Most residential care roles feel like you're firefighting in a broken system. This one is different: you'll lead a team delivering a proven 12-week outdoor intervention programme that actually transforms young lives. If you're a qualified childcare professional with leadership experience and a genuine passion for getting young people outdoors and rebuilding their confidence, this is the role you've been waiting for
Imagine going to work knowing that today you're helping a 14-year-old who's lost all trust rebuild it through rock climbing. That you're watching a young person discover they can kayak a lake, paddle board, navigate hill walks - and suddenly see themselves differently. This is a residential home for children aged 8 to 18 who need a real break from their circumstances, and every intervention you lead is designed to work. It's activity-based, it's outdoor-focused, and it actually changes trajectories
You'll be Deputy Manager, working Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, leading a dedicated team and working hand-in-hand with the Registered Manager. You're not alone in this: you're part of a growing, supportive organisation with genuine commitment to staff development. Enhanced DBS is paid for, fully funded qualifications mean you can level up, and maternity and paternity pay tell you they're thinking about your life beyond the rota
This provider is Real Living Wage accredited and genuine about progression. You'll earn £18.42 to £19.15 per hour (£37,355 to £38,836 annually), with a 50p per hour uplift if you hold Level 5 qualifications. Free meals on shift, 28 days annual leave, life assurance, pension - it's a package built for people who care about stability as well as impact
What you will be doing
- Lead and manage the therapeutic activity service day-to-day, supporting the Registered Manager and setting the tone for the whole team
- Be the consistent, positive role model for young people navigating rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hill walking and other outdoor challenges
- Provide structured, compassionate care and help young people work through physical and emotional obstacles during the 12-week intervention
- Work closely with the Registered Manager and wider professional teams to deliver life-changing outdoor experiences tailored to each young person's needs
Why you will love working here
- Real Living Wage employer with £37,355 to £38,836 per annum plus 50p per hour if Level 5 qualified
- Fully funded qualifications and training to develop your career - your progression matters here
- 28 days annual leave, life assurance, pension, maternity and paternity pay, and free meals on shift
- Enhanced DBS paid for by us, so no hidden costs
- Part of a growing, supportive organisation with genuine commitment to empowering both young people and staff to thrive
Is this you?
- You hold a minimum NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Child Care (or equivalent or higher; we cannot accept Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications)
- You have at least 1 year of residential childcare experience and ideally Deputy Manager experience - you know what leadership in this sector actually means
- You're an outdoor enthusiast who thrives in active, physical environments and genuinely want to lead through adventure
- You have a full, valid UK driving licence and are at least 21 years old
- You're resilient, caring, confident, and can be a true role model for young people facing real challenges
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.