Deputy Manager - Residential Childcare

Role: Deputy Manager
Contract Type: Full-Time - Permanent
Salary: Up to £36,000 DOE + support with relevant qualifications
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm (on call rota, 1 in 5 weeks)

Our client, a well-established children's residential provider, is seeking an experienced and ambitious Deputy Manager to join their dedicated leadership team. Working closely with the Registered Manager, you will help lead and support a small team, ensuring children and young people receive the highest standard of care in a safe, nurturing environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate residential childcare professional looking to take the next step in their career within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation that values development, collaboration, and positive outcomes.

The Role

As Deputy Manager, you will work alongside the Registered Manager to provide day-to-day leadership and support to a small team. You will play a key role in maintaining a warm, child-centred environment, ensuring high-quality care, safeguarding, and compliance standards are consistently achieved.

You will:

- Line manage and supervise a small staff team, driving performance and development
- Build strong partnerships with local authorities, parents/carers, and external agencies
- Promote independence and positive life skills for children aged 8-18
- Motivate and empower staff to achieve meaningful outcomes for young people
- Drive standards in line with Ofsted and Children's Homes National Minimum Standards
- Confidently manage conflict situations in a calm, professional manner
- Support the daily operational management of the home

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on leadership capacity and leads by example.

We are seeking candidates who:

- Have at least 1 year of recent experience in a relevant care setting
- Have experience supporting people with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties, mental health needs, and/or complex needs (ideally children)
- Have experience delivering personal care
- Are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare
- Are passionate about continuous professional development

You must be able to reliably commute to Maidstone or be planning relocation prior to the start date.

What's On Offer
- Competitive salary: £32,000-£36,000
- Support and enrolment of relevant qualifications
- Yearly appraisal reviews
- Full-time, permanent contract
- Strong leadership support structure
- Clear career progression pathway
- Ongoing professional development
- A culture that recognises and rewards success

Safeguarding Commitment

This organisation is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check via the Disclosure and Barring Service and satisfactory references.

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