Job Description

Operational Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Operational Manager to play a vital role at our Phase One service.

Position: Operational Manager

Location: Brighton

Salary: £38,827 per annum (plus Management On-Call Allowance)

Hours: 37 hours per week. (Hours of work Monday to Friday and to include management presence on site some weekends, to be agreed with the Senior Manager)

Contract: Fixed Term Contract to 30 June 2027

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.

About:

Phase One will be closing from June 2027 at the end of our contract. The post holder will be responsible for the safe and effective operational management of Phase One, with the support of the Senior Manager of Support Services, as we demobilise the service.

About Phase One

Phase One is a 52-bed high support hostel for single homeless people with high support needs. The project works with clients who are largely vulnerable, and pre-contemplative about change. The service works with clients to increase self-esteem and create a space where clients can begin to address the issues at the root of their homelessness.

The service aims to support clients to lead more settled lives and realise aspirations by delivering a client-centred model of support that is psychologically and trauma informed. A team of experienced and highly skilled support staff work with clients who may be using alcohol and substances or have mental health difficulties and encourage them to take small, considered steps towards their recovery.

The project has an internal accommodation pathway, with nine self-catering bed spaces in the structured Recovery-Focused Flats attached to the project. Clients from the main hostel move into these if they want to focus more intensely on their substance use recovery. This includes developing their life skills, attending weekly check ins and a bespoke Life Skills programme and other recovery focused activities delivered by the service Activity and Move-On coordinator, Phase One staff and external partners that support a client’s journey.

Key Responsibilities:

• To lead on an empowering and client centred approach, using psychologically informed frameworks and reflective practice models.
• To be responsible for Health & Safety in the project, monitoring compliance and reporting in line with BHT Sussex policies and procedures.
• To be responsible for Safeguarding for the service and reporting in line with BHT Sussex policies and procedures.
• To maintain a positive relationship with neighbours and the wider community, resolving any reports of ASB and disturbance with clear communication and collaboration.
• To ensure contractual and reporting requirements are met.
• With the Senior Manager for Support Services, to identify clients for move on during the ending of the contract period, following a planned approach with BHCC and partners.
• With the Senior Manager to manage referrals into the project from the Supported Accommodation Panel and working with referral partners to facilitate appropriate referrals, in line with agreed levels of client support needs during the demobilisation period.
• To lead on exclusions and evictions when necessary, liaising with partner agencies to ensure clear communication on decision making.

The Operational Manager role includes participation in an out-of-hours on-call rota and providing a management presence on site for one weekend day every four weeks.

Person Specification:

To be successful in the role of Operational Manager you will need to have great 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:

• Experience of managing support services for vulnerable people with high and/or complex support needs.
• Experience of leading, managing, and supporting a team.
• Experience in overseeing and meeting health and safety requirements to ensure compliance.
• Experience of reporting to demonstrate contract performance, organisational requirements, and health and safety compliance.
• Experience/applicable skills of managing a residential project.
• Experience of coordinating preventative support, crisis care and safeguarding.
• Experience of working with people who exhibit behaviour that can be challenging such as those with substance misuse issues, mental health difficulties, and personality disorders.

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 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.