Deputy Manager Scopwick

Location: Heath Farm - Scopwick, Lincolnshire

Sector: Learning Disabilities & Autism

Salary: Up to £29,994 plus Lifeways Group benefits

Hours: Monday-to-Friday, 9am-5pm (with flexibility around starting/finishing hours)

On-call: Approximately 2 weeks per year

Make a real difference at The Oaks at Heath Farm. We're looking for an experienced and passionate Deputy Manager to join the team at The Oaks at Heath Farm, a specialist day service supporting people with autism and learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, independent lives. The Oaks is much more than a traditional day service. It is a welcoming activity centre where the people we support can build confidence, develop life skills, explore their interests and be part of their local community.

About the role:

• As Deputy Manager, you'll work closely with the experienced Service Manager and Area Manager to provide strong day-to-day leadership and ensure the people we support receive high-quality, person-centred support.
• This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced care professional who enjoys being hands-on, visible and involved, while also wanting to develop their leadership experience and progress towards Service Manager level.
• The service is open Monday to Saturday, 7:30am-6:00pm, while this role is worked Monday to Friday, generally 9am-5pm, with flexibility where required.
• You'll also participate in approximately two weeks of on-call cover per year.
• Due to the rural location and limited public transport, a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is highly desirable.

You’ll be a leader who:

• Has strong experience within health and social care, ideally supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and/or complex needs.
• Is passionate about helping people develop independence, confidence and meaningful life skills.
• Understands CQC requirements, quality standards and effective governance.
• Can confidently lead, motivate and develop a team.
• Is proactive, hands-on and leads by example.
• Builds positive relationships with the people we support, families, colleagues and professionals.

In this role, you will:

• Support the Service Manager with the effective day-to-day running of The Oaks.
• Lead, coach and motivate colleagues to deliver high-quality, person-centred support.
• Help create an environment where people feel empowered to make choices, try new things and achieve their goals.
• Support the planning and delivery of meaningful activities that promote independence and community involvement.
• Support quality and governance processes and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Assist with audits, care planning, safeguarding and compliance activity.
• Build positive relationships with families, professionals and the wider community.
• Support recruitment, induction, supervision and performance management.
• Help create a positive culture where colleagues feel valued and supported.
• Step up and take responsibility for the service in the Service Manager's absence.

What you’ll bring:

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care.
• Strong experience in operational and people management within health and social care.
• Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and/or complex needs.
• A good understanding of CQC standards and quality care delivery.
• Strong communication, organisation and leadership skills.
• A valid UK driving licence and, ideally, access to a vehicle due to the rural location and limited public transport.
• A genuine passion for helping people live fulfilling and more independent lives.

Why The Oaks? At Heath Farm, there is a real sense of community. The wider service has a wealth of experience, with managers who have supported the people living and working across the service for many years. The Oaks is a place where no two days need to look the same. Whether that's supporting someone to learn a new life skill, helping them access an activity in the community, encouraging them to try something new or simply creating a positive day, your leadership can have a genuine impact.

If you're an experienced care professional who wants to be part of a supportive team and make a meaningful difference to the lives of people with autism and learning disabilities, we'd love to hear from you.

At Lifeways, you'll get:

• Financial wellbeing tools with Stream - real-time pay tracking, savings features and instant access to earned pay when you need it.
• Leadership development programmes and clear progression pathways.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Matched contribution company pension scheme.
• Wellbeing resources and mental health support.
• Reward and Recognition Schemes.
• Discounts on shopping, tech, travel and more through CHOICE Rewards.

As a Deputy Manager at Lifeways, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day - supporting your team to create an environment where people can thrive, build independence and achieve their goals.