Most deputy manager roles are about keeping the lights on and ticking boxes. This one is about building something from the ground up, leading a team you'll shape from day one, and proving you can run a home that actually changes young people's lives. If you've got the experience and you're ready to step into real leadership with genuine support behind you, this is the role that could define the next chapter of your career
You'll be working in a learning disability children's home where your role isn't just managing rotas and paperwork - it's about creating a safe, nurturing environment where young people with complex needs can genuinely thrive. Alongside the Registered Manager, you'll lead the team, mentor staff, and help embed a culture that puts every child at the centre of everything you do. This isn't a role where you're left to figure it out alone
The home you'll be joining is part of an organisation that's been trusted in social care for over 25 years and is now in an exciting period of growth. That means new homes opening, new teams forming, and clear pathways for you to develop into a Registered Manager role if that's where you want to head. You'll have access to a real support network: HR, QA, Psychology, Education, Finance - and experienced peers across the service who've walked the path you're stepping into
Your day-to-day will include leading the team through shifts, supporting recruitment and staff development, working with multi-agency partners to advocate for the young people in your care, and helping to set up the home if it's new - that includes working through Ofsted registration and embedding standards from the start. It's hands-on leadership with real responsibility, but you won't be doing it in isolation. The organisation invests in developing its leaders because they know that good leaders build good homes
What you will be doing
- Support children and young people with learning disabilities and complex needs to achieve positive outcomes in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment
- Assist in the day-to-day management of the home, ensuring compliance with legislation, safeguarding standards, and high-quality care delivery
- Lead, mentor, and develop your team - including supervision, rota management, and supporting staff through training and development
- Help with Ofsted registration and service mobilisation if the home is new, embedding a strong child-centred culture from the outset
- Deputise for the Registered Manager across shifts and provide consistent leadership in their absence
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners - schools, health services, local authorities - to advocate for young people and drive exceptional outcomes
Why you will love working here
- Competitive salary structured to reflect your experience and leadership responsibility - you'll be fairly rewarded for what you bring
- Fully funded Level 5 and further qualifications as you develop, plus tailored induction and ongoing leadership training so you actually grow in the role
- A clear progression pathway to Registered Manager and senior roles - this organisation actively develops its leaders because it knows good leaders build good services
- Real influence and responsibility from day one - you'll shape team culture, support staff development, and directly impact outcomes for the young people you care for
- Strong wellbeing and leadership support to help you stay resilient, plus a collaborative, values-driven culture where your contribution is genuinely valued
Is this you?
- You hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care or equivalent, and you've got solid experience working in residential or social care settings
- You're working towards, or already hold, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (the organisation will fund this if you need it within your first 2 years)
- You know your way around Ofsted standards, safeguarding legislation, and how to apply them in a real home environment
- You've worked with children who have learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs - you understand their communication styles, their triggers, and how to build genuine relationships with them
- You're a confident leader who can motivate a team, delegate fairly, and develop staff through supervision and support
- You're comfortable working with other agencies and advocating clearly for the young people in your care - and you're resilient enough to stay compassionate and values-driven even on the tough days
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.