Service Manager (Learning Disabilities)

Southdownhousing; Worthing; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job description

Description

Application Deadline: 8 March 2026

Department: Learning Disability

Location: West Sussex - Worthing (Alinora, Worthing)

Compensation: £35,129 per year (37 per week)

Depending on service requirements, this role may involve a combination of service management responsibilities and direct support delivery.

Allowances

• Unsociable hours uplift: an extra £4.40 per shift for waking nights.
• Sleep-in shifts: £61 per sleep-in shift (10pm-7am).
• Sleep-In Disturbance Allowance Payment: If your sleep-in shift is disturbed for over one continuous hour but less than four, you’ll receive the £4.40 Unsociable Hours Allowance plus your normal hourly rate for the hours worked. If disturbed for four hours or more, you’ll be paid your normal hourly rate for the entire shift and still receive the £4.40 allowance.
• On call allowance: £12 (weekday) to £25 (weekend / bank holiday) per shift.

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

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 Service Manager to join our dedicated team.

As a Service Manager, you’ll be required to be registered with the CQC and you will lead a team delivering high quality care to clients, who may present with challenges or have complex health needs. You’ll support and lead your team to work professionally and compassionately. You’ll maintain a high standard of practice, ensuring the service provides excellent support and maximises choice, independence and inclusion for all clients. Your role enables individuals to stay connected to their community and to support them with daily living tasks in a respectful and empowering way.

We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in roles such as Service Manager, Care Home Manager, Deputy Manager Learning Disabilities, Assistant Manager Learning Disabilities, CQC Registered Manager.

Service Description

Alinora is a supported living service for seven adults with a learning disability. The property is made up of a bungalow with 5x bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, and a semi-detached converted bungalow with three individual newly developed apartments next door. It is based in Goring, one road away from the sea, and close to shops and public transport.

Our clients are supported to lead active, fulfilling lives and to make the most of their local community while developing each client’s choice, control and independence.

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

What you need for the role

• Passion for leading teams that deliver outstanding care.
• Management experience (Deputy Manager or above) in learning disabilities or care home settings, including safeguarding, risk and health & safety management.
• Strong knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, and safeguarding.
• 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.
• Understanding of CQC requirements — you’ll be the registered manager, supported by a central compliance team.
• Patient and empathetic approach.
• Willingness to complete Southdown’s training in health and social care, moving and handling, positive behaviour support, safeguarding, safety, and risk protocols.
• Comfortable supporting clients with intimate and personal care.
• Enhanced DBS check (paid for by Southdown).

What would be nice

• Experience managing an operational service budget, including resource management to ensure staffing levels meet client needs while keeping within budget constraint.
• Experience managing a learning disabilities service with a good or outstanding CQC rating.
• An understanding of Makaton or non‑verbal communication.

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.