Most care management roles trap you behind a desk, cut off from the young people and the real impact you could have. This is different: you'll lead a team that transforms semi-independent living for young people aged 16 and over, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, whilst working from our head office in West Monkton with genuine autonomy to shape how the service develops. If you're ready to step up from hands-on support work into leadership that actually matters, this is the move
You'll sit at the heart of a Supported Living service designed to prepare young people for independence. Every day, you're working with your team to help them master the skills that matter: managing money, cooking, building relationships, finding college courses, discovering hobbies, and learning how to navigate the world on their own terms. You're not just ticking boxes; you're watching teenagers go from stuck to capable, from isolated to connected
The Deputy Manager role means you're supporting the Supported Living Manager and Director, but you're also the backbone that holds the team together. You'll mentor and coach the Support Workers, run supervisions that actually help people grow, ensure care plans stay person-centred and alive to what each young person needs right now, and lead by example every single day. Your leadership isn't about control; it's about creating space where your team can do their best work
You'll own key responsibilities: making sure the service stays compliant, that budgets work, that young people's safety is rock-solid, and that every member of staff knows they're valued. When shifts need covering, you're in there alongside your team. When someone needs guidance on how to support a young person through a college application or help them stay connected to family, you're the person they come to. This role builds your credentials fast, especially if you're hungry for a Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification (which we'll fully fund)
What you will be doing
- Mentor and supervise the Support Workers, providing coaching and developmental supervision so the team delivers person-centred care that helps young people move towards genuine independence
- Work alongside the Supported Living Manager to make sure care plans reflect each young person's real wishes, goals and changing needs, and that nothing gets left to chance
- Guide the team on the practical skills that matter: supporting young people to cook, manage money, apply for college, explore interests, build relationships, and make safe choices that expand their world rather than shrink it
- Take the lead on updating key service documents, policy, and procedures, making sure everything reflects best practice and the home's values
- Cover shortfalls in the rota when needed, working directly with the young people and team to keep the service running smoothly
- Manage budgets, monitor spending, chase up timesheets and expenses, track mileage, and keep Health & Safety in focus so the service stays compliant and sustainable
Why you will love working here
- Salary from £34,470.14 plus on-call rota allowance, working 40 hours per week on a permanent full-time contract
- Fully funded NVQ Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification, so you walk away with credentials that open doors
- Real career development: you're not stuck in a dead-end; this role is a springboard into senior leadership within the organisation
- Blue Light Discount Card, Employee Assistance Programme, and access to personalised Mortgage Advice to help you build your life outside work
- A team that actually values you. Supervisions that matter. A provider committed to supporting young people with real complexity in an environment built on respect and growth
Is this you?
- Is this you: you've worked as a Children's Residential Support Worker (or held a senior post in care) and you're ready to move into leadership with real responsibility?
- You hold a full driving licence and NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care or equivalent; if you have Level 5 Leadership & Management already, brilliant, and if not, we'll fund it
- You've got patience, kindness, and genuine leadership presence: the kind of person who people want to follow because you role model the values you're asking of others
- You're driven, organised, and flexible. You don't shy away from the detail (timesheets, budgets, compliance) but you're equally at home on the ground supporting young people and staff
- You're over 21, you hold a full driving licence, and you're ready for an enhanced DBS check and barred list checks (this is essential for this role)
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.