Social Care Supervisor

Overview

Are you an experienced care professional looking to take the next step in your leadership journey? Do you want a role where you can make a genuine difference to the lives of people who access short break services while supporting and developing a dedicated team?

As an Operations Deputy Team Leader within our Short Break Team, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support, helping individuals to make meaningful choices, participate in their local communities, and achieve positive outcomes. Working alongside the Operations Team Leader, you'll help lead a service that is safe, supportive, and focused on delivering exceptional care

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

About the role

This is a rewarding and varied leadership role where no two days are the same. You will support the day-to-day operation of our Short Break service, ensuring individuals receive high-quality care and support that promotes independence, choice, dignity, and wellbeing. Alongside direct involvement with people accessing the service, you'll also provide guidance, supervision, and support to staff, helping them deliver the very best outcomes.

You'll be responsible for creating and reviewing person-centred support plans, developing strong relationships with individuals, families, carers, and partner agencies, and ensuring services operate safely and effectively. You will also have opportunities to drive service improvement, contribute to positive experiences for those using the service, and help shape creative activities and opportunities both within the service and the wider community.

As a Deputy Team Leader, you'll play a key role in maintaining high standards of practice, ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures, managing risk, and deputising for the Operations Team Leader when required. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining hands-on support with leadership responsibilities while making a meaningful impact every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the effective day-to-day management and safe operation of the Short Break service.
• Develop, implement, and review person-centred support plans.
• Build positive relationships with individuals, families, carers, and partner organisations.
• Lead, mentor, supervise, and support staff to deliver high-quality care.
• Promote meaningful community involvement, activities, and opportunities for service users.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and timely completion of service documentation.
• Support safeguarding responsibilities and respond appropriately to concerns.
• Oversee risk assessments and safe working practices.
• Provide personal care and medication support where required.
• Deputise for the Operations Team Leader in their absence.

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description.

About you

We're looking for a compassionate, proactive, and resilient individual who is passionate about delivering outstanding care and supporting others to achieve their potential. You will be someone who leads by example, remains calm under pressure, and is committed to delivering person-centred services that empower people to live fulfilling lives.

You'll have experience working within a social care environment and a good understanding of the needs of the client group. You will be confident in supporting, motivating, and supervising colleagues, whilst maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Excellent communication skills are essential, as you'll be working closely with individuals, families, carers, colleagues, and external professionals.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to manage competing priorities, make informed decisions, maintain accurate records, and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders. You will also be committed to ongoing learning and development and share our values of being Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative, and Trustworthy.

Essential Requirements

• Experience working with the relevant client group within a care or support environment.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, processes, and support mechanisms.
• Experience contributing to assessments, reviews, and support planning.
• Ability to analyse situations, exercise sound judgement, and achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience supervising, supporting, or developing staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good ICT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage competing demands and work effectively in a busy environment.
• Commitment to training, development, and reflective supervision.
• Ability to travel to locations across the county.
• Enhanced DBS clearance (required).
• A minimum of 2 GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-D), or equivalent qualifications.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a supportive team where you can make a lasting difference to people's lives while developing your leadership skills and career within social care. You'll be part of a service committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred support and creating positive outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

Other information

For more information about this role, please contact Jo-Anne Ludlow via email at:
[email protected] for an informal discussion.

Closing date: 10th November 2026

Interview Date: 19th November 2026

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023).

For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance published by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/