Deputy Manager ( Children & YP)

ACORN GROUP

Innovation in Children's Services

Deputy Manager – Children's Home

Location: Canterbury Kent

Salary: £38,000 – £42,000 per annum (potentially including 1–2 sleep shifts per week)

Lead, Develop and Make a Lasting Difference

Are you an experienced Deputy Manager, Team Leader or Senior Residential Support Worker looking for your next challenge? Do you have the passion, resilience and leadership skills to help shape positive futures for children and young people?

Acorn Homes is seeking a dedicated and motivated Deputy Manager to join our Children's Home

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within a well-established and growing organisation, supporting the Registered Manager in delivering outstanding care and ensuring children and young people receive the highest standards of support.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and help lead a passionate team committed to achieving positive outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Salary of £38,000 – £42,000 per annum
• Might to undertake 1–2 sleep shifts per week
• Flexible working patterns to support work-life balance
• Support towards Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management
• Enhanced maternity and paternity packages
• Staff loyalty scheme including additional annual leave and monetary rewards
• Refer-a-friend scheme paying up to £2,000
• Birthday gift worth £40 each year
• Blue Light Card discounts
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Discretionary Travel Cost Scheme
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Comprehensive induction programme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Excellent career progression opportunities within a growing organisation

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home.
• Lead and inspire the staff team to deliver outstanding care and support.
• Ensure children and young people receive high-quality care in line with their individual care plans.
• Promote positive outcomes and support young people to achieve their full potential.
• Assist with staff supervision, development, performance management and recruitment.
• Lead shifts and provide operational leadership in the absence of the Registered Manager.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and concerns are managed appropriately.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and Ofsted requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, reports and management information.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, social workers and other professionals.
• Support care planning, risk assessments and behaviour management strategies.
• Participate in on-call duties where required.
• Drive continuous improvement and contribute to the home's development and success.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working within a Children's Residential Home.
• Experience at Team Leader, Senior Residential Support Worker or Deputy Manager level.
• Hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) or be willing to work towards the appropriate qualification.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Experience supporting children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs.
• Be prepared to work early, late and night shifts (including sleepovers) on a rota basis.
• Be over the age of 21 (Employer has claimed an exemption under the Equality Act 2010).

Desirable Requirements

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or willingness to undertake.
• Previous Deputy Manager experience.
• Strong understanding of Children's Homes Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Experience of Ofsted inspections and compliance.
• Full UK driving licence.

About Acorn Homes

You will be joining a family-owned company whose owner is a patron of the NSPCC. Acorn has an enviable reputation with local authorities for delivering positive outcomes for young people and demonstrating resilience.

Acorn currently operates eight registered homes, with further growth planned as the organisation continues to expand steadily, creating excellent opportunities for career progression and development.

You will become a valued member of the team within the home, receiving full support from an active and engaged Registered Manager, Head Office and Senior Management Team.

As part of our commitment to achieving the highest standards of care, Acorn Homes also benefits from the expertise of two senior leaders who are former Ofsted Senior Inspectors. Their knowledge and guidance help ensure our homes maintain exceptional standards of care, safeguarding, compliance and outcomes for children and young people.

This provides staff with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the sector's most experienced professionals whilst developing their own skills and careers within children's residential care.

Safeguarding Commitment

Acorn Group are committed to ensuring the safety of our young people is upheld at all times, therefore all positions require an enhanced disclosure and satisfactory references. As an employee of Acorn Group, it will be expected that you demonstrate the same commitment, by following our policies and procedures, as well as attending all mandatory training.

Please note that, as part of our safer recruitment process, we may carry out online searches of publicly available information relating to shortlisted candidates. These checks will be limited to information relevant to assessing suitability for the role and our safeguarding responsibilities