Deputy Service Manager, Crewe
We are looking for a Deputy Service Manager to join our team in Crewe.
37.5 hours per week, to include days, nights and on call.
To support the Service Manager to plan, manage and co-ordinate the work of a team to ensure the optimum use of resources and the delivery of effective support for vulnerable people in the community.
To provide advice and guidance to staff. To mentor and induct new starters and be the first point of contact in the response to complaints/enquiries.
To manage risks, supporting the team to enable people to maximise their potential.
To liaise internally and externally and work with colleagues from other agencies to share best practice and knowledge and ensure clients achieve optimum outcomes.
To deputise for the Service Manager in their absence.
This role will cover a 24-hour supported living service for up to 22 individuals with mental health & complex needs. There may be a requirement at times to work from other locations as considered reasonable.
Role and Responsibilities
- To support and in some cases line manager staff to deliver a service of excellence, ensuring that the service capacity is maximised at all times. Alerting the Service manager to any instances of poor performance and taking the first steps in absence management.
- To plan and organise the team to ensure client’s needs are met and optimise the use of all resources.
- To support staff in the undertaking of relevant risk assessments and reviews, as required to ensure the effective development of staff and delivery of the service. To ensure that every client has an up to date support plan and risk assessment.
- To complete prompt, efficient, sensitive and high-quality assessments and support planning for clients, ensuring that effective goals are set to achieve maximum outcomes.
- To provide advice and guidance with regard to responding to complaints/enquiries from clients, families/carers and third parties. Being the first point of contact for resolving complaints and/or conflict wherever possible, before escalating if required to the Service Manager.
- To comply with the reporting requirements under Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults legislation.
- To be innovative and creative in looking at ways to improve service delivery, support projects as required to improve efficiency and quality of service.
- Overseeing delivering of support, ensuring that staff comply with quality, health and safety standards in line with CQC requirements where applicable.
- To work with a variety of health and social care professionals to ensure that the client receives the best outcome possible.
- To undertake all mandatory training and annual competency update and to: (1)Act as a mentor to support staff with other programmes as required. (2) Provide advice and guidance in situations where staff made need additional support.
- To ensure own training is kept up to date and all services provided adhere to required standards and quality systems.
- To ensure the upkeep of electronic records on the agreed operational platform.
- To provide data and reports as required by the Service Manager to monitor and achieve maximum utilisation and performance.
- To create and maintain champion roles for the team to aid their personal development.
- To act as an inclusion champion making sure clients fully access statutory and public community services.
- To provide hands on support for clients and spend time on rota.
- To take part in on call duties as required.
- To ensure staff areas are kept clean and tidy and in line with Health and Safety expectations.
- To work flexibly across a 7 day rota to meet the needs of the service.
- To deputise for the Service Manager in their absence.
Person Specification
- Knowledge and experience of working with the relevant client group and understanding of the relevant requirements of this type of service.
- Ability to supervise staff, to monitor their performance and if necessary, take correct action and/or escalate.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills; able to roster staff on shift patterns optimising the use of all resource.
- A basic understanding of HR policies relating to the management of staff (Performance management, Appraisals, Absence management, Capability management etc).
- Excellent communication skills, able to influence and negotiate effectively. Able to communicate effectively with a range of other professionals.
- Good time management and prioritising skills; able to assess competing demands and prioritise effectively.
- Good interpersonal skills; able to work with partners and colleagues to ensure optimum service delivery and excellent outcomes for clients.
- Relevant experience and knowledge of care or social work and working with similar client groups.
- Flexible & adaptable to changing environments, processes and procedures.
- Demonstrates a professional and sensitive approach to building appropriate and effective relationships with clients and families.
- Good understanding of Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.
- Literate and numerate. Able to maintain accurate records in the required format.
- Good IT skills; able to maintain accurate records using relevant IT systems.
- Willingness to work flexibly in order to meet the needs of the service.
- Good understanding of eligibility criteria.
Other Requirements-
- This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Due to the sensitive nature of the duties the applicant will be expected to undertake a Disclosure and Barring check as part of the recruitment process.
- All ISL posts are subject to successful completion of 6 month probationary period.
- DBS is essential for this post