Service Lead

Real Life Options; Bishopton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Training courses

Pension scheme

Health plan

Life cover

EAP program

Discount portal

Financial wellbeing

Refer-a-Friend

Staff recognition

Job summary

Real Life Options is seeking a Service Lead to manage a 24-hour residential service on Bishopton Road, Stockton. You will lead daily operations to ensure safe, high-quality, person-centred support and act as a role model for the team.

Reporting to the Service Manager, you will organise staff rotas, lead recruitment and supervision, support Person-Centred Plans, liaise with families and external agencies, and ensure services meet CQC standards.

Qualifications

• Experience with vulnerable people or learning disabilities.
• Strong understanding of person-centred care.
• Ability to lead a staff team effectively.
• Knowledge of needs relating to learning disabilities, mental health, autism or complex care.
• Skills in supervision and person-centred planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of a 24-hour residential service.
• Organise staff rotas and ensure appropriate support levels.
• Model best practice aligned with CQC standards and values.
• Support assessment and development of Person-Centred Plans.
• Promote dignity, independence and quality of life.
• Oversee medication procedures and safe practice.
• Engage families, professionals and external agencies.
• Lead recruitment, induction, supervision and development.
• Contribute to budget management and record-keeping.
• Ensure health and safety policies are followed.

Skills

People leadership

Person-centred care

Staff supervision

Disability awareness

Communication skills

Education

QCF Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Service Lead

Job Reference: LC1657290StoSL

Closing Date: 2026-09-29T22:59:59

Location: Durham

Contract Type: FULL_TIME

Salary: £27,310.83 per year

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Service Lead to join our residential support service on Bishopton Road in Stockton. This is a key role where you'll lead a service that provides the right level of support to help people achieve their individual goals and live full and productive lives as valued members of their community. Reporting to the Service Manager / Deputy Manager, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of a 24-hour service, ensuring safe, high-quality, person-centred support is delivered.

About the Role

• Lead the day-to-day running of a 24-hour residential service
• Ensure appropriate levels of support are delivered and staff rotas are effectively organised
• Act as a role model, ensuring services align with organisational values, CQC standards and best practice
• Support assessment of individuals and development of Person-Centred Plans
• Ensure care is delivered in a way that promotes dignity, independence and quality of life
• Oversee medication procedures and ensure safe practice
• Liaise with families, professionals and external agencies
• Support individuals with daily living, personal care, household tasks and social activities where required
• Lead staff recruitment, induction, supervision and ongoing developmentPromote effective communication through team meetings and staff engagement
• Monitor attendance, performance and training needs within the team
• Contribute to budget management and ensure accurate record-keeping
• Ensure health & safety policies are followed to maintain a safe environment

You’ll also play a key role in supporting individuals to develop independence, life skills and meaningful activities both at home and in the community.

Working Pattern

Working within a rota including days, evenings, weekends and sleep-in duties. Participation in a 5-weekly on-call rota. Flexibility to provide cover during holidays, sickness and emergencies.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable people and/or individuals with learning disabilities
• Strong understanding of Person-Centred Care
• Ability to contribute to effective leadership of a staff team
• Knowledge of needs relating to learning disabilities, mental health, autism or complex care
• Skills in supervision, administration and person-centred planning

Desirable:

• Relevant qualification (QCF Level 3 or equivalent) or willingness to work towards it
• Makaton or sign language skills

Personal Qualities

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Professionalism and a proactive, enthusiastic approach
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure
• Strong communication and literacy skills
• Self-motivation and commitment to high-quality support

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by our values of: Respect - Honesty - Responsibility - Excellence

Benefits and Rewards

At Real Life Options, we treat our people with the same respect and care we show to the people we support. In return, we offer:

• 28 days paid holiday (pro-rata for part-time)
• Fully accredited training to help you thrive
• Employer-contributed pension scheme
• Health Cash Plan (for contracted staff)
• £10,000 Life Cover
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (including counselling & financial support)
• Access to discounts via our Reward Gateway
• Financial Wellbeing Scheme
• Refer-a-Friend Bonus
• Staff Recognition Programmes

Join Us

Join Real Life Options and help people live more independent, fulfilling lives as part of a supportive and values-driven organisation.