Deputy Officer in Charge

Job Description

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Deputy Officer in Charge (Deputy Manager)

Job Purpose

The Deputy Officer in Charge is responsible for supporting the Registered Manager in the effective leadership, management, and operation of the Children's Residential Home. The role ensures that children and young people receive high-quality care, support, protection, and opportunities that promote their wellbeing, development, independence, and positive outcomes.

The post holder will help ensure the home operates in accordance with statutory regulations, safeguarding requirements, and organisational policies while creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for vulnerable children and young people. The Deputy Officer in Charge will lead by example, supervise staff, contribute to service development, and deputise for the Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Support the Manager in the day-to-day operation and administration of the Children's Home.
  
• Deputise for the Manager in their absence and assume responsibility for the effective running of the service.
  
• Lead, motivate, supervise, and support staff to deliver high-quality care and achieve positive outcomes for young people.
  
• Assist in maintaining staff performance, professional standards, and continuous development.
  
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
  

Care and Support of Children and Young People

• Ensure children and young people receive high-quality, person-centred care that meets their individual needs.
  
• Promote the emotional, physical, educational, social, cultural, and psychological wellbeing of young people.
  
• Support young people to develop independence, confidence, resilience, and life skills.
  
• Ensure young people are encouraged to express their views and actively participate in decisions affecting their lives.
  
• Maintain a safe and caring environment that promotes safeguarding and positive outcomes.
  

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Ensure safeguarding practices are implemented and maintained in accordance with legislation and organisational policies.
  
• Promote and protect the welfare, rights, and best interests of children and young people.
  
• Challenge poor practice and take appropriate action where safeguarding concerns arise.
  
• Support compliance with The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 and other relevant legislation.
  
• Ensure accurate records, reports, and documentation are maintained to regulatory standards.
  

Family and Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with families, carers, social workers, and external professionals.
  
• Promote meaningful consultation and participation with young people and their families.
  
• Encourage community integration through educational, recreational, and social opportunities.
  
• Build effective partnerships with local agencies and community resources.
  

Financial and Resource Management

• Assist the Manager in monitoring delegated budgets and ensuring resources are used effectively.
  
• Ensure financial procedures are followed and expenditure is appropriately recorded.
  
• Promote value for money while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
  

Meetings and Reporting

• Coordinate, attend, and chair meetings as required.
  
• Prepare assessments, reports, care plans, and management information.
  
• Contribute to reviews, planning meetings, and multi-agency discussions.
  
• Ensure meetings are conducted professionally and achieve agreed outcomes.
  

Essential Experience

• Proven experience working with children and young people within a residential childcare setting.
  
• Experience operating at a Senior Residential Support Worker, Team Leader, Senior Practitioner, or equivalent level.
  
• Experience supporting vulnerable children and young people with complex needs.
  
• Experience implementing safeguarding procedures and promoting child welfare.
  
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or managing staff.
  
• Experience working with behaviour support and therapeutic care models.
  
• Experience working collaboratively with families, social workers, and external agencies.
  
• Experience preparing assessments, reports, and care documentation.
  

Desirable Experience

• Experience as a Deputy Manager within a children's residential home.
  
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
  
• Experience preparing for inspections and maintaining regulatory compliance.
  
• Experience supporting young people in crisis or emergency placements.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) or equivalent.
  
• Qualification that meets the requirements for Social Care Wales Registration.
  
• Full commitment to maintaining required professional registrations.
  

Desirable

• Level 4 or Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification in Health and Social Care.
  
• Additional safeguarding or behavioural support qualifications.
  
• Training in Therapeutic Care, Trauma-Informed Practice, or Behaviour Support.
  

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.
  
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures.
  
• Knowledge of child development and attachment theory.
  
• Understanding of behaviour support and trauma-informed approaches.
  
• Ability to undertake and complete assessments.
  
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to chair meetings and prepare professional reports.
  
• Budget monitoring and resource management skills.
  
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
  
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people, families, and professionals.
  

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate and child-focused.
  
• Resilient and emotionally intelligent.
  
• Professional and accountable.
  
• Motivational and supportive leader.
  
• Calm under pressure.
  
• Positive role model.
  
• Flexible and adaptable.
  
• Committed to delivering outstanding care and safeguarding standards.
  

Additional Information

• Location: County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff, Glamorgan, CF10 4UW, United Kingdom.
  
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week.
  
• Pay Rate: £24.56 per hour (Limited Company/Umbrella).
  
• Contract Type: Temporary/Agency Contract (subject to assignment details).
  
• Work Schedule: Flexibility required to work shifts, evenings, weekends, sleep-ins, and bank holidays in line with service needs.
  
• Reporting To: Registered Manager / Officer in Charge.
  
• DBS Requirement: Enhanced DBS check required prior to appointment.
  
• Professional Registration: Successful candidate must meet Social Care Wales registration requirements and maintain registration throughout employment.
  
• Training & Development: Ongoing professional development, mandatory safeguarding training, leadership development, and residential childcare training provided.
  
• Regulatory Compliance: The role operates within the requirements of The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, safeguarding legislation, and Children's Residential Care regulations.
  
• Working Environment: Residential childcare setting supporting vulnerable children and young people with complex emotional, behavioural, and social needs.
  
• Leadership Responsibilities: Supervision and support of residential care staff, deputising for the Registered Manager when required.
  
• Performance Expectations: Deliver high standards of care, positive outcomes for young people, regulatory compliance, effective staff management, and service improvement initiatives.
  
• Opportunity: A key role in supporting the development and success of a new Children's Home in Cardiff, helping to create a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for children and young people.
  

Requirements
• Proven experience working with children and young people within a residential childcare setting. • Experience operating at a Senior Residential Support Worker, Team Leader, Senior Practitioner, or equivalent level. • Experience supporting vulnerable children and young people with complex needs. • Experience implementing safeguarding procedures and promoting child welfare. • Experience supervising, mentoring, or managing staff. • Experience working with behaviour support and therapeutic care models.