Deputy Home Manager

Role overview

This position supports the Home Manager in delivering a secure, nurturing, and well-run residential setting for children and young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs. The post is based in Longwood, County Meath, Ireland, and is part of a child-centred organisation committed to therapeutic care and positive outcomes.

The role is designed to be flexible, so duties may evolve as the needs of the service change. The post holder is expected to work within the home’s Statement of Purpose and follow all relevant childcare legislation, national standards, and organisational policies and procedures.

Core purpose of the role

The main aim of the job is to support the management of the home, help maintain high standards of care, and ensure that children and young people experience a safe, supportive environment that promotes their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Key duties

• Support the Home Manager in ensuring care practices comply with childcare legislation, national standards for children’s residential centres, and accepted best practice.
• Help oversee the day-to-day running and supervision of the home.
• Contribute to assessing each young person’s needs and to planning and implementing individual care plans.
• Promote clear communication and sound decision-making among young people, families, and the support team.
• Help maintain consistently high standards of emotional and physical care, safety, and wellbeing for every young person.
• Attend and contribute to planning meetings, statutory reviews, and other required meetings, representing the home positively and advocating for young people and their families where needed.
• Build constructive relationships with parents, relatives, social workers, teachers, doctors, and other relevant professionals.
• Ensure the therapeutic care model is embedded in everyday practice and monitor how effectively it is being applied.
• Carry out regular audits of standards and care practices within the home.

Staff leadership and supervision

• Provide leadership and guidance to staff while supporting the Home Manager in organising the team to ensure 24-hour cover and continuity of care.
• Assist with staff induction and supervision.
• Support staff with written reporting, handovers, and appraisals.
• Help build a positive learning culture and contribute to an annual team training plan.

Financial and operational support

• Assist with budget control and ensure financial systems and internal policies are followed.
• Help create a homely environment that children can identify with.
• Support the upkeep of a safe setting by helping ensure legal requirements are met in relation to the building, grounds, equipment, and vehicles, while encouraging responsible use of resources.
• Promote strong childcare standards throughout the home.
• Continue developing professional capability through supervision and relevant courses aligned with the home’s training plan.
• Take part in the rota system and complete sleeping-in duties when required.

About the organisation

The employer is a leading Irish provider of enhanced, specialised therapeutic residential care for children and young people. The service supports children who cannot be suitably cared for in mainstream settings and uses an evidence-based, programme-led therapeutic approach supported by an in-house therapeutic team.

The organisation’s long-standing focus is on putting the child first. Its culture values compassion, training, career growth, and recognising strong performance.

Compensation and benefits

The salary range starts at €46,371 and can go up to €54,364, depending on experience.

• Annual salary review
• Yearly performance appraisal
• Competitive annual leave with increases linked to length of service
• Income protection cover
• Sick pay
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity leave of up to 26 weeks on full pay
• Paternity leave of up to 4 weeks on full pay
• Strong internal and external training opportunities
• Good scope for career progression
• Management training programme
• Employee assistance programme
• Priority access to future career opportunities as the service expands across Ireland

Additional information

This is a full-time, on-site role. The closing date stated for applications is Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Required experience and qualifications

Applicants should have at least 3 years’ experience working in children’s residential care and a minimum Level 7 qualification in a relevant field.

Working pattern

The role includes participation in a duty rota and may require sleeping-in duties.

Mission and culture

The service is built around helping children form relationships, gain life skills, and grow in a safe environment. Team members are supported with training and development, and strong commitment and effort are recognised through career progression opportunities.