Deputy Manager

We are currently looking for a compassionate, patient, and resilient Deputy Manager to join our team for 2 of our services located in Farnborough. Your role will involve promoting independence, enhancing quality of life, and providing practical and emotional support tailored to each person's needs. We are looking for someone with experience in supporting people in their own Supported Living Residence.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Home Manager and actively participate in the strategic development of the residence.
• Have responsibility for the management of the residence in the absence of the Home Manager.
• Develop the service to meet the Fundamental Standards of Care and the Single Assessment Framework, ensuring compliance with the Care Quality Commission framework.
• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of the people we support, promoting independence, dignity and choice in all aspects of their lives.
• Support the Home Manager with the recruitment process and the management of the staff team.
• Work in a professional non-discriminatory manner at all times.
• Adhere to the principles of GDPR and Confidentiality at all times.
• Comply with and supervise the implementation of the most recent pandemic guidelines.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Care and Well-being of People We Support: Ensure that Care Plans, Risk Assessments, Guidelines, Hospital and Dental Passports are developed with involvement from the people we support and their families where possible; review and monitor these documents to ensure they are current and correct.
• Ensure each person has a comprehensive, individualised and structured programme of relevant activities, in-house and in the community, and monitor delivery; seek new opportunities in leisure, recreation and education for clients.
• Ensure care practices and procedures are adhered to in line with care plans, risk assessments, guidelines and organisational policies.
• Involve people we support in choosing and planning menus; provide nutrition and varied diets; participate in shopping and meal preparation as able; adhere to all legislation relating to food and hygiene.
• Implement Health Action Plans; liaise with medical and other professionals; ensure specialist services are accessed when necessary.
• Be responsible for ordering, storing, recording, auditing and administration of prescribed medications in conjunction with the Administrations of Medicines Policy and current legislation.
• Have a good working knowledge of the Hampshire Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults Framework and manage safeguarding issues accordingly.
• Ensure monthly People We Support Meetings take place, are recorded and actioned.
• Participate in assessment, selection and admission for all new individuals moving into the home.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with families, Care Managers and other professionals.
• Provide support to the people we support in a respectful, inclusive, and non-judgmental manner, in line with anti-discriminatory practice.
• Treat the people we support and colleagues with dignity, respect and consideration.

• Staff Management and Leadership: Support the Home Manager with recruitment, induction, training, supervision and appraisal of staff.
• Communicate and lead the staff effectively, ensuring they are supported and have adequate resources to perform to the required standard.
• Support the Manager in keeping the training matrix current.
• Ensure the home unit is adequately staffed at all times and that the needs of each person are met.

• Administration: Maintain efficient administrative systems in accordance with statutory professional and organisational policies, and ensure client confidentiality is maintained at all times.

• Health and Safety: Support the Manager with all aspects of Health and Safety / COSHH / Environmental Risk assessments.
• Implement and monitor health and safety documentation, environmental risk assessments, including food safety and storage and cleanliness.
• Uphold procedures for emergencies, including fire, accidents and missing persons; be responsible for health and safety of all staff, clients and visitors in accordance with Health & Safety at Work Act and organisational policies.
• Assist with budgeting, financial monitoring and spending for the unit; work within the budget and control expenditure (e.g., equipment and food).
• Communicate effectively with all staff, contractors, professionals and families; meet regularly with the Home Manager.

Note: This job description outlines many duties but is not comprehensive; additional duties may be required as agreed with the Home Manager.

Requirements

• Essential: 3 years experience in a senior role within the learning disability field.
• Experience of staff management, supervision, disciplinary procedures and training.
• Additional managerial responsibilities undertaken for the Home (e.g., development of policies/procedures, Health and Safety officer).
• Ability to take total responsibility for the implementation of the medication system.
• Working knowledge of the Care Standards Act 2000.

Qualifications

• All statutory and agreed service specific training completed.
• Medication training.
• Service specific training in autism, challenging behaviour, communication needs, mental health, trauma informed care.
• Health and Safety Knowledge.

Special Skills

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the Care Standards Act 2000.
• Ability to manage conflict, work under pressure, negotiate, and manage time effectively.

Desirable

• Awareness of CQC compliance requirements for care settings.
• Experience using digital facilities management systems or compliance tracking software.
• 4 years experience in a senior role within the Learning Disability Field.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel).
• Relevant managerial training (e.g., Certificate in Management).
• Full clean driving license.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and proactive; strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Respectful and empathetic approach in sensitive care environments.
• Reliable, trustworthy, and committed to high safety and service standards.
• Organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and holiday entitlement.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance (if applicable).
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Pension scheme and other staff benefits.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and references.