At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community service supporting adults with mental health needs, autism, and learning 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: Join a dynamic team with clear progression opportunities across Sussex and beyond.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
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:
- £40,000 – £45,000 per annum Dependant on experience
- 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)
How to apply:
Apply with your CV. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 5 working days. Two-stage interview: competency interview with the CEO, followed by a scenario-based panel including our Responsible Individual. Unicare is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Registered Manager Mental Health, Autism & LD Services- Brighton in Shoreham-by-Sea employer: Unicare Complex Care
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Assessment and Placement Practitioners to take full ownership of the referral process from assessment to sign-off. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including a car allowance, and a supportive work culture that values direct access to clinical leadership, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those with complex care needs across Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, and South London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager Mental Health, Autism & LD Services- Brighton in Shoreham-by-Sea
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Unicare Complex Care.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Unicare Complex Care.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Unicare Complex Care, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager Mental Health, Autism & LD Services- Brighton in Shoreham-by-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Unicare Complex Care.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Unicare Complex Care.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Unicare Complex Care. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Unicare Complex Care. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicare Complex Care
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Unicare Complex Care’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
