At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist residential service, ensuring high-quality care and support for residents.
- Company: Join Brainkind, the UK's leading charity in brain injury rehabilitation and neurological care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare plan, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dedicated team in a stable, well-rated service with strong community ties.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of management experience in adult social care and a Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 43000 £ per year.
- Service Manager – Specialist Neurological Residential Care
- Milton Keynes | £41,000 - £43,000* | 35 Hours | Monday-Friday | On-site
Ready to step up – or looking to lead a smaller specialist service?
At Brainkind, we're passionate about helping people rebuild their lives following acquired brain injury and complex neurological conditions.
We're looking for a Service Manager to lead Brownswood, our small and well-established specialist residential service in Milton Keynes.
This opportunity could be an excellent fit for either
- An experienced Deputy Manager or Acting Manager with 2-3 years' consistent management experience who is ready to progress into their first Service/Registered Manager role; or
- An established Registered or Service Manager who would welcome the opportunity to lead a smaller specialist service, perhaps closer to home in Milton Keynes, while remaining hands-on and connected to their team and the people they support.
Whichever stage you're at, you'll have the support, guidance and infrastructure of Brainkind behind you.
About Brownswood
Brownswood is a specialist 9-bed residential service, currently home to 8 adults living with acquired brain injuries and complex neurological conditions.
The people we support have made Brownswood their home for many years, with the shortest current placement being approximately four years.
They lead active and fulfilling lives, regularly accessing their local community, appointments, activities, hobbies and social opportunities.
Brownswood is a stable, established service with strong foundations and is currently rated Good by CQC.
You'll also join an experienced and committed staff team, including long-standing leadership within the service, providing excellent continuity and knowledge of both Brownswood and the people we support.
This isn't a turnaround role.
It is, however, an important leadership position requiring someone who can maintain high standards, confidently lead the service and team, manage regulatory and operational responsibilities and continue developing the quality of support provided.
For a Deputy Manager, it's an opportunity to take that next career step with experienced support and guidance around you.
For an established Service Manager, it offers the opportunity to lead a smaller specialist service where you can work closely with your team, residents and families while continuing to hold full responsibility for quality, compliance and service performance.
The Role
As Service Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day operational leadership of Brownswood, ensuring the service continues to provide safe, effective and person-centred care.
You'll be a visible and approachable leader, working alongside an established team while maintaining strong standards of governance, quality and regulatory compliance.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading, supporting and developing the staff team.
- Maintaining CQC compliance and quality standards.
- Overseeing staffing, recruitment, supervision and development.
- Managing service budgets and operational performance.
- Building relationships with families, commissioners and professionals.
- Promoting independence, rehabilitation and community participation.
- Driving continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
- Creating a positive culture for colleagues and the people we support.
About You
We're open to candidates at two different stages of their management career.
You may already be an experienced Registered/Service Manager looking to lead a smaller specialist service, or you may be an established Deputy Manager who has built strong operational experience and is now ready to progress.
We're looking for
- At least 2-3 years' consistent Deputy, Acting or Service Management experience within adult social care.
- Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care, or currently in the final stages of completing it.
- Experience supporting adults with acquired brain injury, neurological conditions, neurorehabilitation or related complex care needs.
- Strong knowledge of CQC regulations, safeguarding and quality standards.
- Experience leading, supervising and developing care teams.
- Good operational, organisational and workforce management skills.
- A passion for high-quality, person-centred care.
- Full UK driving licence (ideally)
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who wants to become part of Brownswood – building relationships with the people we support and their families, supporting an established team and continuing to make the service a great place to live and work.
Why Join Brainkind?
Brainkind is the UK's leading charity specialising in brain injury rehabilitation and neurological care.
For someone progressing from Deputy Manager, you'll have the opportunity to develop into your first Service Manager position with support and guidance from experienced colleagues and the wider Brainkind team.
For an experienced Service Manager, Brownswood offers the opportunity to lead a smaller specialist service while remaining closely involved with your team and the people you support, alongside the infrastructure and development opportunities of a national specialist organisation.
What We Offer
- Full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- 38 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
- Buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
- Simplyhealth healthcare plan.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Company pension and Group Life Assurance.
- Eye care voucher scheme and free parking.
- Long Service and Staff Awards.
- Excellent training, development and career progression.
- Apply Today
If you're a Deputy Manager who feels ready for that next step, we'd love to support your progression.
Equally, if you're already an experienced Service Manager and would value leading a smaller, established neurological service in Milton Keynes, we'd love to hear from you too.
Applications and interviews will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
All successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory DBS, Right to Work and employment reference checks.
Brainkind is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.
Service Manager in High Wycombe employer: Brainkind
Brainkind is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in York, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with neurological conditions. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and career progression, we provide extensive training opportunities and benefits such as 38 days' annual leave, a health cash plan, and a company pension. Join our dedicated team and lead with compassion in a modern specialist setting that prioritises rehabilitation and quality of life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in High Wycombe
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Brainkind!
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We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Brainkind. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Brainkind and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Brainkind. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Brainkind's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Brainkind.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Brainkind will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Brainkind and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
