Relief Service Manager

Relief Service Manager

Application Deadline: 16 February 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: East Sussex - Lewes

Reporting To: Manager, Operations

Compensation: £35,129 / year

Description

Location: Bell Lane, Lewes (covering services across the whole of Sussex)

Salary: £35,129 + £1000 Essential car user allowance + mileage allowance

Allowances: Dependent on the service and hours worked, you may receive shift allowances and on-call allowances.

Hours: 37 per week, rostered - including evenings, weekends and bank holidays

Contract: 12 Month Fixed Term

Are you seeking an opportunity to broaden your learning disability (LD) leadership experience across the range of our LD services?

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and where your support helps others live more independently and with dignity?

We’re looking for a compassionate and adaptable Relief Service Manager to join our dedicated team.

Who are we:Southdown is a not-for-profit provider of accommodation, care and support for 160 adults with learning and physical disabilities in our 23 supported living services and 4 residential care homes across Sussex.

What you’ll be doing:

As a Relief Service Manager you will temporarily take on the responsibilities of a full-time Service Manager when the permanent manager is absent due to leave, sickness, or other reasons. This may involve a combination of service management responsibilities and direct support delivery.

You will oversee daily operations, manage staff, and maintain operational standards in a specific location, stepping in for a defined period to maintain a high standard of practice, ensuring the service provides excellent support and maximises choice, independence and inclusion for all clients.

You will be flexible and adaptable as you will be required to provide cover for any Learning Disabilities service located throughout Sussex.

 Perks and benefits: 

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors. 
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 22 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (or paid time in lieu for any bank holidays worked)

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Passion for leading teams that deliver outstanding care.
• Management experience in an LD supported living service or care home, including safeguarding, risk and health & safety management.
• Strong knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, and safeguarding.
• Working knowledge of Workforce (our e-Rostering system), Assure (our H&S recording system), and RIMES (our behaviour monitoring system) or ability to learn very quickly.
• Experience managing an operational service budget, including resource management to ensure staffing levels meet client needs while keeping within budget constraints. 
• Skilled in comprehensive client support, including medical management and accurate medication handling and record-keeping.
• Experience supporting individuals with diverse physical and cognitive needs, including learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
• Confident in managing challenging behaviours and distress.
• Proven staff management skills: supervision, coaching, recruitment, and rostering.
• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
• Patient and empathetic approach.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• An understanding of Makaton or non-verbal communication. 
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (with business insurance).

• Experience managing a learning disabilities service with a good or outstanding CQC rating.

Training: You will receive ongoing training and coaching from your manager, as well as specific training courses throughout the year to help you develop your management skills and foster upwards career progression. Support will be provided for you to gain your Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care. How to apply: Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.

Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.