At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community service supporting adults with mental health needs and disabilities.
- Company: Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd, dedicated to empowering individuals in their own homes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, pension scheme, and funded professional development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career progression as Unicare expands its community services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care and management experience in adult social care.
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd is recruiting a CQC Registered Manager to lead our Sussex Community Service — a domiciliary and outreach service supporting adults with mental health needs, autism, and learning disabilities to live well in their own homes across Sussex.
This is a CQC Registered Manager position. The successful candidate will be named on the CQC registration and will hold full operational, regulatory, and clinical governance accountability for the service, reporting to the Responsible Individual. This is not a residential or supported living manager role. You will be managing community-based packages — variable hours, dispersed service users, person-centred outcomes — which requires a different operational mindset to a building-based service.
What you'll be doing:
- Holding CQC registration for the Sussex Community Service and ensuring full compliance with the Fundamental Standards (Regulations 9–20A)
- Leading a dispersed community workforce of support workers, mental health support workers, and team leads operating across Sussex
- Managing referrals, assessments, and package set-up with Sussex commissioners, ICBs, and continuing healthcare teams
- Owning safeguarding, incident management, medication oversight, and quality assurance for all community packages
- Developing and applying PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) approaches in partnership with our in-house CPN/PBS Specialist
- Working alongside families, advocates, social workers, CMHTs, and community LD teams
- Driving service growth — new referrals, capacity planning, commissioner relationships, fee review submissions
- Preparing the service for and leading on CQC inspection
What we're looking for:
Essential:
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (or equivalent) — held or actively working towards
- Minimum 2 years' management experience in adult social care
- Proven experience supporting adults with mental health needs, autism, and/or learning disabilities in community / supported living / domiciliary settings (not residential care home only)
- Working knowledge of CQC Fundamental Standards, MCA 2005, Care Act 2014, and the LD/autism statutory guidance
- Understanding of PBS principles and trauma-informed practice
- Confident managing safeguarding, incidents, and complaints under Reg 13 / LADO / Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board procedures
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (community service — non-negotiable)
- Eligible to work in the UK (Unicare cannot sponsor for this role)
Desirable:
- Existing CQC Registered Manager status (or previous registration)
- Oliver McGowan Tier 2 trained
- Experience with Sussex commissioners (West Sussex CC, East Sussex CC, Brighton & Hove CC, NHS Sussex ICB)
- PBS Coach / PBS Practitioner qualification
- Experience setting up new community packages from referral to delivery
What we offer:
- £38,000 – £40,000 per annum DOE
- 28 days' annual leave including bank holidays, rising with service
- Pension scheme
- Funded Level 5 completion if working towards
- Funded CPD: Oliver McGowan Tier 2, PBS, MCA/DoLS, safeguarding lead
- Mileage at HMRC rate
- Clear progression — Unicare is scaling its community offer across Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire and South London
- Direct working relationship with two founder-CEOs and an in-house clinical team (CPN/PBS Specialist)
Registered Manager - Sussex in Brighton employer: Unicare Complex Care
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults with mental health needs, autism, and learning disabilities. With competitive pay, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, including funded qualifications, employees can thrive while contributing to meaningful community-based care across Sussex. The company's commitment to employee growth and direct collaboration with leadership ensures a fulfilling career path in a rapidly expanding service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager - Sussex in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and social care sector, especially those who know about community services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on CQC regulations and community service management. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting adults with mental health needs and disabilities. Share specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills in managing community-based services and working with diverse teams.
✨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 mission to make a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager - Sussex in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Registered Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing community-based services and your understanding of CQC regulations. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your management experience in adult social care, especially with mental health needs and learning disabilities. We love seeing specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity and organisation!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicare Complex Care
✨Know Your CQC Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in the CQC Fundamental Standards. Brush up on Regulations 9–20A and be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous roles. This shows you understand the regulatory landscape and are prepared to take on the responsibilities of a Registered Manager.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your management experience in adult social care, especially in community settings. Talk about how you've led teams, managed incidents, and ensured quality assurance. This will demonstrate your capability to lead a dispersed workforce effectively.
✨Understand PBS Principles
Familiarise yourself with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches and trauma-informed practices. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these principles in your work with adults with mental health needs, autism, or learning disabilities. This will show your commitment to person-centred outcomes.
✨Engage with Local Knowledge
If you have experience working with Sussex commissioners or local healthcare teams, make sure to mention it. Discussing your understanding of local services and relationships can set you apart as a candidate who is ready to hit the ground running.
