Deputy Manager in England

As Deputy Manager you will support the Registered/Service Manager to deliver safe, high-quality, person-centred care for people with learning disabilities, autism, challenging behaviour and complex care needs. This is a field-based role with regular service visits, staff supervision in the community, quality monitoring, and hands-on problem solving to keep standards high and people safe.

Key Responsibilities

• Service delivery and quality
  • Support the Manager to ensure the service meets CQC Fundamental Standards and internal quality frameworks.
  • Complete regular field visits to people supported (home/supported living/community settings) to review care delivery and outcomes.
  • Carry out quality audits (care plans, daily notes, MAR charts/medication processes, incident records, risk assessments).
  • Identify risks early, take immediate action where needed, and escalate appropriately.
  • Lead and embed Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and proactive strategies to reduce incidents and restrictive practice.
  • Ensure robust risk assessments are completed and updated (behaviour, community access, falls, medication, safeguarding, environment, lone working).
• People management
  • Support recruitment, onboarding and retention of high-quality staff.
  • Provide supervision, coaching and competency checks for support workers in the field.
  • Lead team briefings and support staff development (mandatory training, best practice, performance improvement).
  • Support rota coordination to maintain safe staffing levels and continuity of care.
  • Support the Manager with absence management, conduct/performance issues and recognition.
• Complex needs and clinical/health coordination
  • Ensure care is delivered in line with care plans, behaviour support plans, clinical guidance and mental capacity decisions.
  • Work closely with families, advocates and professionals (GP, LD nurses, OT, SALT, psychology, social workers).
  • Support the coordination of complex care tasks (where applicable): epilepsy management, PEG care, diabetes, catheter/stoma care, pressure area care, moving & handling, oxygen, etc.
  • Promote dignity, independence, active support and meaningful community participation.
• Safeguarding, compliance and incident management
  • Act as a safeguarding lead on shift/for the area: recognise, respond, report and document concerns.
  • Manage and review incidents including challenging behaviour, accidents, near misses, medication errors and complaints.
  • Ensure high-quality documentation and timely reporting to internal governance and external bodies when required.
  • Support investigations and implement learning outcomes to prevent recurrence.
• Operational cover
  • Deputise for the Manager during absence, ensuring continuity and decision-making.
  • Participate in an on-call rota (if required by the service).
  • Support service growth, referrals, assessments and transition planning where applicable.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience supporting people with learning disabilities/autism, challenging behaviour, and/or complex care.
• Experience in a senior support / team leader / deputy role with responsibility for quality and staff support.
• Strong understanding of PBS, de-escalation, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Good knowledge of safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, and person-centred planning.
• Confident completing audits, writing clear reports, and maintaining high standards of documentation.
• Able to work independently in the community, make sound decisions, and escalate appropriately.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (field role with travel between sites/visits).
• Enhanced DBS (and suitable references/right to work).

Desirable

• Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care/Health & Social Care (or equivalent) and/or working towards Level 5 Leadership & Management.
• PBS training, MAPA/CPI or equivalent, and experience reducing restrictive practices.
• Experience supporting regulated services and preparing for inspections.
• Experience working with commissioners/social workers and multi-disciplinary teams.

Working Pattern

• Full-time, primarily field-based (visits across services/locations).
• Flexibility required (some early/late/weekend working depending on service needs).
• On-call participation may be required.

What Good Looks Like in This Role

• People supported have stable routines, improved outcomes, and fewer incidents.
• Staff feel coached, accountable, and confident—especially with complex behaviours.
• Audits are tight, actions are closed, and compliance is consistently strong.
• Problems are spotted early in the field, not discovered later in the office.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks including Enhanced DBS, references, and right to work checks.