Service Manager (Registered Manager)

Southdown; Worthing; On-site; GBP 32,406 - 39,607; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cost cash-back scheme

Interest-free loans

Access to the Easit Network

Blue Light card

Free advice and counselling service

25 days paid holiday

Job summary

Southdown is a not-for-profit provider of accommodation, care and support with a network of services across Sussex.

We are seeking a compassionate Service Manager to lead a team at Alinora in Worthing, registered with the CQC, delivering high-quality care to adults with learning disabilities and complex health needs. 37 hours per week, role combines service management and direct support as required.

Qualifications

• Passion for leading teams delivering outstanding care.
• Management experience (Deputy Manager or above) in learning disabilities or care settings.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team delivering high-quality care to clients.
• Register and work with the CQC as required.
• Ensure service standards, independence and inclusion for clients.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Safeguarding

CQC knowledge

Medication handling

Communication

Positive Behaviour Support

DBS check

Education

Level 3 Health & Social Care

Job description

Description

Application Deadline: 4 September 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Location: West Sussex - Worthing

Compensation: £36,007 / year

Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.

Location: Alinora, Goring-by-Sea

Salary: £36,007 per year

Hours: 37 per week

Depending on service requirements, this role may involve a combination of service management responsibilities and direct support delivery

• Unsociable hours uplift: an extra £4.51 per shift for waking nights.
• Sleep-in shifts: £61 per sleep-in shift (10pm-7am).
• Sleep-In Disturbance Allowance Payment: If your sleep-in shift is disturbed for over one continuous hour but less than four, you’ll receive the £4.51 Unsociable Hours Allowance plus your normal hourly rate for the hours worked. If disturbed for four hours or more, you’ll be paid your normal hourly rate for the entire shift and still receive the £4.51 allowance.
• On call allowance: £12.30 (weekday) to £25.63 (weekend / bank holiday) per shift

Who are we

Southdown is a not-for-profit provider of accommodation, care and support for 160 adults with learning and physical disabilities in our 23 supported living services and 4 residential care homes across Sussex.

What you’ll be doing

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and where your support helps others live more independently and with dignity? We’re looking for a compassionate and adaptable Service Manager to join our dedicated team.

As a Service Manager, you’ll be required to be a registered with the CQC and you will lead a team delivering high quality care to clients, who may present with challenges or have complex health needs. You’ll support and lead your team to work professionally and compassionately. You’ll maintain a high standard of practice, ensuring the service provides excellent support and maximises choice, independence and inclusion for all clients. Your role enables individuals stay connected to their community and supporting them with daily living tasks in a respectful and empowering way

We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in roles such as Service Manager, Care Home Manager, Deputy Manager Learning Disabilities, Assistant Manager Learning Disabilities, CQC Registered Manager.

Service Description

Alinora is a supported living service for seven adults with a learning disability. The property is made up of a bungalow with five bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, and a semi-detached converted bungalow with three individual newly developed apartments next door. It is based in Goring, one road away from the sea, and close to shops and public transport.

Our clients are supported to lead active, fulfilling lives and are supported to make the most of their local community while developing each client’s choice, control and independence.

Perks and benefits

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (or paid time in lieu for any bank holidays worked)

Knowledge, skills and experience

What you need for the role

• Passion for leading teams that deliver outstanding care.
• Management experience (Deputy Manager or above) in learning disabilities or care home settings, including safeguarding, risk and health & safety management.
• Strong knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, and safeguarding.
• Skilled in comprehensive client support, including medical management and accurate medication handling and record-keeping.
• Experience supporting individuals with diverse physical and cognitive needs, including learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
• Confident in managing challenging behaviours and distress.
• Proven staff management skills: supervision, coaching, recruitment, and rostering.
• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
• Understanding of CQC requirements — you’ll be the registered manager, supported by a central compliance team.
• Patient and empathetic approach.
• Willingness to complete Southdown’s training in health and social care, moving and handling, positive behaviour support, safeguarding, safety, and risk protocols.
• Comfortable supporting clients with intimate and personal care.
• Enhanced DBS check (paid for by Southdown).

What would be nice

• Experience managing an operational service budget, including resource management to ensure staffing levels meet client needs while keeping within budget constraints.
• Experience managing a learning disabilities service with a good or outstanding CQC rating.
• An understanding of Makaton or non-verbal communication.

Sometimes Required

• Physical ability to assist with mobility and personal care tasks, such as pushing wheelchairs, taking long walks, and supporting with bathing.
• A full manual driving licence may be required to operate service vehicles and help clients stay connected with their community.
• Due to the personal and sensitive nature of the care provided, this post may be restricted to applicants of a particular sex under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, where an occupational requirement applies. This will be assessed based on current client and service needs

Please note that the original application instructions have been removed in this refined version.