Deputy Service Manager – Young People’s Mental Health Crisis Services
Salary: £40,000 – £47,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid (Office, Home, and On-site)
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and driven Deputy Service Manager to support the delivery of high-quality care within our young people’s mental health crisis services. This role is ideal for a qualified professional with a core discipline in Mental Health Nursing, Psychology, or Social Work, who has substantial experience working with young people in crisis.
You will play a key role in supporting complex care packages for young people with significant and often highly challenging mental health needs, many of whom are subject to DoLS and may not be accepted by traditional children’s homes.
Key ResponsibilitiesClinical & Operational Leadership
* Support the Service Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations across crisis services and care packages
* Provide clinical and practice leadership to multidisciplinary teams, including mental health nurses and support workers
* Promote a culture of high standards, continuous improvement, and person-centred care
Care Coordination & Quality Assurance
* Lead on the onboarding of new young people into services, including assessment and care planning
* Ensure all care plans are robust, outcome-focused, and regularly reviewed
* Conduct regular audits, site visits, and quality assurance checks to ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements
* Support the development and implementation of best practice models of care
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
* Act as a key point of contact for referring authorities (e.g. local authorities, CAMHS, ICBs)
* Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with external partners
* Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings and reviews
Referral & Placement Management
* Support the referral process, including assessing suitability and risk
* Coordinate the mobilisation of care packages, ensuring safe and effective service delivery
* Take ownership of a number of active cases/packages as a key contact
Workforce & Resource Management
* Oversee rota planning for designated services/packages
* Work closely with recruitment teams to ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix
* Support staff development through supervision, coaching, and performance management
Compliance & Safeguarding
* Ensure all services operate in line with safeguarding frameworks, Ofsted/CQC standards (as applicable), and organisational policies
* Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with regulatory requirements
* Act promptly on incidents, concerns, or complaints
Working Pattern
* Minimum 2 days per week office-based in Hackney Wick East London
* 1 day per week working from home
* 2 days per week on-site, including service visits, inspections, and quality assurance activities
Essential Requirements
* Professional qualification in one of the following:
* Mental Health Nursing
* Psychology
* Social Work - Or experience in residential childrens care
* Significant experience working with young people in mental health crisis
* Strong understanding of complex mental health needs, risk management, and safeguarding
* Experience in care planning, service coordination, and multi-agency working
* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-risk environment
Desirable
* Experience working with DoLS cases or highly complex placements
* Previous supervisory or leadership experience
* Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (Ofsted/CQC)
* Experience in crisis or intensive support services
What We Offer
* Competitive salary (£40,000 – £47,000) - Up to 53k OTE
* Up to £6,000 per annum bonus based on on team related performance
* Opportunity to work within a high-impact, specialist service supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in the UK
* Career development and progression opportunities
* Supportive and collaborative working environment