level 3 childcare jobs

Job Summary
The Deputy Manager at Everest Lodge plays a vital role in supporting the Registered Manager to ensure the home delivers safe, nurturing, and therapeutic care practices for children and young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs. This position requires a strong commitment to safeguarding, regulatory compliance, and trauma-informed practice in line with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards. The Deputy Manager assists with the day-to-day running of the home, overseeing staffing, resources, and operational systems to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including staff supervision, fitness of workers, and the notification of serious incidents, supporting Reg 44 visits as well as supporting with regulation 45 report and the completion of Annex A. They act as a safeguarding lead when required, maintaining accurate records and preparing audits and reports for Ofsted inspections under the Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF).

In addition to operational responsibilities, the Deputy Manager provides reflective supervision, mentoring, and training to staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. They support recruitment, induction, and performance management processes, while championing approaches such as the PACE model to promote children’s emotional wellbeing. The role requires strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff teams, build positive relationships with children and families, and work collaboratively with external professionals.

This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference within a supportive environment dedicated to delivering high-quality person-centred care.

Duties

• Support the Registered Manager in overseeing the day-to-day running of the home.
• Ensure compliance with theChildren’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted’s SCCIF framework.
• Contribute to policy development, audits, and improvement planning.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when required.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are escalated appropriately and recorded in line with Regulation 40.
• Maintain accurate records, notifications, and reports for regulatory bodies.
• Provide reflective supervision and mentoring to staff teams.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and trauma-informed practice.
• Champion therapeutic approaches such as PACE.
• Oversee care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour management strategies.
• Ensure children’s voices are heard and incorporated into decision-making.
• Liaise with social workers, schools, health professionals, and other agencies.
• Represent the home at professional meetings and contribute to care reviews.
• Build positive relationships with families and external stakeholders.
• Prepare the home for Ofsted inspections and contribute to action plans.
• Ensure the home consistently meets the Leadership and Management Standard.
• Monitor staff performance and practice against regulatory benchmarks.

Skills

• Emotional resilience and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Reflective, ethical, and child-centred approach to leadership.
• Competence in care planning, risk assessment, and incident reporting.
• Strong record-keeping and audit skills to meet regulatory requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and professionals.
• Skilled in multi-agency working and representing the home in professional meetings.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour with empathy and resilience.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff teams.
• Strong organisational and decision-making skills.
• Experience in supervising staff and delivering reflective practice

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare as a minimum and be willing to work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care. Previous supervisory or management experience in residential childcare, alongside a thorough understanding of safeguarding frameworks and the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, is essential. Everest Care Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference verification, and compliance with statutory regulations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £35,000.00-£36,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Application question(s):

• Do you require sponsorship?
• Please provide dates and times you can interview?
• Are you available to attend an induction week commencing 19th Jan?
• Do you hold a Level 3 in Residential Care
• Do you hold a driving license?

Work Location: In person