DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in negotiating care packages and fees with commissioners or ICBs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, positive behaviour support (PBS), or psychologically informed environments (PIE).
• Previous experience working in a dual diagnosis setting (mental health and LD or substance misuse).
• Forward-thinking, innovative, and passionate about recovery-oriented mental health care.

KEY COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Strong leadership and staff development capabilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and employment legislation.
• Sound understanding of Mental Health legislation.
• Financially literate and confident in budget planning and cost control.
• Able to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and make complex decisions.
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery.
• #OH

Essential Requirements

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent) required for CQC Registered Manager status.
• Experience managing supported living or community-based services for adults with complex mental health needs.
• Understanding of supporting people to apply for social housing, jobs and community based support in readiness to move on from supported living to independent living.
• In-depth knowledge of CQC regulations, MHA, MCA, DoLS, and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multi-site teams, budgets, and strategic objectives.
• Confident in using Microsoft Office and care management systems to monitor data and performance.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
• Willingness to travel across the region and stay overnight as required.
• Willing and able to work frontline shifts if needed in emergency situations.
• Hold a full UK driving license and access to a vehicle

THE ROLE IS BASED AT OUR CENTRAL SUPPORT OFFICES IN HAVANT, ENCOMPASSING TRAVEL TO OUR SERVICES WITHIN THE REGION.

Purpose of the Job:
To be responsible and accountable for holding and maintaining the appropriate CQC registration and for the overall management of supported living services for people with mental health needs, in line with Dolphin Homes’ vision, mission, values, policies, and procedures. The Area Manager will lead the delivery of person-centred, safe, and responsive services that empower recovery, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote positive outcomes. They will oversee multiple services, manage budgets, support staff development, and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders including commissioners and regulatory bodies.

REGULATORY AND REGISTRATION DUTIES -

• Hold and maintain CQC registration for the regulated activity of personal care, ensuring all supported living services comply with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and CQC Fundamental Standards.
• Ensure robust systems are in place to monitor and meet regulatory and contractual standards across all services.
• Ensure compliance with the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act (MCA), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and advocate for Court of Protection applications where needed.

CLINICAL AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• Support development and oversight of care and risk management plans that address mental health needs, relapse triggers, and crisis planning.
• Monitor compliance with documentation standards and ensure services deliver effective, evidence-based support.
• Work with finance to develop, manage, and monitor service budgets, ensuring value for money and financial sustainability.
• Negotiate packages of care and funding with commissioners to meet individual needs while ensuring financial viability.

OTHER DUTIES

• Participate in the on-call rota, providing operational support and decision-making out of hours.
• Undertake any additional duties as required by the Deputy Operations Director or Executive Management Team to support the organisation’s objectives.
  Person Specification:

Essential Requirements

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent) required for CQC Registered Manager status.
• Experience managing supported living or community-based services for adults with complex mental health needs.
• Understanding of supporting people to apply for social housing, jobs and community based support in readiness to move on from supported living to independent living.
• In-depth knowledge of CQC regulations, MHA, MCA, DoLS, and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multi-site teams, budgets, and strategic objectives.
• Confident in using Microsoft Office and care management systems to monitor data and performance.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
• Willingness to travel across the region and stay overnight as required.
• Willing and able to work frontline shifts if needed in emergency situations.
• Hold a full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.