Service Manager

Reports To: Regional Operations Manager
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Job Purpose:

To provide strategic and operational leadership for a mental health supported living service, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and person-centred care. The post-holder will oversee the service and be responsible for the overall quality, performance, and regulatory compliance. This role is suited to a highly motivated and experienced Social Worker or Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) with strong leadership capabilities and a passion for delivering excellence in mental health care.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership of the service, including supervision and support to all staff.
• Ensure effective staff management, including recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal, and professional development.
• Promote a culture of learning, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.

Service Delivery & Clinical Governance:

• Ensure safe and effective delivery of services in line with clinical standards, policies, and statutory requirements (e.g. CQC, NMC/HCPC, safeguarding).
• Lead on service planning, delivery, and evaluation, embedding a recovery-focused approach.
• Maintain oversight of risk management, safeguarding concerns, and complex case discussions.

Strategic Development:

• Contribute to the strategic planning and development of the service in line with organisational goals.
• Drive innovation, quality improvement, and service transformation initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders including commissioners, local authorities, NHS trusts, and the people we support.

Performance & Compliance:

• Monitor service performance, using data and feedback to inform service improvements.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring services are delivered within financial frameworks.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• Qualified and registered Social Worker (Social Work England) or Registered Mental Health Nurse (NMC).
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Management or leadership qualification (desirable).

Experience:

• 5 years post-qualification experience in mental health settings.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and leading services.
• Experience working with complex mental health needs, safeguarding, and risk management.
• Experience of working within or alongside statutory, voluntary, or independent sector services.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of mental health legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and relevant professional standards.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Ability to manage change, resolve conflict, and make difficult decisions under pressure.
• Strong report writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Financial and budget management competence.

Values & Attributes:

• Person-centred and recovery-oriented approach.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• High professional integrity and ethical standards.
• Resilient, proactive, and solution-focused.

Salary £42,000 plus a great bens package