Deputy Manager - Short-Breaks/Respite Care

We have a rare opportunity to join our team who provide short break care for children and young people with learning disabilities, neurodiversity, physical disabilities, and complex health needs aged between 5 and 18. You will work as part of a dedicated staff team to ensure the children and young people are provided with the best care possible during their stays.

We are seeking a Deputy Manager who will support the Registered Manager to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. You will work directly with children and young people, their families and carers, as well as other relevant professionals identified within the Care Plan.

The Deputy Manager who will be linked to the Peripatetic Team but based at Park House, will work in partnership with the Registered Manager to model best practice and lead on interventions to train and develop others as required.

You will deputise for the Registered Manager in their absence ensuring the smooth running of the home.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You should have significant experience of working within a residential setting and experience of working in a supervisory or management role. As well as proven people management skills, and experience of quality assurance tools. You will also demonstrate exceptional communications skills and the ability to support and develop the team.

You should have an understanding of the Children's Homes Regulations 2015, and their application, as well as experience of Ofsted inspections and Regulation 44. You should have an appreciation of the importance of evidence-based practice and research in relation to children and young people in our care.

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Child Care or equivalent qualification as stated in the Children's Homes Regulations 2015
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or willingness to work towards this within 18 months from qualification enrolment in accordance with DCC guidelines.

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role, which will include safeguarding and health and safety related training to effectively manage a home and ensure the high quality care of our children and young people.

OUR VALUES

Durham Cares incorporates our core values and strategic objectives, shaping our work and the high-quality care we provide for young people, as well as the culture across the Children's Homes Service. Our 'Durham' values - Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset are at the heart of everything we do for both our young people and our teams.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

You will benefit from a comprehensive programme of training to support you to develop in your role, which will include safeguarding and health and safety related training to effectively manage a home and ensure the high quality care of our children and young people. As well as access to a wide ranging rewards and benefits offer, take a closer look via Rewards and Benefits.

Our commitment to safeguarding:

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.

INTERVIEWS

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on Tuesday 27th October 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

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