Deputy Manager Children's Home

Job Description Join Our Team as a Deputy Manager!  Contract Type:
Full-time, 9-month fixed term contract   Salary: £24,701.04 - £28,108.08 pro rata (dependent on qualifications and experience)

Location:

Poole   Specific

Hours:

40 hours per week Why Choose Budwood?  At Budwood, part of Polaris Community, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for young people in our Children’s Homes and 16+ Supported Accommodation. Our mission is to provide stability and support to those who have faced adverse childhood experiences, helping them grow in confidence and gain essential life skills for independence.

The Role  We are on the lookout for a passionate and motivated Deputy Manager to support two of our Children’s Residential Homes in Poole. In this role, you will:
Act as Home Manager in their absence, guided by the Area Manager.
Support and motivate the staff team through supervision, coaching, mentoring, and development planning.
Ensure high-quality care and accommodation for young people, aligned with their placement plans.
Build trusted relationships with young people, promoting safety, respect, and personal development.
Champion a culture of listening, dignity, and empowerment for all young people.
Promote collaborative working with families, education providers, health services, and local authorities.
Ensure staff are trained in safeguarding and compliant with policies and refresher requirements.
Be an ambassador for Budwood’s therapeutic model, CATCH.
Assist with rotas, budget management, and timesheet oversight.
Lead new staff inductions and conduct absence review meetings.
Oversee record-keeping (e.g., risk assessments, placement plans, weekly reports) ensuring accuracy and clarity.
Guide the team in supporting young people’s learning and emotional development.
Manage home finances when needed.
Ensure high domestic standards, including meal preparation and home maintenance.
Support inspections, audits, and uphold health & safety and fire safety compliance.
Participate in the on-call rota.
Engage in supervision, appraisal, and continuous professional development.
What We Need From You    Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care, Children and Young People or equivalent (or working towards it).
At least 2 years of experience in a residential children’s home or Supported Living service.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Understanding of The Children Act 1989 and 2004 and Supported Accommodation Quality Standards.
Knowledge of safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance in care settings.
Experience in residential care, youth work, or working with young people with Emotional Behavioural Disorders (EBD).
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication and organisational skills.
A proactive, flexible, and child-centred approach.

What We Offer    33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
Company pension scheme.
Employee discount scheme.
Access to wellbeing programmes.
Monthly clinical and professional supervision.
Ongoing professional training & supervision.
At Budwood Limited, we are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of young people!