Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement:As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Aspens’ mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Lead Services That Make a Difference

Aspens is entering an exciting new chapter. Following a recent organisational restructure, we've strengthened the way we deliver care, creating an even more effective, responsive and sustainable model of support for the people we support.

As part of this transformation, we've created new opportunities to join our leadership team—roles that didn't previously exist. We're looking for passionate, values-driven leaders who are committed to delivering outstanding, person-centred support, driving continuous improvement, and embedding high-quality, consistent standards across our services.

Reporting to the Head of Sussex, this role will have operational responsibility for a portfolio of residential, supported living and outreach services across Sussex. You will provide visible leadership to Service Managers and their teams, ensuring services are safe, effective, person-centred and consistently aligned with Aspens' values. You'll play a key role in empowering colleagues, sharing best practice, strengthening governance, and delivering positive outcomes for the people we support.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact - shaping the future of our services, inspiring high-performing teams, and ensuring every person we support receives exceptional care, regardless of where they live or who is supporting them.

If you're ready to shape the future of social care and be part of an ambitious organisation dedicated to improving lives, we'd love to hear from you. Join us and help lead the next stage of the Aspens journey.

About the Role:As Accommodation & Community Services Lead, you will oversee Service Managers across Sussex and play a critical role in shaping service quality, culture and performance. You will combine operational leadership with practice excellence, ensuring services are safe, compliant, outcomes-focused and aligned with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) principles.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading residential, supported living and outreach services across Sussex.
• Managing and developing Service Managers to achieve excellent outcomes.
• Providing senior oversight of safeguarding, risk management and service performance.
• Driving quality assurance, continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.
• Supporting service development, innovation and sustainable growth.
• Building positive relationships with commissioners, regulators and external partners.
• Championing co-production, inclusion and neuro-affirming practice.

About You

We're looking for a confident and compassionate leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational oversight.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience within residential and community-based social care services.
• Strong multi-site leadership and people management experience.
• Extensive safeguarding knowledge and leadership capability.
• Experience working with CQC-regulated services.
• A strong understanding of autism, mental health, complex needs and Positive Behaviour Support.
• Budget management and service performance experience.
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A Level 5 qualification in Leadership & Management in Health & Social Care (or equivalent experience/qualification).

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive paid training and excellent career progression opportunities, including recognised qualifications in health and social care
• Paid DBS check
• Flexible work arrangements, with the option to take on additional bank shifts
• Nest Pension and Death in Service benefit
• Access to a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Blue Light Card discounts
• 20% discount at Aspens High Street Stores for all staff
• Discounted staff menu available at the Bluebell Café (Pembury)
• Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £250 for every successful referral
• Employee recognition programmes, including ‘Employee of the Month’

Apply now and one of our team members will reach out to discuss the role further.
If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need

Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don’t already have one) and satisfactory employment references.

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