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Service Manager (Sussex House Day Opportunities)

Role/Job Title: Service Manager (Sussex House Day Opportunities)

Location: Sussex House (Aspens), 19 High Street, Battle, TN33 0AE

Hours:  40 hours per week (Permanent)Salary: £17.13 per hour

 

Application Deadline Date: Monday 8th June 2026We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

 

 

 

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.

We provide support and care to children, families and adults across Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Surrey and the London Borough of Bexley. Our services include registered care homes; supported living; community outreach; day services, including pathways to employment; children and young people’s groups and support; specialist support; and free online support for families and carers across the South-East.

About the Service:
Located in the picturesque village of Battle, East Sussex, Sussex House Day Opportunities Centre provides a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can develop skills, gain confidence, and enjoy a fulfilling day.

Our dedicated team of highly trained professionals works closely with each person to create a personalised programme of activities, both within our centre and in the local community.

We believe in a structured, predictable, and low-arousal environment that helps individuals manage anxiety, reduce stress, and improve social interactions. Our approach is tailored to each person’s needs, abilities, and interests.

• Small Group Activities - Encouraging social connections through shared interests
• 1:1 Support - Available for those who need extra assistance
• Goal-Oriented Programmes - Helping individuals gain independence and essential life skills
• Active Involvement - The people we support play a key role in planning their own timetables

We offer a mix of centre-based and community-based activities, including:

• Physical Activities: Aerobics, badminton, ball sports, cycling, gym, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi
• Creative Arts: Art & crafts, drama, music, singing, needlework
• Life & Social Skills: Cooking, catering, communication skills, computers & IT
• Wellbeing: Meditation, hydrotherapy, gardening, outdoor pursuits

At Sussex House Day Opportunities Centre, we focus on empowering individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives while enjoying a supportive and engaging community.

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
• Generous annual leave (pro rata based on hours), with entitlement increasing with length of service
• 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’

About the Role:

We are seeking a dynamic leader who can inspire teams, drive service excellence and support individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives through high-quality, person-centred care and meaningful opportunities.

As Sussex House Day Opportunities Manager, you will lead and develop a large multidisciplinary team, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality and innovative support services. You will work closely with senior leadership to grow and enhance the service, maintain regulatory compliance and create a positive culture focused on empowerment, dignity and inclusion.

This role combines operational leadership, team development, quality assurance, compliance and strategic service growth.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Service Management:

• Lead, motivate and manage a large staff team
• Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture
• Ensure outstanding person-centred support for all individuals using the service
• Maintain visibility across the service and provide hands-on leadership
• Oversee recruitment, supervision, appraisals and workforce development

Service Development:

• Support strategic growth and development of services
• Increase referral opportunities and delivered hours
• Identify and implement service improvements and operational efficiencies
• Develop marketing and engagement opportunities
• Produce management reports and contribute to senior management meetings

Quality & Compliance:

• Ensure services meet and exceed CQC standards and regulatory requirements
• Maintain effective safeguarding, risk management and quality assurance systems
• Ensure care plans, reviews and risk assessments are current and outcome-focused
• Manage complaints, audits and continuous improvement initiatives

Resource & Budget Management:

• Manage delegated budgets effectively
• Ensure services are appropriately staffed and resourced
• Monitor operational performance and financial expenditure
• Support cost-effective and efficient service delivery

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Previous management experience within health and social care or residential services
• Strong knowledge of autism, learning disabilities, mental capacity and safeguarding
• Experience managing investigations, HR processes and disciplinary matters
• Understanding of CQC standards and compliance requirements
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Ability to motivate, develop and support teams
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards)
• Full clean driving licence

Desirable:

• NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Health & Social Care
• Experience supporting individuals with behaviours of concern
• Experience writing support plans, risk assessments and behavioural guidelines
• Knowledge of SharePoint, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

 

 

We’re looking for passionate individuals to help us ensure that every person we support lives a fulfilling life with dignity and independence.
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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