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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide high-quality, person-centred support in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a supportive organisation dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, ongoing training, and a rewarding work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in the care sector.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care and supervisory experience required.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive management team.
The predicted salary is between 30160 - 30160 £ 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 and acts as the Service Manager in their absence. This is a leadership and management role, not a senior support worker position.
Key Responsibilities
- 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 and 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 and conduct low-level investigations
- Prepare compliance data for Service Manager review and support CQC inspections
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 elevate 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
- 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
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 discount platform
- £500 Refer-a-Friend Scheme
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive management and career progression pathways
Deputy Service Manager in Stretford employer: Optimo Care Group
Contact Detail:
Optimo Care Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Service Manager in Stretford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 researching the company and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around compliance and person-centred care. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your leadership and management experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Deputy Service Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Manager in Stretford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Service Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in leadership, compliance, and person-centred care to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our key competencies. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your strong leadership and organisational abilities.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your passion for the role shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimo Care Group
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with CQC regulations and the Health & Social Care Act. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the compliance aspect of the role, which is crucial for a Deputy Service Manager.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you provided clear direction or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage and motivate support staff effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to safeguarding or compliance. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and how you would ensure high-quality person-centred care.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Discuss your experience with managing rotas and conducting audits. Be prepared to explain how you maintain accurate records and ensure compliance, as this is key to the operational management aspect of the role.