Deputy Children's Home Manager

Willow Care Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care organization in the East Midlands is looking for a Deputy Children’s Home Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a children's home. You will be responsible for safeguarding and supporting a team of care professionals, maintaining a safe environment, and ensuring effective care plans are in place. The position requires at least 3 years of residential childcare experience and leadership skills. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career progression opportunities

Comprehensive induction and training

Free parking

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in residential care.
• Understanding of safeguarding and care planning.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
• Lead and develop a team of care professionals.
• Manage staff rotas and recruitment.

Skills

Working with children in residential care

Leadership and team management

Safeguarding and behaviour management

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services

Children and Young People’s workforce QCF Level 3 or 4 qualification

Job description

Join to apply for the Deputy Children’s Home Manager role at Willow Care Group Ltd

Pay Range

Base pay range: The role offers a base salary of £40,734–£44,977 (OTE, inclusive of sleep‑ins).

Role Overview

Do you have a strong background in residential childcare and a passion for helping young people thrive? Are you ready to take the next step in your career by leading a supportive team in a nurturing environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. As Deputy Children’s Home Manager with Willow Care Group, you will support the Registered Manager in the day‑to‑day running of our home in Derby. You will play a vital role in creating a safe, positive and caring environment where children and young people can flourish. Working collaboratively with our senior management team, you will lead, guide and motivate staff to deliver high‑quality care in line with WCG’s ethos and the Children’s Home Regulations (England) 2015. This is a hands‑on role where no two days are the same – one moment you’re leading a team meeting, the next you’re supporting a young person to reach a personal goal.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people in your care.
• Lead, supervise, and develop a dedicated team of care professionals.
• Ensure all care plans are current, effective, and outcome‑focused.
• Maintain a homely, safe, and inclusive environment.
• Manage staff rotas, recruitment, and on‑call duties.
• Deputise for the Registered Manager when required, including during Ofsted inspections.
• Monitor budgets and financial records with integrity and accuracy.
• Promote teamwork, openness, and continuous improvement within the home.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience working with children in residential care.
• Holds (or is working towards) a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services.
• Understands safeguarding, behaviour management and care planning.
• Is confident leading a team and managing daily operations.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Holds a Children and Young People’s workforce QCF Level 3 or 4 qualification.
• Knowledge of Children’s Home Regulations and Quality Standards 2015, Single Social Care Inspection Framework (SSCIF), Children Act 1989, 2004 and Children and Families Act 2014, Care Standards Act 2000, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015, policies and procedures for residential childcare, and an understanding of the educational, health, and emotional needs of looked‑after children.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £40,734–£44,977 (OTE, including sleep‑ins).
• Career progression opportunities within WCG.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development.
• Funded Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.
• Supportive management and friendly work culture.
• 40‑hour working week, 9am to 5am.
• Free parking, employee discounts, and referral scheme.

Company

Willow Care Group provides therapeutic services for young people presenting behavioural, emotional, social and educational difficulties. These residential services are for young people of mixed gender, aged between 5 and 18 years. Our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people by being an inspirational and outstanding home to enable children to be loved, happy, healthy, safe harm and able to develop, thrive and fulfil their full potential. Putting children and young people first is central to our values and the needs of the individual must lie at the heart of everything we do.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other, Information Technology, and Management

Industries

Public Safety