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: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare plan, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with strong team dynamics and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years management experience in adult social care and a Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 43000 £ per year.
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: Salary of £41,000 - £43,000 per annum. 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 Northampton employer: Brainkind
Brainkind is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff, offering a clear pathway to leadership roles within the neurorehabilitation field. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and generous perks, including 38 days of annual leave, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in clinical psychology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Northampton
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Brainkind for the Service Manager role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Brainkind, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Brainkind, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Brainkind.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Brainkind appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Brainkind supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
