At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support individuals with disabilities and create a positive living environment.
- Company: Avenues, a values-led organisation focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and meaningful perks for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a supportive network and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care leadership and a passion for person-centred support.
Lead with Purpose. Change Lives.
Location: King’s Lynn (on-site)
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £35,020 per annum
Closing Date: 9th October 2026
Planned interviews: this will be confirmed with successful applicants
Are you ready to step into a career where your leadership makes a genuine difference every single day? At Avenues, we believe in doing things differently. We put people first, and we are now searching for a Service Manager to lead our brand-new supported living service in King’s Lynn opening in April 2026 (subject to any changes).
You’ll be managing a team supporting 16 people with learning and physical disabilities, and autism in a newly developed community of self-contained flats and bungalows. Being part of the setup and planning of the service, once in post you will recruit to your own brand-new staff team which will be an Assistant Service Manager and Support Workers.
This is not just another job. It’s a values-led, person-first role where you’ll have the autonomy to shape a service around individual needs, aspirations, and routines, ensuring that every decision, every improvement, and every smile has real meaning. Having experience in setting up a new service is highly desirable and it is essential that as our new Service Manager has a fun, positive and can-do attitude! The successful applicant will be expected to be in post three months prior to opening.
Why this role is special
- You’ll lead a skilled, dedicated team who care deeply about making a difference.
- You’ll build trust, connections, and opportunities that help someone grow, explore their world, and feel truly understood.
- You’ll be supported by a strong, committed family and professional network, all working towards the same goal.
- And most importantly—you’ll be backed by an organisation that always puts people first.
What you’ll be doing
- Inspire and mentor your team to deliver person-centred, empowering support.
- Use Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Active Support to encourage independence.
- Manage all operational aspects of rotas, safeguarding, compliance, and support planning.
- Build strong, positive relationships with families, advocates, and local services.
- Champion a culture of dignity, inclusion, and high expectations.
Who we’re looking for
- You’re not just a manager, you’re a leader, mentor, and motivator. You’ll bring:
- A genuine desire to create and maintain a high-quality, person-centred service.
- Experience in leading and developing teams, with confidence in safeguarding and compliance.
- (Ideally) a Level 3–5 Health & Social Care qualification, or the drive to achieve it.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance.
- Above all, you bring energy, warmth, and heart to everything you do.
Why Avenues?
You’ll join a supportive, values-led organisation where your voice matters, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is tangible. We offer flexible working, meaningful perks that value your time, energy and wellbeing, and the chance to be part of something that truly changes lives.
If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead meaningful communications and fundraising that transforms lives, we want to hear from you.
As part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident Scheme”, candidates who declare a disability, and meet the key criteria for this role, will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at interview stage.
Ready to find out more? For an informal chat about the role, contact our recruitment team today or apply now and we will be in touch.
Service Manager (Social Care) employer: Avenues Group
At Avenues, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions truly matter. With flexible hours, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we empower our staff to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support. Join us in creating joyful communities where everyone can thrive and enjoy fulfilling careers in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager (Social Care)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Avenues Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Avenues Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Avenues Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Avenues Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager (Social Care)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Avenues Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Avenues Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avenues Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
