Deputy Manager

Dolphin Homes; Liss; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced weekend rates

Staff recognition awards

Fully funded qualifications

Job summary

Dolphin Homes Ltd is seeking a Deputy Manager for our supported living service in Liss (GU33). This 30-hour-per-week role involves 7am–7pm shifts with admin days, leading a dedicated team to deliver person-centred care to adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.

You’ll work with a supportive leadership team in a family-run organisation, with opportunities for professional development and progression within our multi-site services.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs or complex needs.
• Experience in a senior support, team leader or management role.
• Knowledge of person-centred care principles.
• Understanding of safeguarding and compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• The ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.
• A Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care is desirable, and we will support further professional development and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day management of the service.
• Lead, motivate and develop colleagues.
• Act as a role model for person-centred practice.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and retention of colleagues.
• Conduct supervisions, competency assessments and performance reviews.
• Monitor and improve service quality and outcomes.
• Support audits, inspections and compliance processes.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting.
• Managing staff rotas and workforce planning.
• Building positive relationships with families, professionals and stakeholders.
• Supporting safeguarding, health and safety and risk management processes.
• Deputising for the Registered Manager when required.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Relationship-building

Problem-solving

Education

Health and Social Care Level 3

Job description

This supported living service provides accommodation across 8 self-contained flats for adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex support needs . Through a person-centred approach, individuals are supported to develop independence, build life skills, and enjoy a wide range of meaningful activities both at home and in the community, including sports, social events, work placements, creative pursuits, and day opportunities . The service promotes choice, wellbeing, and active participation in everyday life within a safe and supportive environment .

Service Name and Location: Liss - GU33
Job Role: Deputy Manager
Hours / Shift Pattern: 30 hours per week, 7am - 7pm shifts with additional 12 hours admin days

Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship or visa switching.

Are you ready to take the next step in your care leadership career?

At Dolphin Homes, we believe great support starts with great leaders.

We are a family-run, multi-award-winning care provider supporting incredible people across residential, supported living and specialist nursing services. Every day, our teams empower people to live the lives they choose, achieve their goals, and enjoy meaningful opportunities within their communities.

As a Deputy Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality, person-centred support is consistently delivered while helping to lead, motivate and develop a dedicated team.

We support people with a wide range of needs, including:

• Learning Disabilities
• Autism
• Physical Disabilities
• Mental Health Needs
• Complex Health and Nursing Needs
• Behaviours that Challenge

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Senior Support Worker, Team Leader or Deputy Manager looking to progress their leadership career within a values-driven organisation.

Why work for Dolphin Homes?

We're proud to be different.

As a family-run organisation, people remain at the heart of everything we do. We believe the best services are created by listening to the people we support and the colleagues who support them.

We actively involve our teams in shaping services, developing training, and continually improving how we work. Our commitment is to create a positive, supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.

Many of our Registered Managers and senior leaders started their journeys in frontline support roles, demonstrating the genuine career progression opportunities available across Dolphin Homes.

What does a Deputy Manager do?

As Deputy Manager, you'll work closely with the Registered Manager to ensure the service delivers outstanding care and support while maintaining high standards of quality, compliance and operational performance.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the day-to-day management of the service
• Leading, motivating and developing colleagues
• Acting as a role model for person-centred practice
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding and retention of colleagues
• Conducting supervisions, competency assessments and performance reviews
• Monitoring and improving service quality and outcomes
• Supporting audits, inspections and compliance processes
• Maintaining accurate records and reporting
• Managing staff rotas and supporting workforce planning
• Building positive relationships with families, professionals and stakeholders
• Supporting safeguarding, health and safety and risk management processes
• Deputising for the Registered Manager when required

Most importantly, you'll help create an environment where both the people we support and your colleagues can flourish.

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate leader who shares our values and is passionate about delivering excellent support.

Ideally, you'll have:

• Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs or complex needs
• Experience in a senior support, team leader or management role
• Knowledge of person-centred care principles
• Understanding of safeguarding and compliance requirements
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• The ability to motivate and develop a team
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A proactive and solution-focused approach
• Commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes

A Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care is desirable, and we will support further professional development and qualifications.

Why our colleagues choose Dolphin Homes and stay with us

• We put people before process
• Family-run company with strong values
• Award-winning care and support provider
• Genuine opportunities for career progression
• High-quality training and leadership development
• Colleagues actively shape the organisation
• Supportive and approachable senior leadership team
• Meaningful work that genuinely changes lives

Learning and Development

At Dolphin Homes, we're committed to helping our leaders succeed.

You'll have access to:

• Leadership and management development
• Fully funded qualifications
• Specialist training relevant to your service
• Career progression through our Next Wave Programme

We don't just offer jobs. We offer careers.

What we offer you:

Reward and Recognition

• Enhanced weekend rates (where applicable)
• Monthly colleague recognition raffle
• Staff recognition awards
• Long Service Awards

Wellbeing and Support

• Bupa Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance Cover
• Critical Illness Cover
• Blue Light Card
• Pension Scheme

Learning and Development

• Fully funded qualifications
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Leadership and management development programmes
• Clear career progression pathways

Plus many more benefits.

Join the Dolphin Homes Family

If you're a passionate leader looking to make a real difference while developing your management career, we'd love to hear from you.

At Dolphin Homes, we don't believe people should simply be cared for. We believe they should be supported to thrive.

Apply today and help lead a team that changes lives every day.

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