Children?s Deputy Manager

Do you want to work in a children’s home where you can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life Are you an experience leader in residential childcare, passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment Apply today to join our team where your dedication, resilience, and care can transform young lives every day.

We’re seeking a passionate, experienced Deputy Manager to work closely with the Registered Manager to oversee the daily running of the home, lead and support the staff team, and ensure the highest standards of care and safeguarding are consistently maintained.

We are committed to providing a stable and nurturing home for children and young people, using Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) and trauma-informed care as the foundation of everything we do.

Location: Swadlincote

Job Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Salary: £38,000 – £42,000

Shift Pattern: The role operates on a 1-on, 2-off shift pattern. Two contracted sleep-ins per month are included within the standard salary. Any additional sleep-ins worked will be paid at a rate of £80 per sleep-in.

What We Offer

Competitive Salary. 40-hour Full-Time Contract. 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays). Performance bonuses – £100 for achieving a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating and £200 for ‘Outstanding’. Therapeutic training, including DDP, to develop advanced skills in trauma-informed care. Continuous professional development opportunities, including structured 1-1 and group managerial training development workshops throughout your probationary period. A supportive, inclusive work culture where diversity is respected, and individuality is valued. An organisation guided by the belief that ‘Every Step Forward Matters’ – focusing on progress, growth, and the unique journey of every staff member and young person.

What We’re Looking For:

A minimum of 2 years’ experience in residential childcare, including leadership responsibilities. Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – Level 5 is preferred but not required. DDP therapeutically trained or willing to complete the training within the probation period. Strong safeguarding knowledge and ability to respond effectively to concerns. Ability to manage, motivate and develop a staff team.

Requirements

Minimum age 22 (Ofsted requirement). Must have the right to work in the UK. Full manual UK driving licence. Must be able to speak and understand English to a good standard for effective communication, record-keeping and safeguarding the wellbeing of those you will be supporting. A full Enhanced DBS Check will be required for the successful candidates. Please note – we do not currently hold a sponsorship licence and are therefore unable to offer visa sponsorship.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day management of the home. Lead shifts, ensuring the smooth running of the home and adherence to care plans, routines, and safeguarding procedures. Oversee staff supervision, appraisal, and performance management. Develop and maintain rotas to ensure safe staffing levels. Lead and facilitate staff meetings, ensuring effective communication and team cohesion. Ensure placement plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support plans are up to date and implemented in daily practice. Work collaboratively with professionals, families, and external agencies to support the young person’s care plan. Contribute to Ofsted inspections, quality assurance, and continuous improvement processes. Act as a role model for therapeutic and DDP-informed practice, embedding reflective and relational approaches across the team. Provide on-call support and cover when required.

About Us

Keyline Care is a recognised and respected provider of supported living and adult services, known for delivering high-quality, person-centred support to individuals with complex needs. With a strong track record in empowering adults to live safe, meaningful, and independent lives, we are now expanding into Ofsted-registered children’s residential care.

This exciting new chapter reflects our commitment to supporting young people with high acuity needs, including emotional and behavioural challenges, developmental trauma, and attachment difficulties. Our new children’s homes are designed to offer intensive, trauma-informed therapeutic care, led by skilled teams and supported by clinical professionals.

What makes us unique is our seamless pathway from childhood through to adulthood. Our model offers young people the opportunity to receive focused therapeutic support in a stable home environment, and – when ready – to transition into their existing, well-established supported living and adult services. This approach promotes continuity, emotional security, and sustained progress through each stage of a young person’s journey. With a strong infrastructure and years of experience delivering regulated services, we are well-equipped to provide safe, consistent, and high-impact care that helps young people heal, grow, and achieve long-term positive outcomes.

Safeguarding Statement

Keyline Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to always act in the best interest of the individuals we support.

Employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references in line with safer recruitment guidelines.

Apply now to make a difference every day