Deputy Manager (Childrens Home)
Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex
Salary: 33,250 pa - 35,750 pa
Reports to: Therapeutic Home Manager

Job Purpose

The Deputy Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a residential children's home, ensuring the highest standards of care and support for children with emotional and behavioural needs. The role involves leading a team of care professionals, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and fostering a therapeutic environment based on psychoanalytic principles and group dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Provide leadership and supervision to staff, ensuring effective team performance and a supportive working environment.
Deputise for the Therapeutic Home Manager in their absence.
Support staff in managing challenging behaviours and emotional situations.
Ensure compliance with Children's Homes Regulations (2015), Quality Standards, and safeguarding protocols.
Actively contribute to the therapeutic culture of the home by integrating psychoanalytic and group relations models into practice.

Care & Support

Provide direct care and support to children, fostering strong and positive relationships.
Ensure that all children receive person-centred care tailored to their individual needs.
Support the emotional and psychological well-being of children through therapeutic approaches.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while building trust and rapport with children.
Manage crisis situations effectively and calmly.

Training & Development

Provide training, mentoring, and supervision to staff, ensuring ongoing professional development.
Commit to undertaking relevant mandatory and therapeutic training.
Support staff in reflecting on their practice and professional development.

Safeguarding & Compliance

Ensure adherence to safeguarding policies and procedures.
Maintain a safe and secure environment for children and staff.
Prepare for and participate in Ofsted inspections, ensuring the home meets and exceeds regulatory expectations.
Maintain accurate records and reports in line with regulatory and organisational requirements.

Communication & Partnership Working

Work collaboratively with external professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and education providers.
Effectively communicate with children, families, staff, and external agencies.
Promote an open and inclusive culture within the home.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Minimum of two years' experience working with children in a residential setting.
Experience working with children displaying physically and emotionally challenging behaviour.
Supervisory or management experience within a residential childcare setting.
Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
Commitment to undertaking relevant training in therapeutic and psychoanalytic approaches.
Knowledge of the Children's Homes Regulations (2015), Children's Act (1989 & 2004), and Ofsted inspection requirements.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to work within a team and independently, demonstrating resilience in emotionally challenging situations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
IT literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and email systems.
Full UK driving licence and access to a car.
Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Desirable Criteria

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare (or working towards it).
Experience working in a therapeutic residential setting.
Knowledge of psychoanalytic and group relations theories.
Understanding of concepts such as transference, projection, and projective identification.
Experience facilitating group work or therapeutic interventions.
Additional skills or interests in activities such as arts and crafts, sports, or outdoor activities.
Willingness to attend personal psychotherapy.

Additional Information

The role requires flexibility, including working some evenings and weekends.
Participation in the on-call rota may be required.
A commitment of at least two years is preferred to provide stability for the children and staff team

For more information please contact Daniel Osundina on (phone number removed)

Please note we only advertise a small amount of our vacancies.

Premier Recruitment Solutions Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. We are an equal opportunities employer, and all applications will be assessed solely on merit.

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