Assistant Manager - Residential Child Care

Job Introduction

• At Wilderness, we form an experienced, professional team around a child and achieve amazing results through our unique approach to residential care, education, and health.
• As the Assistant Manager you will be supported in your role by a Registered Manager, Care Coordinator, Operations Manager, and team of multi-disciplinary experts including, outdoor education specialists, therapists, and assessment leads
• Together with the Registered Manager, you will create a safe space for children to develop, learn, and flourish
• You will coach, mentor, and supervise a team of Residential and Senior Residential Support Workers supporting 4 children in 4 separate homes to ensure they are fully supported to be the best that they can be, ensuring the children’s placement plans are communicated and understood
• You will encourage collaborative teamwork through effective leadership and ensure that the team are consistent in their approach.
• As the Assistant Manager you will promote opportunities for your team and ensure that they are recognised for their contributions and success taking accountability for the deliverables of their role
• You will ensure adherence to policies and procedures across the Service.

• Your salary is up to £39,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience and qualifications
• Your hours of work are 40 hours per week, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• 33 days annual leave, inclusive of public holidays, with additional leave for continuous service
• Fully funded development pathway to your Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification, if required, alongside a comprehensive programme of skills and career development opportunities and activities delivered through our Academy
• Private Medical cover
• Excellent health and wellbeing benefits via Medicash, including an employee assistance programme; a cash back healthcare plan that offers discounts on optical, dental, and a range of complimentary therapies; 24/7 access to a virtual GP, and other lifestyle apps to support your wellbeing; discounted gym memberships
• Company pension contribution
• Life Assurance of 2 times salary
• A range of discount schemes with access to savings on high street brands, restaurants, cinemas, and other leisure outlets, including local businesses following feedback from our employees
• An employee referral scheme of £1000 for every successful referral
• An employee recognition scheme to celebrate our ‘Wilderness Heroes’.

• We actively encourage career development through a range of learning opportunities, supportive coaching conversations and pathways for progression
• We are an innovative Company - the first residential care company in England to operate under a new multi-building registration model
• We have a relentless commitment to providing outstanding care for every child we look after.
• We offer a therapeutic approach through the PACE model and provide excellent training in therapeutic care
• We share a culture of collaboration, adaptability, respect, and empathy.  We ensure our employees have a voice and are recognised for their achievements
• Celebrating the smallest of achievements at Wilderness, helps us accomplish bigger outcomes.  

• Experience and skills gained from a previous role as a Deputy or Assistant Manager or Senior Residential Support Worker in the Residential Child Care sector
• Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce or equivalent
• A full understanding of safeguarding children
• Confident when supervising care teams and offering leadership and support in a proactive and effective way
• A good knowledge of the legislation relating to residential childcare
• Passion, drive, and resilience when supporting our children who present emotional and behavioural challenges
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• IT proficient and the desire to learn new skills
• A full, valid, UK driving licence for manual vehicles.