Deputy Service Manager - Supported Living (Abingdon)

Forbes Solicitors; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Wagestream pay options

Wellbeing support (Digital GP)

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Hft is seeking a Deputy Service Manager to lead and inspire teams delivering supported living for learning-disabled adults. You will model best practice, ensure high-quality, person-centred care, and drive improvements across multiple services.

You will spend significant time on-shift, mentor staff, and work with families and external partners to secure positive outcomes and independence for those we support. DBS checks are required.

Qualifications

• Experience managing supported living services for learning disabled adults.
• Level 4 Lead Practitioner Diploma in Adult Care or Level 3 diploma with apprenticeship plan.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Proactive, solution-focused approach to delivering high-quality services.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Spend at least 20% of time on shift, supporting the team and mentoring colleagues.
• Lead by example with kindness, respect and person-centred values.
• Coordinate person-centred support across multiple services for consistency.
• Keep services safe, compliant and focused on positive outcomes.
• Observe and guide practice with constructive feedback for improvement.
• Develop and empower the team to grow in confidence and skills.
• Build open relationships with families, carers, partners and external agencies.
• Support the Service Manager and cover on-call duties as needed.
• Assist in other services to help the wider team.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Communication skills

Proactive problem-solving

Relationship-building

Experience in supported living

Education

Level 4 Lead Practitioner Diploma in Adult Care

Level 3 Diploma with apprenticeship option

Job description

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Independence.

At Hft, a leading Social Care provider, we stand alongside learning-disabled adults, empowering them to live life their way. As a Deputy Service Manager, you’ll work closely with the Service Manager to create supported living services that provide genuine choice, independence, and opportunities to achieve goals.

You’ll lead and inspire your team to deliver safe, inclusive, and person-centred support, turning everyday moments into experiences that bring dignity, skill-building, and belonging. Your leadership will have a direct, positive impact on the lives of the people we support.

What you’ll be doing

As a Deputy Service Manager, you’ll lead and inspire your team to create meaningful, outcomes-focused services:

• Spend at least 20% of your time on shift, supporting your team, role-modelling great practice, and mentoring colleagues
• Lead by example, promoting kindness, respect, and person-centred values in everyday practice
• Coordinate and oversee person-centred support across multiple services, ensuring consistency and quality
• Keep services safe, compliant, and focused on positive outcomes for the people we support
• Observe and support your team’s practice, offering constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement
• Encourage and develop your team, helping them grow in confidence, skills, and expertise
• Build open, trusting relationships with families, carers, partners, and external agencies
• Support your Service Manager by stepping in when needed, ensuring services run smoothly and consistently
• Take part in the on-call duty manager rota and occasionally support in other services, helping the wider team as needed

Who You Are

You’re passionate about enabling learning disabled adults to live life their way, and you bring:

• Experience managing supported living services for learning disabled adults
• A Level 4 Lead Practitioner Diploma in Adult Care or hold a Level 3 diploma and be willing to undertake this apprenticeship qualification within an agreed reasonable timescale as part of a development plan
• Strong leadership skills that inspire and develop your team
• A proactive, solution-focused approach to delivering excellent services
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Life at Hft

Joining Hft means becoming part of a team that believes every learning disabled adult should have the opportunity to live life their way. We’re a social care provider with a clear focus on the people we support, and we’re committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable services.

In this role, your leadership will directly influence how people achieve their goals, build independence, and engage with their communities. You’ll be part of a warm, inclusive environment where your guidance helps teams grow, take initiative, and deliver experiences that truly matter.

Our values guide everything we do: we’re kind and compassionate, inclusive, positive, and solution-focused, with a clear vision for the best possible life for everyone we work alongside.

What We Offer

• A role with real impact, where your leadership empowers others
• A warm, supportive, and inclusive team culture.
• A role with real impact, where your work empowers others.
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Access to award-winning training and career development
• Flexible pay options via Wagestream
• Wellbeing support including Digital GP, counselling, and mental health services
• Discounts on mobiles, life assurance, and referral rewards
• Family-friendly policies and return-to-work bonuses

Stand alongside learning disabled adults as they live life their way.

Accessibility:

We believe everyone should have the support they need to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process or in the role itself, Hft - proudly a Disability Confident Employer - is committed to ensuring disabled people can apply, succeed, and thrive with us.

Background checks:

We’re committed to keeping the people we support safe, so this role requires a satisfactory DBS and background checks. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through the process.