At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small residential service and support nearby services with hands-on leadership.
- Company: Community Integrated Care, one of the UK's largest social care charities.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, paid DBS, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values compassion, growth, and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in social care and a Level 5 qualification (or working towards).
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Community Integrated Care, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest and most respected social care charities. Our purpose is simple — to support people to live the Best Lives Possible — and we know that starts with our colleagues and our leaders. As a Service Leader Level 1 (Deputy Manager), you’ll take a key role in leading a small residential service in Portsmouth, as well as supporting two nearby services when the Registered Manager is on leave. This is a visible, hands-on leadership role, where your presence, energy and approach will have a real impact every single day.
Responsibilities
- Lead a small residential service in Portsmouth and provide support to two nearby services when the Registered Manager is on leave.
- Create an environment where support is thoughtful, proactive and tailored to each individual.
- Lead a team to be confident, calm and consistent, especially during challenging moments, and ensure care is delivered with people rather than for them.
- Lead from the front to build strong connections, support team development, and keep the home warm, safe and positive.
- Provide leadership across the area to maintain strong, consistent management.
What’s in it for you
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Flexible working patterns - no on-call requirement
- Paid DBS
- Pension scheme
- Shopping discounts & free Blue Light Card
- Recommend a Friend bonus scheme
- Wellbeing support & investment in you
- Ongoing leadership development & progression opportunities
- Supportive, approachable senior leaders who genuinely have your back
We reinvest everything back into our people and services, and through our Best Lives, Bolder strategy, we are continuing to grow, evolve and improve — with our leaders at the centre of that journey.
Service context
You’ll be leading a small, welcoming home in Portsmouth, supporting four individuals over the age of 65 who each bring their own personalities, humour and ways of experiencing the world. This is a home where relationships are at the heart of everything — it’s about truly understanding each person, knowing what brings them comfort and joy, and supporting them to feel safe, valued and respected in their everyday lives. Each person is different, with their own routines, preferences and emotional needs. Some may need gentle encouragement to engage with the day and enjoy their community, while others benefit from reassurance, consistency and a calm approach at times when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated. There are moments of laughter, strong characters, shared interests and of course a real appreciation for good food and familiar routines.
As a Service Leader, you’ll create an environment where support is thoughtful, proactive and tailored to each individual. You’ll lead a team who are confident, calm and consistent, especially during more challenging moments, and who understand the importance of doing things without them rather than for them.
Role style
This is a hands-on role where you’ll lead from the front — building strong connections, supporting your team to grow, and ensuring the home remains warm, safe and positive. Alongside your main service, you’ll also provide support to nearby services when needed, helping to maintain strong, consistent leadership across the area. This role is about more than management — it’s about leading with compassion, strength and consistency.
We’re looking for someone
- Leadership experience within social care
- A Level 5 qualification (or working towards)
- Strong knowledge of CQC standards and compliance
- Experience supporting people with complex emotional and behavioural needs
You’ll be someone who is
- Calm under pressure and confident in challenging situations
- A strong communicator who builds trust quickly
- Compassionate but able to set clear, consistent boundaries
- Motivating and supportive to your team
- Proactive, organised and solutions-focused
Most importantly, you’ll understand that great leadership is about creating the right environment — where both people we support and colleagues feel safe, valued and able to thrive.
If you have any questions beforehand, please reach out to Natasha.Palliser@c-i-c.co.uk / 07816 266959.
At Community Integrated Care, we’re committed to being a truly inclusive employer where everyone feels they belong. Our A Place I Belong strategy sets out our promises to build a fair, diverse, and welcoming workplace — one that reflects the communities we serve and celebrates every individual’s uniqueness. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer.
Service Leader in Portsmouth employer: Community Integrated Care
Community Integrated Care is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Portsmouth. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, ongoing leadership development, and a commitment to reinvesting in our people, we empower our Service Leaders to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support. Our culture prioritises compassion, collaboration, and personal growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued and equipped to thrive in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Leader in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media and website to see how they interact with their community. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team through challenges or made a positive impact. This will help you demonstrate your experience and fit for the Service Leader role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to ask insightful questions during your interview. This shows you're engaged and serious about the role. Ask about their approach to team development or how they support their staff's wellbeing — it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Leader in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care:When writing your application, let your passion for social care shine through. We want to see how much you care about supporting individuals and creating a positive environment for both them and your team.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social care, especially any leadership roles. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead with compassion and confidence.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity, so let us know what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our mission of helping people live their best lives.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Integrated Care
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Community Integrated Care. Understand their mission, values, and the specific services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
As a Service Leader, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences leading teams, especially in challenging situations. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team and created a positive environment, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Understanding of Individual Needs
Highlight your experience working with individuals who have complex emotional and behavioural needs. Discuss how you tailor your support to meet each person's unique preferences and routines, demonstrating that you can create a thoughtful and proactive environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team's dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the organisation measures success in providing care. It shows you're engaged and serious about contributing to their mission.
