Deputy Manager

Deputy Manager

Location: Smeeth

Salary & Sleep-in Payments: £39,357.24 – £47,821.80 (includes payment for 2 sleep-ins per week, dependent on experience and based on either our 39-hour or 45-hour contract options)

About Us

For over 110 years, The Caldecott Foundation has been helping children build a future. We provide homes, schools and therapeutic services for children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and disrupted relationships. We focus on creating safe, nurturing and playful environments where young people can develop life skills, grow in confidence, enjoy new opportunities and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

About the Role

As Deputy Manager, you will play a key role in leading, supporting and developing a team of Residential Care Workers, ensuring that every child in our care receives consistent, high-quality support.

You will help oversee all aspects of planning, monitoring and evaluating children’s individual needs, and you’ll be confident managing the home in the Registered Manager’s absence.

What Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, resilient and committed to helping young people feel safe, valued and supported.

You’ll be able to:

Build trusting, positive relationships with young people

Stay calm and grounded in challenging situations

Work collaboratively within a team and be open to learning

Meet the physical and practical demands of the role (including working a rota and accompanying young people to activities)

Drive Foundation vehicles to transport young people to appointments and activities

Work confidently within a trauma-informed environment

Key Responsibilities

As Deputy Manager, you will:

Support the Registered Manager with the day-to-day running of the home

Lead, mentor and develop the staff team

Ensure high-quality care, safeguarding and behaviour support

Oversee care planning and case management for young people

Maintain a safe, nurturing and positive home environment

Communicate effectively with local authorities, families and other professionals

Ensure policies, procedures and regulatory standards are met

Essential Experience & Qualifications

You will need to have:

A Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or an equivalent recognised qualification)

Recent experience working in a children’s residential care setting, where you have supervised or led staff

Experience supporting young people with complex emotional or behavioural needs

Knowledge of the Quality Care Standards and Children’s Homes Regulations

Experience in case management, including preparing care plans and contributing to reviews

Experience managing budgets or financial processes

What We Can Give You

28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 30 days after 3 years

Career development, including funded qualifications

Health cashback scheme (covering you and up to four children)

Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contributions

Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme

Access to retail, food and entertainment discounts

Cycle-to-work scheme and will writing service

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. The children and young people we support come from many different backgrounds, and we believe our workforce should reflect and celebrate that diversity. We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences who share our commitment to helping children build brighter futures.

Sound Like a Match?

If you’re ready to build meaningful relationships, support recovery from trauma, and help our young people move towards brighter futures, we’d love to hear from you. Please click apply.

Please note, the Caldecott Foundation is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with safer recruitment guidelines.