At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance and quality care in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Stepping-Stones Services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care and supervisory experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Deputy Service Manager is the operational lead within the service, working directly under and alongside the Service Manager to ensure full regulatory compliance, high‑quality person‑centred support, and effective team performance. The role is accountable for the day‑to‑day management, governance, and quality assurance of the service. The Deputy Service Manager acts as the Service Manager in their absence and is responsible for ensuring that:
- CQC compliance standards are met and maintained;
- documentation and care records are audit‑ready at all times;
- staff are supervised, competent, and performance‑managed;
- incidents, safeguarding and risk are robustly reported;
- quality of life outcomes for supported individuals are actively promoted and evidenced.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Operational Management
- Lead and manage the day‑to‑day running of the service
- Act as the delegated lead in the absence of the Service Manager
- Provide clear leadership and direction to support staff
- Manage rotas effectively to ensure safe staffing levels
- Approve annual leave and manage absence proactively
- Ensure effective shift planning aligned to assessed support hours
- Maintain a visible and consistent presence within the service
- Lead team meetings and communicate service priorities clearly
- Compliance & Regulatory Governance (Core Focus)
- Work in line with CQC regulations and current legislation
- Ensure all daily records meet legal and regulatory standards
- Complete and oversee:
- Weekly medication audits
- Weekly compliance checks
- Monthly service audits
- Ensure care plans and risk assessments are accurate and up to date
- Maintain audit trackers and ensure actions are completed
- Ensure accurate and timely incident, complaint and safeguarding reporting
- Support RADAR and incident management systems
- Conduct low‑level investigations
- Prepare compliance data for Service Manager review
- Support CQC inspections and provide evidence when required
- Quality of Life & Person‑Centred Practice
- Promote and audit person‑centred care
- Support individuals to exercise choice and independence
- Attend MDT and review meetings
- Monitor and evidence quality of life improvements
- Conduct spot checks to ensure dignity and respect
- Ensure MCA and DoLS compliance is embedded
- Staff Management & Performance Accountability
- Conduct supervisions (minimum every 3 months)
- Complete annual appraisals
- Carry out competency assessments and observations
- Identify training needs and ensure compliance
- Lead disciplinary and performance processes
- Address team issues promptly
- Promote a culture of accountability and high standards
- Support recruitment and induction
- Risk, Safeguarding & Incident Management
- Complete and review risk assessments
- Ensure behavioural support strategies are followed
- Report and upscale safeguarding concerns
- Investigate incidents and implement action plans
- Analyse trends and implement preventative measures
- Ensure health and safety compliance
- Administration & Reporting
- Produce monthly service performance reports
- Maintain accurate staffing and rota records
- Report KPIs weekly to the Service Manager
- Ensure all documentation is audit‑ready
Accountability Framework
Performance will be measured against:
- CQC readiness and audit scores
- Supervision compliance rate (100%)
- Training compliance rate (minimum 95%)
- Incident response quality and timeliness
- Reduction in medication errors
- Care plan and risk assessment compliance (100%)
- Staff turnover and sickness levels
- Service user quality of life outcomes
Essential Requirements
- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards)
- 2–3 years supervisory experience in supported living
- Strong knowledge of:
- CQC Regulations
- Health & Social Care Act
- MCA & DoLS
- Safeguarding frameworks
- Experience in audits and compliance management
- Experience conducting supervisions and performance management
- IT literate
- Full UK driving licence
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and accountability
- Highly organised and process‑driven
- Compliance‑focused mindset
- Confident managing difficult conversations
- Proactive and solution‑oriented
- Calm under pressure
- High professional standards
Employee Benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme via Wellbeing Matters
- Reward Gateway retail discounts platform
- £500 Refer‑a‑Friend Scheme
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive management and career progression pathways
Deputy Service Manager: Lead in Compliance & Quality Care in Rochdale employer: Optimo Care Group
Stepping-Stones Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a strong focus on compliance and quality care, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities, a supportive management team, and a culture that promotes accountability and high standards. Located in a vibrant community, this role offers meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of individuals, making it a rewarding place to build a career in health and social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Service Manager: Lead in Compliance & Quality Care in Rochdale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and social care sector. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Deputy Service Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on CQC regulations and compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured quality care in past roles. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common interview questions related to leadership and operational management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with audits and compliance management during interviews. Bring examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous positions. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and your commitment to quality care.
✨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 proactive about their job search. So, get that application in and let’s get you one step closer to landing that Deputy Service Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Manager: Lead in Compliance & Quality Care in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in compliance and quality care. We want to see how your skills align with the Deputy Service Manager role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Deputy Service Manager, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate your experience in managing teams and ensuring high standards of care. Share specific examples where you’ve led a team or improved service delivery.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. Highlight your qualifications and experiences that directly relate to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimo Care Group
✨Know Your Compliance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on CQC regulations and the Health & Social Care Act before your interview. Being able to discuss how you would ensure compliance and quality care will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to manage staff performance and promote a culture of accountability, as this is crucial for the Deputy Service Manager role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like handling incidents or safeguarding concerns. Think through your approach to these scenarios and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong organisational abilities, come prepared with examples of how you've managed rotas, audits, or compliance checks in previous positions. This will help illustrate your process-driven mindset.
