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- Tasks: Lead daily operations, ensure compliance, and promote person-centred care.
- Company: Stepping-Stones-Services, a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, employee assistance programme, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care and supervisory experience required.
- Other info: Great career progression pathways and a supportive management team.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Deputy Service Manager is the operational lead within the service, working directly under and alongside the Service Manager to ensure full regulatory compliance, high-quality person-centred support, and effective team performance. The role is accountable for the day-to-day management, governance, and quality assurance of the service. The Deputy Service Manager acts as the Service Manager in their absence and is responsible for ensuring that:
- CQC compliance standards are met and maintained
- Documentation and care records are audit-ready at all times
- Staff are supervised, competent and performance managed
- Incidents, safeguarding and risk are robustly reported
- Quality of life outcomes for supported individuals are actively promoted and evidenced
This is a leadership and management role, not a senior support worker position.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Operational Management
- Lead and manage the day-to-day running of the service
- Act as the delegated lead in the absence of the Service Manager
- Provide clear leadership and direction to support staff
- Manage rotas effectively to ensure safe staffing levels
- Approve annual leave and manage absence proactively
- Ensure effective shift planning aligned to assessed support hours
- Maintain a visible and consistent presence within the service
- Lead team meetings and communicate service priorities clearly
- Compliance & Regulatory Governance (Core Focus)
- The Deputy Service Manager is directly accountable for ensuring the service is inspection-ready at all times.
- Work in line with CQC regulations and current legislation
- Ensure all daily records meet legal and regulatory standards
- Complete and oversee:
- Weekly medication audits
- Weekly compliance checks
- Monthly service audits
- Ensure care plans and risk assessments are accurate and up to date
- Maintain audit trackers and ensure actions are completed
- Ensure accurate and timely incident, complaint and safeguarding reporting
- Support RADAR and incident management systems
- Conduct low-level investigations
- Prepare compliance data for Service Manager review
- Support CQC inspections and provide evidence when required
- Quality of Life & Person-Centred Practice
- Promote and audit person-centred care
- Support individuals to exercise choice and independence
- Attend MDT and review meetings
- Monitor and evidence quality of life improvements
- Conduct spot checks to ensure dignity and respect
- Ensure MCA and DoLS compliance is embedded
- Staff Management & Performance Accountability
- Conduct supervisions (minimum every 3 months)
- Complete annual appraisals
- Carry out competency assessments and observations
- Identify training needs and ensure compliance
- Lead disciplinary and performance processes
- Address team issues promptly
- Promote a culture of accountability and high standards
- Support recruitment and induction
- Risk, Safeguarding & Incident Management
- Complete and review risk assessments
- Ensure behavioural support strategies are followed
- Report and elevate safeguarding concerns
- Investigate incidents and implement action plans
- Analyse trends and implement preventative measures
- Ensure health and safety compliance
- Administration & Reporting
- Produce monthly service performance reports
- Maintain accurate staffing and rota records
- Report KPIs weekly to the Service Manager
- Ensure all documentation is audit-ready
Accountability Framework
Performance will be measured against:
- CQC readiness and audit scores
- Supervision compliance rate (100%)
- Training compliance rate (minimum 95%)
- Incident response quality and timeliness
- Reduction in medication errors
- Care plan and risk assessment compliance (100%)
- Staff turnover and sickness levels
- Service user quality of life outcomes
Essential Requirements
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards)
- 2–3 years supervisory experience in supported living
- Strong knowledge of:
- CQC Regulations
- Health & Social Care Act
- MCA & DoLS
- Safeguarding frameworks
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and accountability
- Highly organised and process-driven
- Compliance-focused mindset
- Confident managing difficult conversations
- Proactive and solution-oriented
- Calm under pressure
- High professional standards
Employee Benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme via Wellbeing Matters
- Reward Gateway retail discounts platform
- £500 Refer-a-Friend Scheme
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive management and career progression pathways
Deputy Service Manager in Rochdale employer: Choices Homecare LTD
Contact Detail:
Choices Homecare LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Service Manager in Rochdale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and social care sector. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Deputy Service Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for management roles in supported living and practice your responses. We want you to showcase your leadership skills and compliance knowledge, so be ready to share examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Deputy Service Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates. Let’s get you that Deputy Service Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Manager in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Service Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in leadership, compliance, and person-centred care to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Use specific examples from your past roles that reflect your ability to manage teams and ensure compliance.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Choices Homecare LTD
✨Know Your Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on CQC regulations and the Health & Social Care Act. Being able to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain high standards will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team or managed staff in the past. Highlight your experience with supervisions, appraisals, and how you've handled difficult conversations. This will demonstrate your capability as a Deputy Service Manager.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as managing incidents or safeguarding concerns. Practise how you would respond to these situations, as it shows your proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
✨Demonstrate Person-Centred Care
Be prepared to discuss how you promote quality of life and person-centred practices. Share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in exercising choice and independence, as this is key to the role.