Deputy Manager – The Oaks at Heath Farm
Location: Heath Farm - Scopwick, Lincolnshire
Sector: Learning Disabilities & Autism
Salary: Up to £29 994 plus Lifeways Group benefits
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (with flexibility around starting/finishing hours)
On-call: Approximately 2 weeks per year

Make a real difference at The Oaks at Heath Farm
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Deputy Manager to join the team at The Oaks at Heath Farm , a specialist day service supporting people with autism and learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

The Oaks is much more than a traditional day service. It is a welcoming activity centre where the people we support can build confidence, develop life skills, explore their interests and be part of their local community.

From walking, swimming, bowling and horse riding to arts and crafts, life skills and community activities , the team at The Oaks creates opportunities for people to try new things, develop independence and, most importantly, enjoy themselves.

Set within the peaceful rural surroundings of Heath Farm, the service provides a calm and supportive environment, with plenty of green open space and a real sense of community across the wider service.

About the role
As Deputy Manager, you’ll work closely with the experienced Service Manager and Area Manager to provide strong day-to-day leadership and ensure the people we support receive high-quality, person-centred support.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced care professional who enjoys being hands-on, visible and involved , while also wanting to develop their leadership experience and progress towards Service Manager level.

The service is open Monday to Saturday, 7:30am–6:00pm , while this role is worked Monday to Friday , generally 9am–5pm, with flexibility where required.

You’ll also participate in approximately two weeks of on-call cover per year .

Due to the rural location and limited public transport, a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is highly desirable . The service has vehicles available to support people to access activities and the wider community.

You’ll be a leader who:

• Has strong experience within health and social care, ideally supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and/or complex needs
• Is passionate about helping people develop independence, confidence and meaningful life skills
• Understands CQC requirements, quality standards and effective governance
• Can confidently lead, motivate and develop a team
• Is proactive, hands-on and leads by example
• Builds positive relationships with the people we support, families, colleagues and professionals

In this role, you will:

• Support the Service Manager with the effective day-to-day running of The Oaks
• Lead, coach and motivate colleagues to deliver high-quality, person-centred support
• Help create an environment where people feel empowered to make choices, try new things and achieve their goals
• Support the planning and delivery of meaningful activities that promote independence and community involvement
• Support quality and governance processes and contribute to continuous improvement
• Assist with audits, care planning, safeguarding and compliance activity
• Build positive relationships with families, professionals and the wider community
• Support recruitment, induction, supervision and performance management
• Help create a positive culture where colleagues feel valued and supported
• Step up and take responsibility for the service in the Service Manager’s absence

What you’ll bring

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care
• Strong experience in operational and people management within health and social care
• Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and/or complex needs
• A good understanding of CQC standards and quality care delivery
• Strong communication, organisation and leadership skills
• A valid UK driving licence and, ideally, access to a vehicle due to the rural location and limited public transport
• A genuine passion for helping people live fulfilling and more independent lives

Why The Oaks?
At Heath Farm, there is a real sense of community. The wider service has a wealth of experience, with managers who have supported the people living and working across the service for many years.

The Oaks is a place where no two days need to look the same . Whether that’s supporting someone to learn a new life skill, helping them access an activity in the community, encouraging them to try something new or simply creating a positive day, your leadership can have a genuine impact.

If you’re an experienced care professional who wants to be part of a supportive team and make a meaningful difference to the lives of people with autism and learning disabilities, we’d love to hear from you.

At Lifeways, you’ll get:

• Financial wellbeing tools with Stream — real-time pay tracking, savings features and instant access to earned pay when you need it
• Leadership development programmes and clear progression pathways
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture
• Matched contribution company pension scheme
• Wellbeing resources and mental health support
• Reward and Recognition Schemes
• Discounts on shopping, tech, travel and more through CHOICE Rewards

As a Deputy Manager at Lifeways, you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day — supporting your team to create an environment where people can thrive, build independence and achieve their goals.

Discover why this matters in our newest video: Apply through our website

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