children's Homes and 16+ Supported Accommodation. Our mission is to create a stable, nurturing environment for young people who have faced challenges in their lives. We believe in empowering them to grow in confidence and develop the skills they need for a successful transition into adulthood.
Your Role
As our Deputy Manager, you will play a crucial role in supporting two of our Children's Residential Homes. You’ll lead a passionate team, ensuring high standards of care while guiding young people towards independent living.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as Home Manager in their absence, with guidance from the Area Manager.
* Support and motivate the staff team through supervision, coaching, and development planning.
* Ensure high-quality care and accommodation for young people, aligned with their placement plans.
* Build trusted relationships with young people, promoting safety, respect, and personal development.
* Champion a culture of listening, dignity, and empowerment for all young people.
* Promote collaborative working with families, education providers, health services, and local authorities.
* Ensure staff are trained in safeguarding and compliant with policies.
* Be an ambassador for Budwood's therapeutic model, CATCH.
* Assist with rotas, budget management, and timesheet oversight.
* Lead new staff inductions and conduct absence review meetings.
* Oversee record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
* Guide the team in supporting young people's learning and emotional development.
* Manage home finances when needed.
* Ensure high domestic standards, including meal preparation and home maintenance.
* Support inspections, audits, and uphold health & safety compliance.
* Participate in the on-call rota.
* Engage in supervision, appraisal, and continuous professional development.
What We Need From You
* Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care, Children and Young People, or equivalent (or working towards).
* At least 2 years of experience in a residential children's home or Supported Living service.
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
* Understanding of The Children Act 1989 and 2004, and Supported Accommodation Quality Standards.
* Knowledge of safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance in care settings.
* Experience in residential care, youth work, or working with young people with Emotional Behavioural Disorders (EBD).
* Strong leadership and team management skills.
* Excellent communication and organisational skills.
* A proactive, flexible, and child-centred approach.
Working Conditions
Contract Type: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract
Salary: £31,668.00 - £36,036.00 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Location: Poole
Specific Hours: 40 hours per week
Why Join Us?
At Budwood, we value our team members and offer a range of benefits to support your well-being and professional growth:
* 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
* Company pension scheme
* Employee discount program
* Access to wellbeing programmes
* Monthly clinical and professional supervision
* Ongoing professional training and development
Budwood Limited is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment, and successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.
If you're ready to make a positive impact and grow with us, we can't wait to hear from you!