Deputy Manager Supported Living in Gillingham, Kent

Deputy Manager , Gillingham,

Location: Rock House, Gillingham, Kent
Salary: Up to £30k p/a + Performance Bonus 11.25%
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am 5:30pm
Holidays: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

About Us
Our client is a respected provider of specialist mental health care, with services operating across Kent, Medway, East Sussex, and West Sussex. With 6 services (5 Residential and 1 Supported Living), our organisation supports 79 clients and employs around 90 dedicated staff. Rock House is our flagship residential home, established in 2006, and accommodates 15 residents with complex mental health needs.

The Role

As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Registered Manager to deliver exceptional care, help implement service improvements, and ensure compliance with CQC standards. Youll provide hands-on support with staff management, care planning, audits, and general operationsplaying a key part in the services success and ongoing development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Registered Manager in the daily running of the service

• Supervise and support a team delivering person-centred care to adults with mental health conditions (e.g. bipolar, EUPD, schizophrenia)

• Oversee care planning, reviews, audits, and record-keeping

• Promote a culture of dignity, safety, and respect

• Deputise in the absence of the Registered Manager

• Support in liaising with external stakeholders including CQC, commissioners, and families

• Drive forward quality assurance, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance

• Support recruitment, supervision, and training of care staff

Essential Criteria

• At least 2 years experience as a senior or team leader in a residential mental health or LD setting

• QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (working towards Level 5 desirable)

• Excellent knowledge of CQC requirements and safeguarding

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• Experience supporting individuals with complex needs including EUPD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.

• Ability to motivate staff and manage change

• Commutable to Gillingham on a daily basis

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence

• Experience in turning around services or supporting improvement plans

• Familiarity with challenging behaviours and multi-agency working

What We Offer

• Competitive salary up to £30,000

• Bonus scheme up to 11.1% annually (£1,250 quarterly)

• Laptop provided

• Private health insurance (post-probation)

• Pension scheme

• Strong career progression pathways and ongoing training

• Autonomy in your role with real impact on the service

• A warm, family-run culture where your voice is heard and valued

• A passionate and committed team, where quality of care always comes first