Deputy Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Manager to play a vital role in providing support at Shore House, a high support service for individuals with mental health difficulties and dual diagnosis.

Position: Deputy Manager
Location: Brighton (Kemptown)
Salary: £33,899 plus additional pay for on call duties
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 14 October 2025 at 23:59

About the role:

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

Shore House is an innovative service which provides accommodation and intensive one-to-one and group support to 20 people with mental health diagnoses and complex needs, including those with a dual diagnosis, and people experiencing the effects of complex trauma. Working at Shore House, you will be able to make a diffidence in the lives of vulnerable individuals.

As a Deputy Manager (Shore House), you will provide support and practical assistance to vulnerable clients with mental health diagnosis and complex support needs. You will work in a psychologically and trauma informed way to promote growth and empower individuals to achieve their goals and move on to lower support accommodation. 

As a Deputy Manager, you undertake numerous tasks such as, operational implementation of all aspects of the support service delivery, including staff support and development, managing referrals and move on, health and safety, maintenance, standards and performance, and partnership working. You will support the Operational Manager in ensuring the service operates within budget and meets all key performance indicators. 

You will play a pivotal role in supporting the team to develop their knowledge and skills by promoting training opportunities, coaching using a strength-based approach and providing guidance to team members on a daily basis. The Deputy Manager will work in line with the project’s Operational Manager, to provide support and guidance to a team of support workers, group work coordinator, senior support worker and any volunteers, interns, and students, this includes line managing responsibilities such as regular 1:1 supervision, de-briefs, appraisals, etc.

The successful candidate will align with the values of the organisation and have a passion for supporting the development of the staff team and project. You will be joining a close-knit team who work together seamlessly to provide dedicated and compassionate care to all the clients who reside at the project. It is essential that the candidate is personable and has a kind nature with a drive to support both the team and our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

To be successful in the role of deputy manager you will need to have great communication skills and be committed to the values of the organisation. Some of the key skills and experience you will need to bring with you include:

• To assist the operational manager with the coordination of referrals into the service and supporting clients to move-on within the agreed timeframes whilst minimising void loss.
• To assist the operational manager with reporting to commissioners and partner agencies, contributing to the completion of annual and quarterly reports.
• To work alongside Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in the provision of recovery-focused, structured, ongoing support to clients.
• To undertake line management supervision responsibilities for the staff team, including conducting regular 1:1 supervision, appraisals, debrief and reflective practice sessions.
• To participate in a Management on call system.
• To assist the operational manager with reviewing policies, procedures and project-based risk assessments.
• To deputise for the Operational Manager in their absence.

Person Specification:

• Experience of working in support services for people with mental health and complex support needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of psychologically informed environment and trauma informed care.
• Experience of staff line-management and leadership, sensitively managing staff performance, motivation and support – including promoting staff wellbeing, use of 1:1’s, team debrief, supervision, coaching and reflective practice.
• A thorough understanding of housing management and health & safety for staff, clients, and visitors within a residential setting.
• Knowledge of delivering, monitoring and reporting on key performance targets (service, staff, client and financial).
• Knowledge of relevant mental health, safeguarding and care act legislation.

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.

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