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Bev, deputy operations manager

With a desire to make a difference, Bev started out as a support worker, quickly progressing to deputy operations manager.

How Bev progressed to management in social care

"There's clear progression that you can follow."

Bev moved into social care later in life and has developed her career, quickly progressing and moving into a new role as deputy operations manager.

What is a deputy operations manager?

You’ll lead and manage social care staff, helping them to deliver high standards across the organisation. You could work in various social care settings, including:

  • Care homes.
  • Supported living flats.
  • In the community or in local authorities.

What does the role involve?

Depending on your service and level, your day-to-day might include:

  • Supporting your manager, including leading in their absence and ensuring standards of care are maintained.
  • Ensuring that the service safely plans staffing levels and complies with legislation and regulatory requirements.
  • undertake care assessments of people needing care and support, as well as working closely with healthcare professionals and others.
  • Helping the service to recruit and develop new care workers, supporting, supervising and performance managing them.

What skills and qualifications do I need?

If you started in an entry-level role, you’ll likely have developed a lot of the skills and experience needed for the role, including:

  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
  • Good English, numeracy and digital skills.
  • The ability to think strategically.
  • Good project management and organisational skills.
  • Experience working in a social care or health role.
  • An understanding of regulatory requirements.

Ideally, you’ll have care experience before you progress into a deputy manager role. It’s also recommended that you’ve completed Level 2 or 3 Adult Care qualifications or Apprenticeship Standards before progressing into management roles.

Is there training and progression?

To become deputy management in social care , you can work your way up from an entry-level care role, gaining the experience you need on the way. In some cases, you can also transfer from a different sector.

You can also benefit from:

  • Informal training & education.
  • Formal qualifications such as a Diploma in Health and Social Care (up to Level 5) or specialist subjects like dementia care, communication skills and team leading.
  • Over 50 vocational qualifications at all levels including topics such as dementia care, communication skills and team leading.
  • Opportunities to progress and develop in adult social care, and specialise in a certain area or take on more responsibility.

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