Deputy Manager

Guild Care are looking for an inspiring and dedicated Deputy Manager to help lead our high-quality day services for adults and children with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. This is a rewarding role for someone with a genuine passion for empowering individuals to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Learning Disability Operations Manager to ensure the smooth and effective running of the service, and stepping up as their deputy when required. You will lead by example, supporting and developing a diverse team to deliver compassionate, person-centred, and outcome-focused support. You will encourage a positive and inclusive culture where staff feel motivated, valued, and committed to continuous improvement.

A key part of the role involves overseeing the planning and delivery of engaging day opportunities that promote independence, social interaction, personal development, and community participation. You will ensure that support plans, risk assessments, and reviews remain person-centred and strengths-based, and reflect the evolving needs, aspirations, and goals of each individual. You will also promote the use of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Active Support across the service to maintain the highest standards of care.

Collaboration is central to this role. You will work closely with families, carers, health professionals, and external partners to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to support. You will help maintain robust quality assurance processes, support with audits and inspections, and ensure that services operate in full compliance with legislation, safeguarding requirements, and organisational policies. Accurate record-keeping, data management, and reporting are also essential elements of the role.

You will play an important part in supporting the Operations Manager with staffing, supervision, training, and performance development, as well as contributing to effective budget management and service planning. Above all, you will champion inclusion, respect, equality, and safe working practices in everything you do.

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 Come and help make every day matter for the people we support.

If you are motivated, compassionate, and ready to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you. For more information see full job spec and apply now.

Guild Care are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. If you're passionate about making a difference and share our values, we'd love to hear from you.

About The Role

As deputy manager you will have proven experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs, along with previous leadership or supervisory experience within health or social care. You should feel confident motivating staff, professionally challenging practice, and driving improvements. A strong understanding of safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act, and DoLS is essential, as is the ability to assess risk and promote positive risk-taking.

Excellent communication skills are key, along with the ability to build trusting relationships with families and professionals. Strong organisational skills and confidence using Microsoft Office for reports and communication are also important. A relevant qualification such as the Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care is desirable, or you should be willing to work towards it. You must also be willing to participate in the weekend on-call rota for children's sessions and complete a satisfactory DBS check

For more information see full job spec and apply now.

Required Criteria

• Experience of leadership within health and social care including team development, performance management and quality improvement?
• Proven experience and knowledge of supporting individuals with learning disabilities, complex needs, and autism?
• Outstanding interpersonal, organisational, verbal, and written communication skills

Desired Criteria

• D1 Driving license
• Experience working within a charitable or not-for-profit organisation

Skills Needed

Managing Teams, Verbal and Written Skills, Ability to support clients with learning disabilities and/or complex needs

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

£17.21 per hour