Job Title: Deputy Manager – Domiciliary Care/Supported Living
Location: Watford
Reports to: Registered Manager
Salary: £40,000 - £40,560 per annum
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week (including flexible working, some evenings/weekends/on-call duties)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and passionate Deputy Manager to support the operational leadership of our domiciliary care service based in Watford. This is a key role designed to ensure the smooth day-to-day management of our care delivery while upholding the highest standards of person-centred support, staff performance, and regulatory compliance.
Working closely with the Registered Manager, you will play a vital role in ensuring the service is safe, responsive, effective, caring and well-led in line with the CQC fundamental standards and organisational values.
Key Responsibilities: Service Operations & Compliance:
- Support with the overall running of the care setting and act as the designated lead in the absence of the Registered Manager.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality, person-centred care that meets client needs, preferences and outcomes.
- Ensure care documentation is consistently reviewed, audited and updated to reflect best practice and compliance.
- Oversee risk assessments, incident reporting, care planning, medication monitoring and safeguarding alerts in line with policy.
- Ensure the service is prepared for regulatory inspections and supports ongoing improvement plans.
Staff Leadership & Supervision:
- Lead, supervise and support a team of care coordinators, field supervisors and care staff.
- Manage rotas effectively to ensure adequate cover while considering continuity of care.
- Support in the recruitment, induction, and ongoing development of staff including mandatory and specialist training.
- Conduct regular appraisals, supervision meetings and performance reviews.
- Promote a culture of learning, reflection, accountability and teamwork.
Client & Stakeholder Relations:
- Build professional and trusting relationships with service users, families, advocates and commissioners.
- Attend multi-agency reviews and represent the service at relevant external meetings.
- Respond to concerns, complaints and feedback in a timely and professional manner.
- Promote service user empowerment, dignity, choice and safeguarding.
Person Specification:Essential:
- Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care (minimum); Level 5 in Leadership & Management (or willingness to work towards it).
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a senior or deputy role within domiciliary care.
- Excellent working knowledge of CQC regulations, KLOEs, safeguarding, MCA/DoLS, and best practice in home care.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, with strong ability to motivate and support care teams.
- Excellent time management, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable:
- Experience working with local authorities and private clients.
- Familiarity with electronic care systems and scheduling tools (e.g., Carelinelive, CarePlanner, Access).
- On-call experience.
What We Offer:
- Competitive annual salary of £40,000 - £40,560 per annum
- 28 days paid holiday (inclusive of statutory holidays)
- Company pension scheme
- Paid mileage and travel time (where applicable)
- Company mobile phone and/or laptop for work use
- Flexible working arrangements and supportive leadership
- Career progression within a growing and values-led organisation
Please Note:
This job description is intended to outline the key responsibilities of the role, but it is not exhaustive. Your duties are not limited to those listed above, and you may be required to carry out additional tasks as deemed necessary by the organisation in line with business and service needs.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£40,560.00 per year
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Watford WD17 2DJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Home care: 2 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Watford WD17 2DJ (preferred)
Work Location: In person
