Assistant Service Manager - Learning Disabilities in Norwich

Avenues is more than a workplace — it's a community. A place where people smile, grow, feel valued, and achieve great things together.
We are looking for an Acting Assistant Service Manager to join our team at our newly established service in Norwich .
Fixed term contract lasting 6 months.
Salary is £27,969 per annum (pro rata)
This is a full-time position (39 hours a week) and will require evening and weekend work. The role includes 2 days for administration, direct support and on-call responsibilities.
The service is in the Sprowston area of Norwich and is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of a small shopping area, including an Aldi supermarket.
The current team is in a period of growth as the service is new. The team includes another 2 Assistant Service Managers and one Service Manager.
There are 18 people who use the service and each person has their own flat or bungalow with specialist adaptations for wheelchair users. Each person has complex physical health needs or a learning disability. The service is delivered in a personalised approach with each person having support hours to match their assessed needs.
In this role you will:
In conjunction with the Service Manager, develop and lead support services in accordance with person centred approaches and actively encourage community links and relationships.
Support and promote Avenues vision, values and operating principles.
Support and promote the F.R.E.D.I.E. principles of Fairness; Respect; Equality; Diversity; Inclusion and engagement.
Create and manage the rota of the service ensuring recruitment and line management of the staff team.
Ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the people using the service.
Demonstrate effective leadership to enable employees to provide consistent high standards of support.
Assist in developing services in accordance with the requirements and aspirations of those that use them.
Promote and role model person centred approaches.
Promote and maintain inclusive community links.
Establish and maintain effective relationships and networks, internally and externally.
Effectively monitor the financial performance of services.
Assist with the implementation of the Business Plan and other strategic objectives within area of responsibility.
Essential Requirements:
Ability to manage oneself
Business awareness
Continuous improvement and innovation
Developing and maintaining relationships
Effective leadership and management
Ability to apply a common-sense approach to suit the situation
Commercial awareness
Financial awareness
Experience of managing budgets and financial information
Sector and specialist experience
Knowledge of sector regulatory bodies and their standards
Knowledge of sector relevant legislation
Level 3 diploma or equivalent experience
Experience of working with people disadvantaged through illness and disability.
Key areas of Responsibility:
Take ownership for continuing professional development for self and team
Be an ambassador of the organisation
Work with your Service Manager to use management information to make sound business decisions
Maintain an understanding of the social care sector and how it impacts on areas of responsibility and the organisation
Assist the Service Manager to encourage a solutions led culture
Maintain a practical knowledge of policies and procedures and ensure appropriate usage
Effectively recruit, develop and manage employees in a fair and consistent manner
Work with your Service Manager to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement (through analysis of information and data provided)
Act as the Service Manager in their absence
For more details about the role, please have a look at the role profile.
Benefits you can expect:
High-quality training that supports your career development.
Paid enhanced DBS check.
Flexible working.
Shopping discount via Blue Light Card and The Benefits website.
Paid annual leave (pro rata).
Contributory pension scheme with life assurance.
Free and confidential 24/7 access to a health portal, counselling and support.
Recommend a Friend scheme – earn up to £500.
As part of our commitment to the "Disability Confident Scheme", candidates who declare a disability, and meet the key criteria for this role, will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at interview stage.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found or experiencing a high volume of applications.