About Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
Unicare is a specialist health & social care provider committed to supporting adults with autism, learning disabilities (LD), mental health needs, and behaviours of concern. Our mission is to help individuals lead meaningful, independent lives within their community. We provide bespoke, person-centred supported living and outreach services across Sussex, Surrey, and surrounding areas, partnering with local authorities, NHS teams, families, and multidisciplinary professionals.
Job Purpose
The Assistant Supported Living Manager will support the Supported Living Manager in the day-to-day leadership, coordination, and development of Unicare’s supported independent living services across Brighton & Hove and Haywards Heath.
The role focuses on ensuring high-quality, person-centred support for young adults and adults with complex neurodivergent needs, including:
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Learning Disabilities
Behaviours that Challenge
Mental Health Needs
Support will be delivered using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed care approaches, ensuring individuals are empowered to live independently while receiving the structured support they require.
The Assistant Manager will play a key role in maintaining safe, high-quality services that meet CQC standards, while supporting staff development and ensuring the consistent implementation of person-centred care plans.
Key ResponsibilitiesService Delivery & Quality Assurance
Support the Supported Living Manager in overseeing the day-to-day running of supported living services.
Ensure individuals receive safe, person-centred support aligned with their care plans and PBS strategies.
Monitor the implementation of Positive Behaviour Support plans and risk management strategies.
Ensure support promotes independence, choice, dignity and community inclusion.
Conduct regular quality checks, audits, and observations of practice.
Support the development and review of care plans, risk assessments, and behavioural support plans.
Ensure services remain compliant with CQC regulations, safeguarding legislation, and best practice standards.
Behavioural Support & Specialist Practice
Promote and embed Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches across the service.
Ensure staff understand behavioural triggers, proactive strategies, and de-escalation techniques.
Support teams working with individuals who present with complex behaviours or emotional distress.
Ensure all interventions follow least restrictive practice and restraint reduction principles.
Promote trauma-informed care practices that recognise the impact of past experiences on behaviour.
Staff Leadership & Supervision
Support the recruitment, induction, and development of support staff.
Provide supervision, coaching and mentoring to Senior Support Workers and Support Workers.
Ensure staff understand and implement person-centred care approaches.
Conduct staff supervisions, competency assessments and performance reviews.
Support the development of a positive, reflective and learning culture within the team.
Safeguarding & Risk Management
Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and concerns are reported appropriately.
Support investigations and safeguarding processes where required.
Ensure risk assessments are up-to-date and effectively implemented.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability and transparency across services.
Community & Independence Outcomes
Support individuals to access education, employment, volunteering and community activities.
Encourage independence through daily living skills development.
Ensure individuals are supported to maintain social relationships and meaningful routines.
Promote inclusion and participation in local community opportunities.
Partnership Working
Work collaboratively with families, social workers, commissioners, therapists and healthcare professionals.
Attend and contribute to care reviews, MDT meetings and safeguarding discussions.
Maintain professional relationships with local authorities across Brighton & Hove and West Sussex areas.
Operational Responsibilities
Assist with rota management and staffing coordination.
Ensure staffing levels meet the needs of individuals supported.
Monitor incident reports and ensure appropriate follow-up actions.
Maintain accurate service documentation and reporting systems.
Support the Supported Living Manager with service development and improvement initiatives.
Person SpecificationEssential
Experience supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and behaviours that challenge.
Experience working in supported living or community-based care services.
Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) principles.
Understanding of trauma-informed care approaches.
Experience supervising or mentoring staff.
Strong understanding of safeguarding and risk management.
Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Ability to work flexibly and support services across Brighton & Hove and Haywards Heath.
Desirable
NVQ Level 3 or Level 5 in Health and Social Care (or working towards).
Experience working with complex behavioural support packages.
Experience with CQC regulatory standards and audits.
Experience leading teams in supported living environments.
Holder of Full UK driving license
Personal Attributes
Calm and confident when supporting individuals with complex needs.
Compassionate and respectful approach to care.
Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
Highly organised with attention to detail.
Commitment to promoting independence, dignity and person-centred care.
What Unicare Offers
Opportunity to work within a specialist complex needs service
Ongoing training in PBS, autism and trauma-informed care
Supportive leadership and professional development opportunities
Opportunity to progress into senior leadership roles
Employee Benefits
Pay & Financial Benefits
Enhanced Bank Holiday Pay – 1.5x hourly rate
Referral Bonus – up to £250
Blue Light Card eligibility
Travel expenses paid in line with company travel policy
Option to purchase up to 10 extra days annual leave
Day off on your birthday
Up to 4 weeks advance rota
Employee of the Month – gift cards & hampers
Team performance incentives & rewards
Regular staff appreciation events & social gatherings
Training & Career Development (Fully Funded)
FREE in-house training
FREE manager development programme
Personal development plan with your manager
Ongoing qualifications and career support
Support & Equipment
Company Computer Laptop
Ongoing supervision and leadership support
Safe systems of work and professional guidance
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Additional leave
Company pension
Employee discount
Employee mentoring programme
Free parking
Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Brighton: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
* Applicant should hold full UK driving license
Experience:
* managing supported living: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
Salary description
£30000.00 - £33000.00 per year