Job Description:

Company: Area Camden

Contract: Permanent

Specific Hours: 08:00am - 20:00pm (12 hour shifts)

Salary: £39,362.67 per annum

Location: Camden, London

Area Camden

Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, provides high‑quality care that supports young people to achieve their goals.

As Deputy Manager, you will support the Registered Manager with the day‑to‑day running of the service, helping to create a caring, respectful environment for young people aged 11-18. You'll ensure individual needs are met, staff practice remains consistent with our values, and that all care delivery meets legal requirements and Area Camden's Statement of Purpose.

About the role:

• Support the Registered Manager and deputise when required, helping oversee the day‑to‑day running of the home.
• Supervise, guide and support staff, ensuring effective communication, high standards of practice and completion of supervisions.
• Help manage key operational areas including care quality, recruitment, training, staffing, the home environment and basic financial duties.
• Assess young people's needs and contribute to personalised care plans, ensuring cultural, social and emotional needs are met.
• Promote positive behaviour, independence, wellbeing and active participation in decision‑making.
• Maintain respectful, non‑discriminatory practice and provide high‑quality personal care in line with individual plans.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements, Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Ofsted standards, Health & Safety, COSHH and all relevant legislation.
• Keep risk assessments and health & safety checks up to date, ensuring a safe environment and supporting inspection processes (including Regulation 44).
• Maintain accurate records, including care plans, risk assessments, medication and financial documentation.
• Build strong relationships with young people, families, staff and external professionals.
• Support with staffing needs, including recruitment, induction and identifying training requirements.
• Assist with admissions, including visits, paperwork and ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition for each young person.
• Attend meetings and ensure key information is shared within the team and partner agencies.
• Ensure staff are trained and confident in relevant intervention strategies.
• Work within the rota pattern (08:00-20:00), supporting a minimum average of 168 hours per month.

Essential skills required:

• Residential childcare experience (2+ years)
• Hold Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce or equivalent
• Child Protection experience
• Leadership and staff supervision skills
• Well-developed written and verbal communication
• Management of budgets and staff rotas
• Project management skills and have an enthusiastic disposition
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal development
• Be proactive, solution focused and have an enthusiastic disposition

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.