Deputy Manager

Purpose

Support the registered manager and lead consistent practice on allocated shifts, keeping children's relationships and staff competence central to decisions.

Reporting line

Registered Manager

Working arrangements

One weekend on and two weekends off, alternated with the registered manager. Qualified relief covers the remaining weekend. Formal manager absence arrangements require provider and regulatory approval where applicable.

England; specific location and weekly hours confirmed before appointment. Maximum eight-hour shifts include one hour of paid uninterrupted break with competent cover.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate daily staffing, handovers and delegated care-plan reviews.
• Coach staff in therapeutic communication, de-escalation and child participation.
• Check daily logs, incident records and safeguarding actions for accuracy and follow-through.
• Lead delegated medication, environmental and activity checks within assessed competence.
• Arrange supervision, induction observations and reflective practice with the manager.
• Maintain education, health and family-contact arrangements during manager absence.
• Escalate missing episodes, allegations and serious concerns immediately through agreed procedures.
• Support recruitment, quality audits and contingency planning; record decisions and outstanding actions.

Experience

10-12 years of relevant experience with substantial evidenced management and supervision experience in children's residential care.

Qualifications and registration

Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare or equivalent; Level 5 leadership qualification held or actively pursued. Demonstrable preparation for future Ofsted registered-manager suitability and home-specific registration. A deputy role does not itself carry a separate generic Ofsted licence.

Essential capabilities

• Experience managing staff in therapeutic children's care, including CBT-informed practice.
• Sound safeguarding judgement and ability to recognise limits of delegated authority.
• Clear written records and confident communication with families and professionals.
• Reliable, supportive leadership and a positive response to feedback.

Desirable experience

Experience leading improvement projects, mentoring future senior carers and managing rotas.

What good performance looks like

Shift actions are completed, staff receive coaching and children experience consistent routines and prompt support.

Benefits and safer recruitment

All employee benefits and recruitment standards apply, including 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, 8% employer pension, family medical and dental cover subject to insurer terms, and the clean driving licence criterion with reasonable adjustments where required. Required vetting is completed before a final contract.

Apply for AL02

Email hr@astha.org quoting this reference. HR will discuss the location, hours, secure application route and adjustments.