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- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives and manage service operations.
- Company: Join Southdown, a not-for-profit leader in care and support services across Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health cashback scheme, interest-free loans, and 22 days paid holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Management experience in care services and a passion for supporting diverse needs.
- Other info: Ongoing training provided, with opportunities for career progression and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.
Location: Bell Lane, Lewes (covering services across the whole of Sussex)
Salary: £35,129 + £1000 Essential car user allowance + mileage allowance
Hours: 37 per week, rostered - including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
Contract: 12 Month Fixed Term
Are you seeking an opportunity to broaden your learning disability (LD) leadership experience across the range of our LD services? Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and where your support helps others live more independently and with dignity? We're looking for a compassionate and adaptable Relief Service Manager to join our dedicated team.
Who are we:
Southdown is a not-for-profit provider of accommodation, care and support for 160 adults with learning and physical disabilities in our 23 supported living services and 4 residential care homes across Sussex.
What you'll be doing:
As a Relief Service Manager you will temporarily take on the responsibilities of a full-time Service Manager when the permanent manager is absent due to leave, sickness, or other reasons. This may involve a combination of service management responsibilities and direct support delivery. You will oversee daily operations, manage staff, and maintain operational standards in a specific location, stepping in for a defined period to maintain a high standard of practice, ensuring the service provides excellent support and maximises choice, independence and inclusion for all clients. You will be flexible and adaptable as you will be required to provide cover for any Learning Disabilities service located throughout Sussex.
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 22 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (or paid time in lieu for any bank holidays worked).
Knowledge, skills and experience
What you need for the role:
- Passion for leading teams that deliver outstanding care.
- Management experience in an LD supported living service or care home, including safeguarding, risk and health & safety management.
- Strong knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, and safeguarding.
- Working knowledge of Workforce (our e-Rostering system), Assure (our H&S recording system), and RIMES (our behaviour monitoring system) or ability to learn very quickly.
- Experience managing an operational service budget, including resource management to ensure staffing levels meet client needs while keeping within budget constraints.
- Skilled in comprehensive client support, including medical management and accurate medication handling and record-keeping.
- Experience supporting individuals with diverse physical and cognitive needs, including learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
- Confident in managing challenging behaviours and distress.
- Proven staff management skills: supervision, coaching, recruitment, and rostering.
- Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
- Patient and empathetic approach.
- Enhanced DBS check.
- An understanding of Makaton or non-verbal communication.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (with business insurance).
What would be nice:
- Experience managing a learning disabilities service with a good or outstanding CQC rating.
Training:
You will receive ongoing training and coaching from your manager, as well as specific training courses throughout the year to help you develop your management skills and foster upwards career progression. Support will be provided for you to gain your Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
How to apply:
Please click on the Apply Now button and fill out our simple one-page application form. Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Relief Service Manager in Lewes employer: Southdown
Contact Detail:
Southdown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Service Manager in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the learning disabilities sector, 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 Southdown and understanding their values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to support individuals with learning disabilities. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and care management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of those we support.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Service Manager in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting people with learning disabilities shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in management and care. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in leading teams and delivering outstanding care.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Relief Service Manager role.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! If you’re interested in joining our team, apply through our website as soon as you can. This way, you won’t miss out if we receive a lot of applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of learning disabilities and the specific services offered by Southdown. Familiarise yourself with Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, and the Mental Capacity Act. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a service. Highlight your ability to handle challenging behaviours and how you've supported individuals with diverse needs. This is your chance to demonstrate your management experience in action!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you'd handle specific situations, such as managing staff during a crisis or ensuring client safety. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and have clear, structured responses ready. This will help you convey your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
