Deputy Service Manager - HYPS

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Service Manager to play a vital role in providing support at our Hastings Young People’s Service (HYPS).

Position: Deputy Service Manager (Internal Job Title: Deputy Manager)
Location: St Leonards-on-Sea
Salary: £28,698 (Plus On-Call Allowance)
Hours: 37 (Monday – Friday, working on a rota pattern covering the 4 projects, occasional weekend cover)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 14 April 2025
Interview Date: Tuesday 22 April 2025

About:

As a Deputy Service Manager, you will be working for a people-led organisation whose mission and values is to inspire change across Sussex.

The HYPS service is a staged pathway of accommodation leading to independent living. Brittany Road (Stage 1) is a 9 bed high support service; taking clients aged 16 to 25 with complex needs. Southwater Road and Milward Road (Stage 2) are 6 bed shared houses with support being provided by 2 dedicated support workers operating between the two properties. Residents move on from these houses into more independent accommodation including Filsham Road (stage 3) which consists of a block of 12 self-contained flats. Filsham Road have their own key workers to continue support where necessary.

There is a structured life skills programme which equips people to live independently. The programme includes cooking, budgeting, form filling, social skills, being a good neighbour and tenant, health and safety and DIY.

In conjunction with the Operational Manager the Deputy Service Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery and management of the services. The Deputy Service Manager will assist the Operational Manager in delivering the strategic aims and objectives of Hastings Young Peoples Service. The Deputy Service Manager will also assist in the day-to-day operation and lead on maintenance of the service and to deputize in the manager’s absence.

The hours of work will be 37 hours per week, normally working on a rota pattern covering Monday – Friday across the 4 projects with a mixture early shifts the occasional late shift and weekend cover, However, there may be a need to work outside of these hours if the project requires it. The Deputy Service Manager will provide ‘out of hours’ management on-call one in every two weeks. Participation in responsive on call cover if support is required out of hours.

BHT Sussex does not pay overtime but will grant time off in lieu if agreed by the service manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the management of all aspects of the service and to take specific responsibility for specific projects as instructed by the Operational Manager.
• Support the Operational Manager to ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations and standards, in line with the new supported accommodation framework.
• To deputise for the Operational Manager in their absence.
• Assist in maintaining health and safety compliance, ensuring that all fire safety procedures and equipment checks are up to date and in line with legal requirements.
• Provide and conduct supervision, staff probationary reviews, appraisals and performance reviews as required and line management to support staff.

Person Specification:

To be successful in the role of The Deputy Service Manager, you will need to have great communication skills and be committed to the values of BHT Sussex. Some of the key skills and experience you will need to bring with you include:

• Experience of working with children and young people with support in a residential or non-residential setting.
• High levels of autonomy and accountability.
• Experience in providing effective line management and team supervision and support.
• Ability to set boundaries, to challenge appropriately and to manage conflict constructively.
• Understanding of risk management and health and safety issues.
• Professional boundaries; safeguarding, accountability, and confidentiality within the workplace.

In return:

In recognition of our commitment to staff, BHT Sussex has been awarded Gold Accreditation from Investors in People. We are also signed up to the Disability Confident employer scheme and have made the Mental Health at Work commitment.

You will also receive a fantastic benefits package including:

• 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme
• Medical cash plan with Medicash
• Access to BHT Learning & Development platform
• Free and confidential employee assistance helpline for both personal and work-related concerns
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Free new starter 28-day Network Saver Brighton bus pass
• Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days per annum pro rata, rising 1 day for each year of service to a maximum of 32 days pro rata
• The opportunity to participate in well-being and fundraising activities throughout the year

BHT Sussex is an equal opportunities employer using a fair and open recruitment process that fully complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to encouraging equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity within the workplace. As an employer we are committed to promoting and supporting our people’s social, physical and psychological health at work. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or reasonable adjustments if called for interview. BHT Sussex welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience.

BHT Sussex reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applicants for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

An Enhanced with Adults and Children DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is required on all successful applicants as a condition of employment for this post.