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Deputy Manager – Colchester
Are you an experienced leader ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with learning difficulties?
We have an exciting opportunity to join SV Care Services Ltd as a Deputy Manager within our new Ofsted-registered Children’s Residential Home based in Colchester. This specialist service supports children with learning disabilities, providing a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where young people can grow, develop independence, and thrive.
As Deputy Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the Registered Manager with the day-to-day running of the home. You’ll help lead a dedicated staff team, ensure high standards of care and compliance, and contribute to creating a positive, trauma-informed culture that places the wellbeing of young people at the heart of everything we do.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Support the Registered Manager with the operational management of the home in line with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted requirements
- Ensure children receive high-quality, person-centred care that meets their individual health, emotional, cultural, educational, and developmental needs
- Assist with staff leadership, including rotas, recruitment, inductions, supervision, appraisals, and ongoing development
- Promote safeguarding best practice and ensure all staff adhere to company policies and local authority safeguarding procedures
- Support care planning, risk assessments, and the implementation and review of documentation in line with legislation and company policies
- Assist with quality assurance processes, Regulation 44 actions, and follow-up from Ofsted inspections
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external professionals, ensuring all incidents, safeguarding concerns, and significant events are reported appropriately and within required timescales
- Support health and safety compliance, including fire safety and general home maintenance
- Undertake administrative duties required for the effective running of the home
- Participate in the on-call rota outside of designated working hours
What We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking a committed, compassionate leader who is passionate about supporting children with learning disabilities and who leads with integrity, professionalism, and empathy.
Essential Requirements:
- Experience working in children’s residential care
- Experience supervising staff within a care setting
- Experience managing staff rotas
- Experience deputising for a Registered Manager in their absence
- Strong working knowledge of Ofsted regulations, Quality Standards, and SCCIF
- Excellent organisational, communication, and time-management skills
- Confident in safeguarding practices and multi-agency working
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
Qualifications:
- Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in Working with Young People (or equivalent)
- Willingness to work towards a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (within agreed timescales)
Why Work With SV Care Services?
At SV Care Services, our teams are professional parents—providing consistency, care, and stability to young people who may have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse. We are passionate about enabling children to develop life skills, independence, and confidence as they move toward adulthood.
We offer:
- A supportive and values-driven working environment
- Ongoing training, development, and progression opportunities
- A rewarding role where your contribution genuinely changes lives
- The opportunity to be part of a service committed to excellence in care
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re a dedicated and values-led professional looking to grow your leadership career while making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today by submitting your CV via Indeed, or reach out for an informal conversation about the role.
Please note:
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, employment background checks, verification of right to work in the UK, and a full safer recruitment process.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
Experience:
- Residential Childcare: 2 years (required)
- Supervising: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- Level 4 Working with Young People or equivalent (required)
Work Location: In person
JOIN OUR MISSION OF CARE
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