Deputy Service Manager

Job Title: Deputy Service Manager

Salary: £30,000

Location: West Ealing, based on site in service

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday - Shift Patterns vary between 13.00 - 20.00 flexibility to work over Christmas and some bank holidays as may be required by the Service On-site Only

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Deputy Service Manager contract to join our small team of 3. Solace is a unique mental health drop-in centre providing a welcoming and supportive community for adults experiencing loneliness, isolation, and mental health challenges. With 85 members, many diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, Solace offers a safe space where individuals can feel included, build confidence, and make meaningful connections at their own pace. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals within our community.

Our members' slogan, Together Accepting Difference" , reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Solace is more than a service - it's a second home for many, where members can engage in activities like playing pool, using computers, or helping out in the garden meet with friends and have a coffee.

What are we looking for from a Deputy Service Manager?

• Confidence in using IT; we use various systems and software's so need someone who is confident in learning new IT skills and can navigate around computer systems
• Has confident leadership skills and can inspire and motivate a team. While you'll have support from management, this role requires someone who can take ownership and lead with confidence
• Can drive the service forward and implement improvements
• Is confident in managing complex situations and making decisions
• Takes ownership of their work and leads with confidence
• Can work at pace, use their initiative, make decisions, and be proactive in their approach
• Has experience in homelessness, substance use, or a related field, with transferable skills that align with some of the challenges that can arise in this position

• Supporting the team: Providing high-quality guidance, advice, and leadership to frontline care and support staff.
• Day-to-day operations: Overseeing the service in collaboration with the Service Manager, ensuring the delivery of trauma-informed and recovery-focused support to residents.
• Stakeholder management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with external partners, including the community rehabilitation team within the mental health trust.
• Service promotion: Representing the service and providing outreach-based provision to engage with stakeholders.
• Health and safety: Conducting health and safety checks, internal audits, and ensuring compliance with organisational standards.
• Document preparation: Preparing documents for external meetings
• Incident management: Advising on and responding to incidents as they arise.
• Service leadership: Managing the service in the absence of the Service Manager, ensuring continuity and high standards of care.

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.