At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to empower learning-disabled adults and create meaningful support services.
- Company: Hft, a leading Social Care provider focused on independence and choice.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, award-winning training, flexible pay options, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a warm, inclusive team dedicated to delivering high-quality, sustainable services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while fostering independence and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing residential services and strong leadership skills.
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, you’ll work closely with the Service Manager to create residential services that provide genuine choice, independence, and opportunities to achieve goals. 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 residential 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 in Edenbridge employer: Hft
At Hft, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering learning-disabled adults to live life their way. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering award-winning training and flexible pay options, alongside a generous annual leave package. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support, while enjoying a warm team environment that values kindness, respect, and continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Service Manager in Edenbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Hft's values and mission. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for, showing that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've inspired your team or made a positive impact. We want to hear about those moments that showcase your skills and passion for empowering others.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask insightful questions during your interview! Show your interest in the role by asking about their approach to person-centred support or how they measure success in their services. It’ll make you stand out as someone who’s genuinely invested.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Manager in Edenbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting learning-disabled adults shine through. 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 Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Deputy Service Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing residential services and how your leadership style aligns with our person-centred approach. We love seeing candidates who take the time to match their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Hft!
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, respect, and person-centred values in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the 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 Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenging situations. Prepare for scenarios related to supporting learning-disabled adults and managing residential services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
