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- Tasks: Lead a new supported living service for a young person with complex autism needs.
- Company: Join SDR Care, a growing family-owned provider dedicated to kindness and respect.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mileage allowance, private medical cover, and 23 days holiday.
- Why this job: Shape a brand-new service and make a real difference in someone's life.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex autism support and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 (depending on experience)
Location: The service will be in East Sussex. Candidates should be local or able to commute reliably.
Hours: 40 hours per week. Driving is a key part of this role, ensuring our service users receive the support they need.
SDR is a growing, family-owned provider expanding its specialist supported living services. We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead a brand-new, bespoke service supporting a young person with complex needs in East Sussex. This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a service from the ground up – establishing culture, standards, and a skilled team from day one.
The Role
You will manage a newly developed supported living service for a young individual with:
- Autism with features of demand avoidance
- A moderate learning disability
- Episodes of dysregulated behaviour
- A history of significant distress which has, at times, resulted in property damage
This role requires calm, therapeutic leadership within a high-need environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, recruit, and induct a brand-new staff team
- Establish a safe, structured, and person-centred environment
- Support staff in de-escalation and positive behaviour approaches
- Uphold safeguarding and Mental Capacity Act principles
- Be primarily supernumerary while also forming part of the rota
- The service will initially operate with a 3:1 staffing ratio during the day and two waking night staff. Future staffing levels will be reviewed based on how well the individual settles.
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience managing or supporting individuals with complex autism and dysregulated behaviours
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and understanding of mental capacity
- Experience in environments where physical intervention may be required
- Resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to remain calm under pressure
- Proven leadership in high-need or intensive support settings
- Previous management experience preferred; experienced Deputy Managers (3+ years in similar environments) will be considered
- Supported living experience desirable
Our Values
At SDR Care, we live by Kindness, Dignity & Respect, Calmness, Creativity, and Responsibility. If these values resonate with you, you'll fit right in with our team!
What We Offer
- Mileage Allowance
- Pension & Benefits Package, including private medical cover
- 23 Days Holiday – Plus usual
Supported Living Manager | Complex Autism Support in Eastbourne employer: South Downs Residential Group Limited
Contact Detail:
South Downs Residential Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Living Manager | Complex Autism Support in Eastbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supported living sector, especially those who have experience with autism support. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to managing complex needs. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-need environments. This will demonstrate your ability to create a calm and structured atmosphere.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our family at SDR Care.
We think you need these skills to ace Supported Living Manager | Complex Autism Support in Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with complex autism support. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Supported Living Manager, your leadership experience is crucial. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-need environments. We love to see how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles!
Emphasise Your Values: At SDR Care, we value kindness, dignity, and respect. Make sure to reflect these values in your application. Tell us how you embody these principles in your work and how they guide your approach to supporting individuals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Downs Residential Group Limited
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Supported Living Manager. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of individuals with complex autism and dysregulated behaviours. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities in high-need environments. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams, supported staff in challenging situations, and created a positive culture. This is crucial for building a new service from the ground up.
✨Emphasise Your Calmness Under Pressure
Given the nature of the role, it's essential to convey your ability to remain calm and collected in stressful situations. Share specific instances where you've effectively de-escalated challenging behaviours or maintained a therapeutic environment.
✨Align with Their Values
SDR Care values kindness, dignity, respect, calmness, creativity, and responsibility. Reflect on how these values resonate with you and prepare to discuss how you embody them in your work. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.