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- Tasks: Lead and manage mental health services, ensuring excellent patient care and operational efficiency.
- Company: Join Kent and Medway NHS Trust, a top-rated organisation dedicated to mental health and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, NHS discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health while developing your career in a diverse and passionate team.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised professional qualification and experience in leadership and performance management.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence required; probation period applies for new employees.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The CQC rates us as an Outstanding organisation for Caring with an overall rating of Good. Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) offer a range of ongoing benefits to our valued workforce across the Trust. From an active health and wellbeing programme to regular recognition events, we work hard to provide varied benefits that make a difference to your work-life balance.
Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.
An opportunity has arisen for a Service Manager within the West Kent Directorate. You will be responsible for the overall management of a range of nominated services within the Directorate. You will work closely with colleagues in all other relevant teams, ensuring excellent clinical, operational and financial outcomes. As part of the mental health transformation, there is a need for you to work collaboratively with other providers enabling seamless patient pathways and service user engagement.
You will need to be proficient in the use of data and analysis to support better outcomes for patients and will actively coordinate initiatives to ensure improvement plans are developed and implemented. You will be supported to know who the internal and external stakeholders are and when to use them effectively in promoting and securing the services’ reputation. You will identify opportunities for service improvement and growth seeking support from the General Manager to maximise these. They will also deputise for the General Manager in all aspects of the service as required.
Main duties of the job include:
- Working closely with the Professional Heads and the General Manager to provide demonstrable assurance that the quality of the clinical services including patient safety, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes meet the required high standards.
- Investigating serious incidents, complaints and staffing issues, appraisal, supervision and training of staff and compliance with mandatory reporting.
- Ensuring good patient flow management utilising a combination of demand and capacity information, length of stay data, caseload management and adherence to agreed clinical pathways.
- Systematically making certain that clinical governance arrangements are embedded within services and are working to full effect.
- Working with the Clinical and Service Leadership to recruit, motivate and train the workforce.
- Demonstrating that staff have the appropriate skills and training to deliver high quality care.
- Managing the performance of services to ensure excellent clinical outcomes and good levels of engagement.
The Service Manager is accountable for people management and development across their services. They will ensure people are focused and efficient in their roles and are achieving in individual and service outcomes. Robust performance and attendance management will be fundamental to ensuring service objectives are achieved and problem areas identified at an early stage with solutions quickly implemented.
The Service Manager will be key to operational delivery and management of basic financial controls. They will lead on effective management of resources and expenditure within their remit using approved financial management practices.
The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
Recognised Professional Qualification, MSc or Management Qualification, Project Management Qualification or Experience.
Experience of leading change / organisational development, experience of performance management (individual or team), effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Personal Qualities: Able to recognise own strengths and limitations.
Your employer pays 23.7% towards your pension and life assurance benefits. 27 days for full time or pro rata if part time after 5 years NHS service, 29 days full time or pro rata if part time after 10 years NHS service, 33 days full time or pro rata if part time plus bank holidays, that’s up to 41 days - more than 8 weeks paid time off!
Medical staffs have national Terms and Conditions. Buying and selling of annual leave is also available as part of our flexible approach to staff benefits.
Statutory and occupational maternity, paternity or adoption leave dependent on length of NHS service. Other paid/unpaid leave can be for Jury Service, Reserved Armed Forces, etc. This is paid outside of annual leave.
KMPT offers a face to face counselling service for any issues not just work related problems. NHS discounts and shopping vouchers are available.
In addition to the mandatory subjects, there are a number of leadership, management and staff topic areas, including coaching and mentoring.
KMPT is committed to supporting all new staff and this includes a comprehensive Induction programme. The programme's duration depends on role and can be from 2 days to 4 weeks (not always consecutive days).
The Induction programme will provide an excellent opportunity for new staff to meet and engage with KMPT’s subject specialists and include the required training.
New starter bonus: At the Trust we really value our nurses and the skills they bring. To recognise this we offer a New Hire Bonus of £1200 pro rata for band 5 and 6 nursing staff.
A variety of staff network forums which empower, support and encourage network members and allies, to reflect KMPT values and promote equality and diversity.
Probation Period: New employees external to Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust are subject to a six-month probationary period.
To deliver an effective service it is essential in some of our roles that you are able to travel between work bases in a timely manner.
KMPT takes a systematic zero-tolerance approach to tackle any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours within the workplace and in our care provision. We are committed to sexual safety which encompasses prevention, support and decisive action against perpetrators.
KMPT is creating an environment for equal opportunities for all, where we can ALL be ourselves. We take pride in our services – which are underpinned by our Trust values: Respect, Openness, Accountability, Working together, Innovation, Excellence.
In cases where we receive a high volume of applications for a post, it may be necessary to bring the closing date forward. Please submit your completed application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Due to the high volume of applications received, it is not possible to respond individually to your application. Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the vacancy closing, please assume that your application has not been successful.
Service Manager employer: Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
Contact Detail:
Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific services you'll be managing, such as the Mental Health Together + service and the Memory Assessment Service. Understanding these services will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of KMPT to gain insights into the organisational culture and expectations for a Service Manager. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach and highlight relevant experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in performance management and leading change initiatives. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully improved service delivery or patient outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've effectively engaged with teams or external partners to achieve common goals, as this is crucial for the role of a Service Manager at KMPT.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Service Manager role. Focus on your leadership, performance management, and communication skills, as these are crucial for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for mental health services and your understanding of the NHS values. Mention specific examples of how you've led change or improved service delivery in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your recognised professional qualifications, such as an MSc or Management Qualification, and any project management experience. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Role: In your application, reflect on the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Discuss how you would ensure high standards of patient safety and satisfaction, and how you plan to manage resources effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Service Manager role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the specific services you'll be managing, such as the Mental Health Together + service and the Memory Assessment Service. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed performance, or implemented change. Highlight your ability to motivate and train staff to achieve high-quality care.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing patient flow or handling complaints, and prepare structured responses that showcase your analytical thinking and strategic approach.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
The role requires working closely with various teams and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated in the past, ensuring seamless communication and engagement. Highlight any experience you have in building relationships with external partners to enhance service delivery.
