Deputy Manager – Olive House

About the role

Olive House is an Outstanding-rated children's home supporting up to five children and young people with complex emotional, behavioural and social needs, often linked to trauma. As Deputy Manager, you will work alongside the Registered Manager to lead the home and shape a culture where children feel safe, valued, and understood.

This is a visible, hands-on leadership role. You will influence daily practice and safeguarding decisions, ensure consistency and stability for every child, and help shape each child's lived experience and long-term progress. Olive House has a clinical practitioner working directly with both children and the staff team, who also leads monthly group supervision. An education advisor from the Virtual School is based in the home two days each week, supporting the fact that all children are currently in education.

You will also be responsible for managing and overseeing operational systems and programmes as directed by the Registered Manager. This role includes:

• Deputising for the Registered Manager as required, ensuring strong leadership continuity and effective oversight of the service in their absence
• Ensuring care planning, recording and monitoring systems are accurate, consistent and up to date
• Supporting the implementation and ongoing management of key programmes, frameworks, and initiatives within the home
• Monitoring compliance with internal systems and regulatory requirements
• Supporting staff to use systems effectively to improve outcomes for children

The role is based at Olive House and is contracted at 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

To apply, upload your CV and respond to three key questions based on the person specification, demonstrating how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. The interview process will include a young persons panel; full details will be shared if you are invited to interview. The advert may close early if a sufficient number of applications is received, so early submission is strongly advised.

For an informal discussion about the role, contact Ann Simpson at ann.simpson@southwark.gov.uk

About You

Southwark is looking for a confident, emotionally intelligent leader who combines high standards with genuine care for the children and young people they work with. You will be comfortable operating at a senior level in a regulated environment, and committed to trauma-informed practice as a foundation for everything you do.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a QCF Level 4 Diploma in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (or equivalent), or be willing to work towards it
• Have experience working in residential children's homes, ideally at senior or deputy level
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of trauma, attachment, and child development
• Have knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and Ofsted regulatory requirements
• Have experience supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs
• Bring proven leadership, supervision, and team development skills
• Communicate clearly and make sound decisions under pressure
• Be flexible to work shifts and deputise for the Registered Manager when required

Southwark is committed to tackling racial inequality and particularly welcomes applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level. Applications are also welcomed from members of the Armed Forces and veterans, people who are currently or have previously been in care, and people who consider themselves disabled or have a long-term health condition — all of whom may be eligible for a guaranteed interview, provided the minimum requirements of the role are met.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list information, in line with Ofsted registration requirements. Evidence of right to work in the UK will be required.

Southwark's Offer to You

Olive House is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and Southwark's children's residential service is built around reflective practice, strong relationships, and a commitment to giving every child the stability and support they need to flourish. You will join a values-led leadership culture where children are at the centre of every decision.

Working at Southwark also offers:

• A place in an Outstanding-rated home with an embedded clinical practitioner and Virtual School education advisor
• Access to monthly group supervision led by the clinical practitioner
• Career development and progression opportunities within residential services
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• And more — click Apply Now to discover the full range of benefits available to Southwark employees