At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to empower learning-disabled adults in supported living services.
- Company: Join Hft, a leading social care provider with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, flexible pay options, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Warm, inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping others live life their way.
- Qualifications: Experience in supported living and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Lead with Purpose. Inspire Independence. At Hft, a leading Social Care provider, we stand alongside learning-disabled adults, empowering them to live life their way. As a Deputy Service Manager, covering this 10 month maternity contract in Stroud, you’ll work closely with the Service Manager to create supported living services that provide genuine choice, independence, and opportunities to achieve goals. There is a chance that the role could be extended.
You’ll lead and inspire your team to deliver safe, inclusive, and person-centred support, turning everyday moments into experiences that bring dignity, skill-building, and belonging. Your leadership will have a direct, positive impact on the lives of the people we support.
What you’ll be doing
- Spend at least 20% of your time on shift, supporting your team, role-modelling great practice, and mentoring colleagues.
- Lead by example, promoting kindness, respect, and person-centred values in everyday practice.
- Coordinate and oversee person-centred support across multiple services, ensuring consistency and quality.
- Keep services safe, compliant, and focused on positive outcomes for the people we support.
- Observe and support your team’s practice, offering constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
- Encourage and develop your team, helping them grow in confidence, skills, and expertise.
- Build open, trusting relationships with families, carers, partners, and external agencies.
- Support your Service Manager by stepping in when needed, ensuring services run smoothly and consistently.
- Take part in the on-call duty manager rota and occasionally support in other services, helping the wider team as needed.
Who You Are
You’re passionate about enabling learning disabled adults to live life their way, and you bring:
- Experience managing supported living services for learning disabled adults.
- A Level 4 Lead Practitioner Diploma in Adult Care or hold a Level 3 diploma and be willing to undertake this apprenticeship qualification within an agreed reasonable timescale as part of a development plan.
- Strong leadership skills that inspire and develop your team.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach to delivering excellent services.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Life at Hft
Joining Hft means becoming part of a team that believes every learning disabled adult should have the opportunity to live life their way. We’re a social care provider with a clear focus on the people we support, and we’re committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable services. In this role, your leadership will directly influence how people achieve their goals, build independence, and engage with their communities. You’ll be part of a warm, inclusive environment where your guidance helps teams grow, take initiative, and deliver experiences that truly matter. Our values guide everything we do: we’re kind and compassionate, inclusive, positive, and solution-focused, with a clear vision for the best possible life for everyone we work alongside.
What We Offer
- A role with real impact, where your leadership empowers others.
- A warm, supportive, and inclusive team culture.
- 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays).
- Access to award-winning training and career development.
- Flexible pay options via Wagestream.
- Wellbeing support including Digital GP, counselling, and mental health services.
- Discounts on mobiles, life assurance, and referral rewards.
- Family-friendly policies and return-to-work bonuses.
Stand alongside learning disabled adults as they live life their way. Apply today and become part of a future where everyone’s life is truly their own.
Accessibility: We believe everyone should have the support they need to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process or in the role itself, Hft - proudly a Disability Confident Employer - is committed to ensuring disabled people can apply, succeed, and thrive with us.
Background checks: We’re committed to keeping the people we support safe, so this role requires a satisfactory DBS and background checks. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through the process.
Deputy service manager learning disabilities employer: Hft
At Hft, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our team to make a real difference in the lives of learning-disabled adults. Located in Stroud, this role provides not only competitive benefits such as 33 days of annual leave and access to award-winning training but also the opportunity for personal and professional growth within a compassionate environment. Join us in leading with purpose and inspiring independence, where your leadership will directly impact the community we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy service manager learning disabilities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social care sector, especially those who work with learning disabilities. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share your experiences and why you’re passionate about supporting learning-disabled adults. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and person-centred care. Think of examples from your past roles that highlight your skills and how you’ve made a difference in people’s lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Hft.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy service manager learning disabilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting learning-disabled adults shine through in your application. We want to see how you connect with our mission and values, so share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to empowering others.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Deputy Service Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, like the Level 4 Lead Practitioner Diploma, to show us you're the right fit for the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect candidate. Use it to explain how your background and values match what we’re looking for. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love to see authenticity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hft
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on Hft's values and how they align with your own. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated kindness, compassion, and inclusivity in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Deputy Service Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare to discuss your approach to leading and inspiring teams. Think of instances where you’ve successfully mentored colleagues or improved team dynamics. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability to foster a positive environment.
✨Be Person-Centred
Since the role focuses on person-centred support, come prepared with examples of how you've put individuals at the heart of your service delivery. Discuss how you’ve tailored support to meet the unique needs of learning-disabled adults, showcasing your commitment to empowering them to live life their way.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges faced in the role, and how success is measured. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals and values.
