Head of Community Services

Head of Community Services

A brand new and exciting role has opened at Guild Care, Worthing. As a charity, we're proud to be at the heart of our community, delivering exceptional services that empower older people, including those living with dementia, to remain active, fulfilled, and independent.

Are you passionateabout supporting older people to live life to the full?

Do you believe that everyone deserves to live well, stay connected, and enjoy life - whatever their age?

Would you describe yourself as an inspirational leader with exceptional communication skills who can lead and grow our community services? This includes Guild Cares Creating Connections, Befriending, Hospital Services, Information & Advice, and Transport.

Why Join Guild Care?

When you join us, you become part of a warm, supportive community where your wellbeing and career development are our priority. As well as competitive salary, we offer:

• Annual Wellbeing Day off
• Employee Assistance Programme (free confidential advice on wellbeing, family, debt, and more)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free Specsavers eye care vouchers
• Option to buy and sell annual leave
• Health cash plan (silver and gold)
• Comprehensive training and career development, including apprenticeships

At Guild Care, we believe everyone deserves a safe, fulfilling, and secure life. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to work in a service that truly makes a difference, supporting older people, their families, to thrive. You will be part of a respected, values-driven organisation that makes a tangible difference in people's lives every single day

If you want to be part of a team that celebrates individuality and enables people to live life their way, we'd love to hear from you

Click the full job spec and read below for more info and apply today.

About The Role

This brand new and unique opportunity as Head of Community Services within the charity sector is a wonderful role to make your own and have that sense of belonging. As an experienced service operation manager you will lead and shape our services, build partnerships, and drive innovation that changes people's daily lives.

You will oversee the operational delivery and continuous improvement of our services -keeping quality, safety, and compassion at the heart of everything we do.

Outstanding communication skills and building strong partnerships are essential with health, social care, and voluntary sector colleagues to enhance outcomes and opportunities for the people Guild Care support.

You will develop and implement effective service plans, budgets, and performance frameworks to deliver on strategic goals as well as drive growth and innovation through outcome-based service design, grant submissions, and funding opportunities.

Essential

• A genuine passion for supporting older people — including those living with dementia — to live life to the fullest.
• Proven leadership experience in a health or social care setting, ideally at a senior or management level.
• A relevant qualification (minimum NVQ Level 4 in Health & Social Care or Level 5 QCF Diploma in Leadership, or equivalent).
• The ability to inspire teams, build strong partnerships, and communicate with a wide range of people.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.

Desirable:

Experience managing services for older people, working within adult social care or the charity sector, and collaborating with volunteers and carers. A social work qualification or similar background is also a plus, as is transport service experience.

Ready to make a real impact and be part of something that truly matters? Apply today...

Please note: Shortlisting and Interviews for those suitable will take place before the advert's official end date.

Required Criteria

• Proven experience and a passion for supporting older people?
• Relevant professional qualification (minimum of an NVQ Level 4 in Health & Social Care or Level 5 QCF Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care or equivalent)?
• Proven management experience at a senior level within Health & Social Care environment?

Desired Criteria

• Experience of managing services for older people, carers and volunteers?
  A qualified Social Worker or similar relevant qualification?

Skills Needed

About The Company

Guild Care was founded in Worthing in 1933 by visionary volunteers dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals in the local community. Originally known as Worthing Council of Social Service, the organisation focused on alleviating poverty, isolation, and health challenges during difficult times. Over the following decades, Guild Care consistently expanded its services, proactively responding to the community's evolving needs.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Guild Care established innovative day centres and residential care homes, significantly enhancing life quality for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Adapting continually, the charity later introduced specialised dementia care facilities and tailored services for those with learning disabilities.

Today, Guild Care supports over 3,000 people annually across West Sussex through a range of community-focused services. Remaining true to its founding values, the organisation is one of Worthing's largest employers, powered by almost 700 dedicated staff members and the essential contributions of more than 300 volunteers, all united in making a meaningful difference.

Company Culture

Our vision is for all people in need of care to live fulfilling, safe and secure lives.

We will achieve our vision by ensuring our support and services are accessible, effective and lovingly delivered.

Brave | Engaging | Loving | Integrity | Everyone Matters | Free to Be Me

At Guild Care, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and equality. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and enables us to better serve our community.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.

Join us in our mission to make a positive difference in people's lives.

Company Benefits

At Guild Care, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees in every aspect of their lives—financially, professionally, and personally.

Health and Wellbeing

Your wellbeing is our priority. Staff benefit from an annual Wellbeing Day, free flu vaccinations, and confidential support through the BHSF Employee Assistance Programme. With schemes like Cycle 2 Work, free eye tests for eligible roles, and mental health support through the Care Workers Charity, we aim to promote a healthier, happier workforce.

Work-life Balance

We understand the importance of flexibility, offering favourable holiday terms, flexible working options, homeworking opportunities, and carers' leave to help you balance work with life's demands.

Professional Development

At Guild Care, your career growth is important to us. We provide progressive career pathways, mandatory training programmes, in-house learning opportunities, and access to professional qualifications, including accredited programmes and the Care Certificate.

A Supportive Work Environment

Join a local charity with over 90 years of history and a strong community focus. Employees enjoy supportive colleagues, job satisfaction, and opportunities to engage in events and fundraising activities. Our inclusive culture features initiatives such as length of service recognition, annual staff awards, and employee networking groups.

At Guild Care, we reinvest all our surpluses into our services, staff, and community, ensuring your work makes a meaningful difference every day.

Join us and be part of something extraordinary

Vacation, Paid time off, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee development programs, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Cycle to work, Referral bonus, Competitive salary, Long service recognition, Employee Assistance Scheme, Wellbeing Scheme, Blue Light Card, Work With Charities, Social Opportunities, Progression opportunities, Staff celebration events

Salary

£47,667.00 per year