Location: Halstead,  CO9 1LR

Hours: Full-time, 42 hours per week (including hours on rota, with flexibility to meet service needs)

Salary: £30,576 per annum

Make a Difference Every Day 

We're one of the UK's leading adult social care providers, supporting people to live fulfilling, independent lives through Residential, Supported Living and Complex Care services.

The Oak is a 7-bed residential service supporting adults with autism, learning disabilities and mental health. The service provides a safe, structured and person-centred environment where individuals are supported to build independence, develop daily living skills, and achieve their personal goals.

People we support enjoy a range of activities within the service and in the community, including bowling, cinema, zoo and crafts, helping them to stay engaged, active and connected.

About the Role 

As a Deputy Manager, you'll support the Registered Manager in delivering high-quality, person-centred care and maintaining excellent standards across the service.

This is a hands-on leadership role, working actively across the rota alongside your team, with dedicated time allocated for office responsibilities. You'll support the day-to-day running of the service, help develop colleagues, oversee operational processes, and promote a positive, inclusive culture where both colleagues and the people we support can thrive.

Working closely with the Registered Manager, families, professionals and other stakeholders, you'll help ensure the people we support achieve positive outcomes and receive the highest standards of care.

You'll contribute across our three key priorities:

• Quality – Support the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care, ensuring high standards across the service.

• People – Coach, motivate and develop colleagues, helping to create a positive and high performing team culture.

• Performance – Assist with the effective management of rotas, resources and operational processes to support successful service delivery.

What We're Looking For 

Essential: 

• Experience in adult social care, ideally within a leadership or senior support role.

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).

• Strong understanding of CQC standards, safeguarding and person-centred support.

• Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries (ABI) or mental health needs.

• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.

• Confidence managing rotas, systems and day-to-day service operations.

• Ability to support, motivate and develop colleagues to achieve positive outcomes.

• Good organisational skills with strong attention to detail.

Desirable: 

• Working towards, or willingness to complete, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Adult Care.

• Experience undertaking audits, action planning and quality improvement activities.

• Full UK driving licence.

Why Join Us? 

We believe in rewarding and supporting our colleagues. Alongside competitive pay, you'll receive:

• 31 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Your birthday off (after one year's service)

• Pension scheme

• Industry-leading recognition programmes

• Health, wellbeing and financial support

• Ongoing training and career development opportunities

Recognised by The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years and winners of the 2026 Health & Social Care Industry Award, we're proud of the positive, people-focused culture we've built.

If you're a passionate and motivated care professional ready to take the next step in your leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.

INDM