Deputy Service Manager

Deputy Service Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Service Manager to play a vital role in providing support at our Addiction Services project.

Position: Deputy Service Manager (Internal job title: Deputy Manager)

Location: Brighton (Ditchling Rise)

Salary: £32,869 per annum (Qualification Enhancement of £512 per annum if applicable)

Hours: 37 (Monday – Friday) Plus participation in the on-call rota

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 26th July 2026 at 23:59

Interview Date: Thursday 30th July 2026

About:

As a Deputy Service Manager, you will be working for a people-led organisation whose mission and values is to inspire change across Sussex.

About Addiction Services:

BHT Sussex’s Addiction Services provide a comprehensive programme of residential support for people who seek abstinence and recovery from their addiction to drugs and alcohol. The service is based on the 12 Step fellowship programme and aims to help people rebuild their lives following addiction, addressing any issues which may prevent the enjoyment of a positive, drug and alcohol-free life. It provides the following services:

Detox Support Project - supports clients to achieve abstinence through a clinically supervised detox programme and individual and group therapeutic support.

Recovery Project - is for people who have achieved abstinence from drugs and alcohol and provides individual and group therapeutic support to sustain abstinence and prepare for more independent living.

Move On Project - upon completion of the secondary programme at the Recovery Project, residents can move on to BHT Sussex’s abstinence-based Move On Project accommodation to further prepare for independent living.

About the Role:

The Deputy Service Manager will be responsible for assisting the operational delivery of effective detox support and residential rehabilitation services to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.

Deputy Management responsibilities will include operational implementation of all aspects of service delivery, including referrals to the service, health and safety, maintenance, continuous improvement, staff support and management, and partnership working.

The Deputy Service Manager will work closely with the Operational Manager of Addiction Services on exciting new initiatives for the service, supporting staff throughout the process and ensuring our service to clients remains focused and consistent.

The Deputy Service Manager will also participate in the on-call rota.

Key Responsibilities:

• To assist the Operational Manager in the management of all aspects of the service and to take responsibility for specific projects as directed by the Management team.
• Providing a psychologically informed, supportive, and safe environment in which the users of the service are able to maintain and strengthen their on-going abstinence from addiction.
• To participate in reviewing the provision of services available to those who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs, to make recommendations for change, and to take responsibility for the development and provision of such services.
• To ensure that standards of health and safety and fire safety are always maintained within the service and to take on any specific roles in these areas, as directed by the service manager.
• To ensure that computer-based and hard copy client records are kept up to date and accurate. This will involve auditing and maintaining clients’ Outcome Star records on BHT Sussex’s In-Form database.

Person Specification:

To be successful in the role of Deputy Service Manager you will need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be committed to the values of BHT Sussex. Some of the key skills and experience you will need to bring with you include:

• Working knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding addiction, experience of working with recovering addicts and alcoholics and an understanding of the role trauma can play in addiction.
• A working knowledge of the twelve-step model of recovery from addiction.
• Good understanding of project management principles, with experience of supporting service development and continuous improvement.
• Strong IT and administrative skills, including the ability to write reports, develop and maintain efficient recording and monitoring systems, and process financial procedures.

In return:

In recognition of our commitment to staff, BHT Sussex has been awarded Gold Accreditation from Investors in People. We are also signed up to the Disability Confident employer scheme and have made the Mental Health at Work commitment.

You will also receive a fantastic benefits package including:

• 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme
• Medical cash plan with BHSF
• Access to BHT Sussex Learning & Development platform
• Free and confidential employee assistance helpline for both personal and work-related concerns
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Free new starter 28-day Network Saver Brighton bus pass
• Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days per annum pro rata, rising 1 day for each year of service to a maximum of 32 days pro rata
• The opportunity to participate in well-being and fundraising activities throughout the year

BHT Sussex is an equal opportunities employer using a fair and open recruitment process that fully complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to encouraging equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity within the workplace. As an employer we are committed to promoting and supporting our people’s social, physical and psychological health at work. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or reasonable adjustments if called for interview. BHT Sussex welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience.

BHT Sussex reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applicants for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

An Enhanced with Adults DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is required on all successful applicants as a condition of employment for this post.