Deputy Manager - Children's Residential Home

Location: Newhaven, East Sussex
Salary: £37,000-£42,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Prospero Health & Social Care is seeking an experienced and dedicated Deputy Manager to join a children's residential home in Newhaven, East Sussex. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate residential childcare professional to progress their career within a supportive care environment. The successful candidate will support the Registered Manager with the day-to-day leadership and operation of the home, ensuring children and young people receive safe, nurturing, and child-centred care.

As Deputy Manager, you will support the Registered Manager in maintaining high standards of care, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance in line with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Ofsted Quality Standards. You will help create a positive, therapeutic environment where young people feel safe, valued, and supported.

Your responsibilities will include leading shifts, supporting staff development, supervising team members, monitoring care practice, and ensuring the home continues to deliver excellent standards of support. You will contribute to care planning, risk assessments, reviews, and quality assurance processes, ensuring each young person's needs, wishes, and aspirations remain central to decision-making.

The role involves supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them build confidence, develop independence, and achieve positive outcomes. You will promote trauma-informed practice, encourage reflective working, and support continuous improvement across the service.

Safeguarding will be a key responsibility. You will ensure procedures are followed, respond appropriately to incidents and concerns, maintain accurate records, and escalate matters through the correct management pathway. In the absence of the Registered Manager, you will provide delegated operational leadership and support the safe running of the home.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience within children's residential care, strong safeguarding knowledge, and the ability to lead and motivate a team. You will be a confident decision-maker with a genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.

Requirements

• Experience working with children and young people with SEMH needs is essential.
• Ideally hold a Level 5 qualification in Children's Residential Care.
• Previous experience in a senior residential childcare role.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Ability to lead shifts and support staff teams effectively.
• Must hold a full UK driving licence.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious childcare professional to develop their leadership career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.

IND - HSC