At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage teams providing vital support to children and families in Inverclyde.
- Company: Join Barnardo's Scotland, a leading charity dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to diversity and providing reasonable adjustments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work or related field; management experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Barnardo's Scotland is looking to recruit an experienced and highly skilled Children's Service Manager to manage the Barnardo's Nurture Service Inverclyde. The service provides whole family support to children, young people (0 to 18 years) and families across Inverclyde. The service consists of a range of services and a varied funding landscape.
Service Structure
- Attainment Team – supporting school‑age children in communities, schools and outreach within the family home.
- Children’s Disability Team – supporting and providing group work activities for children and young people with additional support needs and complex disabilities.
- Early Years Team – providing a range of support and interventions across Early Years, including 1‑1 intensive and group work support for children and their families at our service base, in the community and outreach within family homes.
- Birth Parents Service – intensive support for birth parents who no longer have care of their children through adoption, long‑term foster and kinship care.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the Attainment, Children’s Disability, Early Years and Birth Parents teams.
- Develop and maintain service delivery plans aligned with the Barnardo's generic person specification.
- Manage contracts, reporting schedules and funding opportunities for the service.
- Work flexible hours and collaborate with core staff to meet service needs.
- Ensure high quality support for children up to 18 years and their families.
- Report on service outcomes and financial performance to senior management.
Qualifications
- Degree level education in social work, social care or a related field.
- SCQF Level 11 management qualification is desirable.
- Experience managing and reporting on multiple and varied contracts.
- Ability to explore future funding opportunities.
- Flexibility in role and willingness to work core hours to meet service needs.
Pay and Benefits
- Starting salary between the minimum and mid‑point of the pay band, with steps available to reward performance and align with Barnardo's values.
- Hybrid working initiative – flexible working at a range of locations including services, home, community, collaboration hubs or a suitable combination.
- Annual leave: 26 days for full‑time staff, increasing to 27, 29 and 30 days after 3, 5 and 7 years of service respectively; prorated for part‑time.
- Buy‑up scheme to purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave.
- Family friendly leave options – maternity, paternity, adoption pay and additional leave.
- Service‑related sick pay from day 1.
- Group Personal Pension – matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's, with salary sacrifice option.
- Death in service cover of 4× annual earnings for all staff contributing to the pension.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Interest‑free season ticket loans.
- Discounts and cashback from high‑street shops, including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure and holiday venues via the Benefit Portal.
- 20% discount at Barnardo's stores.
- Health cash plan for dental, glasses and therapy claims.
- 24‑hour employee assistance programme for confidential advice and support.
- Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development programme.
Contact
For more information, please contact Yvonne Coyle at .
Equal Opportunities
Barnardo's is committed to being an inclusive employer and encourages applications from Black, Minorised Ethnic and disabled candidates. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Children's Services Manager in Greenock employer: Barnardo's Scotland
Barnardo's Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, staff are empowered to grow in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. The Inverclyde location provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse families and contribute to vital services that support children and young people across the region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Services Manager in Greenock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children's services sector, especially those connected to Barnardo's. Attend local events or online webinars to make connections and learn more about the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Barnardo's values and mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in supporting children and families. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your flexibility and adaptability during the application process. Highlight examples from your past where you've successfully managed multiple contracts or worked in varied environments, just like the diverse services at Barnardo's.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and interests right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Services Manager in Greenock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities of the Children's Services Manager role. We want to see how you can lead and oversee the various teams effectively!
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your degree and any relevant management qualifications. We’re looking for someone with a solid educational background in social work or related fields, so let that shine through!
Highlight Your Experience:Share examples of your past experiences managing multiple contracts and exploring funding opportunities. We love seeing how you've navigated similar challenges in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnardo's Scotland
✨Know the Service Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Barnardo's Nurture Service and its various teams. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the specific support they provide to children and families. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
As a Children's Services Manager, you'll need to lead multiple teams effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed diverse teams or projects. Highlight your ability to develop service delivery plans and manage contracts, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and flexibility in managing service needs. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Discuss Funding Opportunities
Since exploring future funding opportunities is part of the job, come prepared to discuss your experience with managing and reporting on contracts. Share any successful strategies you've implemented in the past to secure funding or improve financial performance, as this will show your proactive approach to the role.