Most deputy manager roles in residential care feel like you're treading water, stuck between frontline chaos and paperwork mountains. This is different: a head office position where you'll actually shape how young people aged 16+ transition to independence, mentor a real team, and get funded to study Level 5 Leadership while you do it
You'll be the steady hand supporting our Supported Living Manager in creating genuine change for young people, many of whom are navigating life as UASC or stepping towards semi-independence for the first time. Your role sits at the heart of it: developing care plans that genuinely reflect what each young person wants, coaching support workers through the nuances of real mentoring, and helping teenagers figure out everything from cooking a meal to managing their finances to finding hobbies that matter
The team looks to you. You'll supervise support workers, model the values that make this work different, and be the person who catches them when things get hard. It's leadership that matters, not management theatre. You'll ensure budgets stay tight, health and safety stays sharp, and every team member knows they're supported
This is a maternity cover post, based in the head office in West Monkton, so you get structure, breathing room, and the chance to think strategically. You'll work 40 hours a week with an on-call rota allowance, and your provider will fully fund your Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification as you go. This is how you build real progression in this sector
What you will be doing
- Support the Supported Living Manager in developing and updating care plans that reflect each young person's wishes, abilities, and changing needs, ensuring person-centred practice across the service
- Mentor and coach support workers on nurturing independence: helping young people explore college options, manage money, cook, clean, build social skills, and maintain family relationships
- Supervise the team with real coaching and guidance, being the role model who shows what good practice looks like and ensures everyone feels backed
- Keep the service compliant with Health and Safety requirements and monitor budgets carefully, whilst ensuring timesheets, mileage claims, and expenses are submitted on time
- Cover shortfalls alongside the Supported Living Manager when the service needs you, staying flexible and focused on what's best for the young people and staff
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £34,470.14 per annum plus on-call rota allowance, for a role with genuine work-life balance (40 hours, office-based, maternity cover)
- Your Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification fully funded by the provider, so you leave this role with a recognised qualification and real career momentum
- Access to the Blue Light Discount Card, an Employee Assistance Programme, and personalised mortgage advice
- The chance to build something real: you'll see the direct impact of your leadership on how young people move towards independence and how your team grows in confidence
Is this you?
- Is this you: you hold a full driving licence and have an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant care qualification?
- You've worked as a Children's Residential Support Worker or held a senior post, and you're ready for the next step up
- You're naturally supportive and patient, with genuine leadership skills that make people want to follow your example, not your orders
- You can think both strategically and practically: you care about young people's real lives and you also understand budgets, compliance, and getting things done on time
- Bonus: you have NVQ Level 5 Leadership and Management already, or you're hungry to get it funded and do it properly
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.