Most deputy manager roles in residential care feel like you're drowning in paperwork while the real work - the relationships, the moments that matter - happens without you. This is different. You'll lead a small, tight team supporting just three young people in a home where your management actually means something: you're present, you're hands-on, and you're making decisions that stick
Picture a Friday morning: you're making breakfast happen, the kitchen's full of chatter, and you know every young person in the home well enough to read their mood before they speak. That's the scale here. You're not managing 30 staff across multiple units - you're building something real with a team that trusts you, delegating thoughtfully, and keeping your finger on the pulse of what's actually going on
The paperwork lands on your desk (and it does land), but you handle it because it matters - supervisions, planning, the admin that keeps a home running safely. Then a young person needs picking up from school unwell, so you go. You're not too senior to be useful. You sit with them, you make lunch, you help with homework, you kick a football in the park. This is deputy management where you can see the impact of your decisions reflected in the faces of the young people you support every single day
You'll work two days on, three days off - real time to recover, to live your own life, to come back refreshed. The manager trusts you enough to give you genuine responsibility, and the team respects you because you're present and you know the job. That's the foundation for a role that actually develops you as a leader
What you will be doing
- Lead and supervise the staff team day to day, delegating tasks effectively and conducting regular supervisions that help people grow in their roles
- Be present in the home during your shifts: supporting young people with breakfast, school runs, homework, activities and evening routines
- Manage the administrative side - rotas, planning, recording, compliance - so the home runs safely and everything is documented properly
- Step in when things change: picking up a young person from school, responding to behaviour or wellbeing concerns, problem-solving on the spot
- Work closely with the manager to ensure the home's policies and therapeutic approach are being lived out every day
Why you will love working here
- A genuine two days on, three days off rota that respects your life outside work
- A small, manageable team and just three young people - you'll actually know them, and they'll know you
- Real leadership responsibility with a manager who trusts you and involves you in decisions that matter
- Ongoing training and professional development to build your skills and career in residential care
- A home where your work is visible and valued: you'll see the difference you make
Is this you?
- You've worked in residential care for young people and you understand what it takes to run a home well - safeguarding, behaviour, de-escalation, all of it
- You're comfortable moving between being a leader (running the team, delegating, supervising) and being present with young people (engaging, supporting, showing up)
- You're organised enough to handle paperwork and rotas without losing sight of the people side - in fact, you see administration as part of caring for your team
- You hold a Level 3 qualification in health and social care or children's residential care (or you're willing to work towards one)
- You've got a full, clean Enhanced DBS clearance and you're ready to apply for a new one as part of the recruitment process
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.