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- Tasks: Support the Service Manager in managing operations and leading frontline staff.
- Company: Look Ahead is a leading not-for-profit care provider transforming lives across London and the South East.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave, exclusive discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping young people gain independence in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in mental health support are essential.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to social care and personal growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate, and resilient Deputy Manager to join our Young People Service in Ealing. £32,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here. Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- Free DBS
- Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
- Fully paid induction programme and further training
- ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
- Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
- Online wellbeing resources
- A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
- Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
The Deputy Service Manager supports the Service Manager in effectively managing all operational matters within their designated services, including line management of frontline staff. The Deputy Service Manager shares responsibility for ensuring that a holistic and cohesive approach to customer support is embedded across accommodation services. Look Ahead operates trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches, ensuring customers benefit from strengths-based support practices. The role requires an individual who embodies psychologically informed practice through their leadership style.
Oaklands & St Kilda consists of two supported accommodation services, each providing six mental health rehabilitation units for young people aged 18-25 who may have experienced a mental health-related hospital admission. The aim is to support young people to gain and develop the necessary skills for independent living and to manage transitions from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services. Together, these services support up to 12 young people at any one time, offering a welcoming, supportive environment on a spot-purchase basis.
The successful candidate will deputise for the Service Manager when required. This includes direct line management, leadership, coaching, and supporting Specialist Support Workers, Support Workers, and Waking Night Support Workers. Responsibilities also involve ensuring compliance with current legislation, contractual requirements, financial regulations, and Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures. The role of Deputy Manager will involve five 8-hour shifts, Monday to Friday.
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
What you'll bring:
- Essential:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- Relevant qualification in business or management (e.g., CMI/NVQ Level 4 or equivalent).
- Specialist knowledge related to supporting young people with mental health diagnoses.
- Experience working within complex mental health environments.
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience of trauma-informed practice.
- Desirable:
- Experience managing accommodation-based services and resources, with proven ability to deliver within budget and meet performance targets.
- Experience supervising and leading staff teams providing support to young people in or leaving care.
About us: Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 120 services, providing support to around 6000 customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
- We focus on Excellence and innovation.
- We are Caring and Compassionate.
- We are Inclusive and Trusted.
- We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Contact Detail:
Look Ahead Care Support and Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices, as this is a key aspect of the role. Understanding how to implement these practices can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health sector, especially those who work with young people. This can provide you with insights and connections that may help you during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. This will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of a Deputy Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Look Ahead's values and mission thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, as cultural fit is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that align with the Deputy Manager role. Emphasise your background in mental health support and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting young people and your understanding of trauma-informed practices. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background and any relevant qualifications, such as CMI/NVQ Level 4 or equivalent. Mention any additional training or certifications that relate to mental health support.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to lead, coach, and support staff, as this is crucial for the Deputy Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead Care Support and Housing
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Deputy Manager, you'll be working with young people who may have experienced mental health challenges. Make sure to convey your compassion and understanding during the interview. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in similar situations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing staff. Discuss specific instances where you successfully coached or mentored others, as this role requires strong leadership abilities to guide support workers effectively.
✨Understand Trauma-Informed Practice
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches and be prepared to discuss how these principles can be applied in the context of supporting young people. This knowledge will show that you align with the organisation's values and practices.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think about past experiences where you navigated challenges in a mental health environment and be ready to share those stories.
