Deputy Manager

Job description

Rubicon Children & Family Services are looking for a Deputy Manager to support our established therapeutic children's home in Newhaven. The deputy manager will be experienced in working with children and young people and committed to expanding their skill set, under the guidance of a skilled management team.

We run therapeutic homes for children who have experienced complex trauma. The children are supported by a highly experienced and committed team. We will provide individualised support for children with complex social and emotional difficulties. Our support provides a structured therapeutic environment for children that is homely, inclusive and family oriented. Our holistic approach to care encompasses key therapeutic principles; environment (our recovery basis), relationships (our systemic approach) and neurosensory understanding.

Our objective is to nurture and empower our children to reach their goals. Our deputy manager(s) will be resilient and optimistic and will provide strong direction for our care team whilst also supporting the registered manager. You will be able to lead, develop and support our dedicated team to ensure our children are able to achieve in all aspects of their lives.

We will provide the right person with an individually tailored training, supervision and support package. In return, we expect a commitment to your own development within our management team, and for you to develop nurturing and respectful relationships with the team and children that we care for.

Within your role, you will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to refine and improve our model to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children. You will need to be resilient and to be able to manage setbacks and challenge constructively. You will be supported to adapt your approach depending on the situation and reflect and grow in your role.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior support worker or current deputy manager to join an utterly committed team that provides opportunities for fun, challenge and oodles of professional and personal growth.

Experience

To carry out this role effectively, the successful candidate will have:

• The Level 3 diploma in residential childcare (or equivalent) e.g. a recognised social work qualification or a professional qualification relevant to working with children.
• At least two years' experience relevant to residential care within the last five years.
• At least one years' experience in a senior role within residential childcare.
• A good knowledge and experience of law and practice relating to looked after children within a residential setting.
• A good level of organisational and IT skills.
• An unfailing dedication to our team and our children, as both a listener and supporter and as an active participant.
• The skills to advocate for our children, challenging the system where appropriate and raising expectations for children in care.
• The ability to provide support that promotes an open and inclusive culture, challenges prejudice, and role models our core beliefs that all children can settle, grow and succeed when they have the right environment and relationships.
• A strong knowledge of and commitment to the safeguarding and well-being of our children and our team.
• Creativity in service delivery, striving to provide an environment that proactively moves children away from systems and institutions.
• The ability to work flexibly across the week to support the team, including sleep in and on call duties.

Any successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

We offer great benefits, including 28 days holiday, a performance related bonus, Blue Light Card membership and an Employee Assistance Programme.

There will be a sleep-in allowance in addition to the base salary. The salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £36,000.00-£44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Do you hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
• Can you please write two to three sentences on your prior childcare experience?.

Education:

• Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)

Experience:

• Residential Childcare: 2 years (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 17/11/2025