* Are you an inspiring and dedicated Deputy Manager within Learning Disabilities services?
* Would you describe yourself as resilient and someone who can have challenging conversations and manage difficult situations?
* Are an outstanding leader, who delivers an effective service and encourages an inclusive culture?
Guild Care are looking for an inspiring and dedicated Deputy Manager to help lead our high-quality day services supporting adults and children with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. A newly created and rewarding role, for someone with a genuine passion for empowering individuals to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.
You will ensure the smooth and effective running of the service and lead by example, supporting and developing a diverse team to deliver compassionate, personalised, and outcome-focused support. Keeping staff motivated and making them feel valued. You will work closing with the operations manager and cover this role when required.
A key part of the role involves ensuring 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, working closely with families, carers, health professionals, and external partners to ensure Guild Care deliver a natural, integrated approach to support. You will help maintain robust quality assurance processes, and check all services operate in full compliance with legislation, safeguarding requirements, and organisational policies.
This role is Monday - Friday | 37.5hours per week and based in Worthing, West Sussex.
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 adults and children plus 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 resilient, compassionate, and ready to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.
For more information see full job spec and apply now. Please note: Interviews will take place before the advert's official end date.
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.
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 will have the confidence, resilience and abilities to own this role. As Deputy Manager with ease, you will;
* Motivate staff
* Make quick decisions
* Professionally challenge practice
* Drive improvements
You will have a strong understanding of Safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act, and DoLS which is essential, as is the ability to assess risk.
Strong organisational and outstanding communication skills are key, along with the ability to build trusting relationships with all. 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.
Please note: Interviews will take place before the advert's official end date.
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?
* Resilience and the ability to have challenging conversations?
* 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, Confidence, Decision Making, Verbal and Written Skills, Ability to support clients with learning disabilities and/or complex needs
About The Company
Our story
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
Our vision is for all people in need of care to live fulfilling, safe and secure lives.
Our mission
We will achieve our vision by ensuring our support and services are accessible, effective and lovingly delivered.
Our BELIEF values
Brave | Engaging | Loving | Integrity | Everyone Matters | Free to Be Me
Our equality statement
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
£31,330.00 per year