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- Tasks: Lead the development of a new family support service across Scotland.
- Company: Gambling with Lives, a charity focused on preventing gambling harm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and a 7% pension contribution.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to systemic change and advocacy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while shaping a vital new service.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health, social work, or service management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.
Home-based within Scotland, within reasonable travel of a major population centre (e.g. Edinburgh, Glasgow or Stirling), with regular travel across Scotland and occasional travel to Leeds/Sheffield and wider UK locations.
Salary: £45,000 - £48,000 (dependent on experience)
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 7% employer pension contribution
- Flexible working arrangements
- Home-based role with autonomy
- Opportunity to shape a new national service
- Meaningful work within a lived experience-led charity driving systemic change
About Gambling with Lives: Gambling with Lives is a charity established by families bereaved by gambling-related suicide. We exist to prevent gambling harm and save lives through support, advocacy and systemic change. We work alongside families to navigate complex post-death processes, access support, and advocate for change. We are fundamentally led by lived experience. Families are central to everything we do - shaping services, influencing strategy, and driving the organisation forward.
This is a newly created role in Scotland, based on an established family service model operating across England and Wales. You will translate this model into the Scottish landscape - building relationships, understanding systems, creating referral pathways, and ensuring families receive consistent support and advocacy. This is not purely a service delivery role. Initially, the focus will be on service development, stakeholder engagement, system mapping and establishing the service. Over time, the role will evolve into a more strategic leadership and management position.
Key Responsibilities:
- Establish and embed the family service model across Scotland
- Map post-death systems, including fiscal processes and stakeholder pathways
- Translate the England & Wales model into a Scottish framework
- Build referral pathways with key agencies and professionals
- Develop relationships with fiscal services, NHS, local authorities and stakeholders
- Identify gaps and opportunities for service improvement
- Contribute to long-term strategy and sustainability
- Support families bereaved by gambling-related suicide
- Conduct holistic needs assessments
- Guide families through inquests, investigations and system navigation
- Manage safeguarding and risk
- Work alongside families as partners
- Advocate within complex systems
- Represent the organisation across Scotland
- Deliver presentations, training and awareness sessions
- Build trust within communities and referral networks
- Support public affairs and systems change work
- Collaborate with Public Affairs and leadership teams
- Work with the Head of Family Services and wider team
- Contribute to organisational learning
- Engage with the Family Council and lived experience groups
- Ensure alignment with lived experience-led values
- Maintain accurate records and reporting
Who this role may suit: This role may suit individuals working as a Service Manager, Project/Programme Manager, Safeguarding Lead, Senior Social Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, or within bereavement, postvention or family support services. We also welcome those with experience in service development or stakeholder engagement seeking a purpose-driven role.
Personal Specification:
- Background in mental health, psychotherapy, counselling, social work, nursing, psychology, bereavement or safeguarding
- Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience
- Experience managing complex cases and risk
- Ability to work independently with strong judgement
- Experience building stakeholder relationships
- Experience delivering services or projects
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to represent an organisation externally
Personal Attributes:
- Warm, empathetic and emotionally intelligent
- Calm, resilient and professional
- Organised and self-motivated
- Confident in complex, sensitive environments
- Credible with stakeholders and compassionate with families
- Collaborative and values-led
- Comfortable with ambiguity and building new systems
- Motivated by purpose and impact
This role requires someone who can take the brief and run with it.
Recruitment Process:
- Stage 1: Screening and interview with Charity Recruit
- Stage 2: Teams interview with panel and trustee
- Stage 3: Final face-to-face interview (Leeds or Sheffield)
If you're looking for a role where your work will directly improve lives, shape systems, and build something impactful, we'd love to hear from you.
Program/Service Manager employer: Charity Recruit
Contact Detail:
Charity Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Program/Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around supporting families and driving systemic change.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your background and how it relates to the role of Family Service Manager. Keep it concise but impactful, focusing on your unique skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Program/Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Family Service Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in mental health, social work, or service development, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Gambling with Lives.
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your genuine interest in preventing gambling harm and supporting families. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this meaningful role, as it helps us understand your connection to our cause.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Family Service Manager position. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape a new national service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity Recruit
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Gambling with Lives thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in Scotland. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the nature of the Family Service Manager role, expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex cases and stakeholder relationships. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Trauma-Informed Practice
Since this role involves working with families affected by gambling-related suicide, it's crucial to articulate your understanding of trauma-informed care. Be ready to discuss how you would approach sensitive situations with empathy while maintaining professionalism.
✨Showcase Your Vision for Service Development
As this is a newly created role, be prepared to share your ideas on how to establish and embed the family service model in Scotland. Discuss potential partnerships, referral pathways, and how you would engage with stakeholders to ensure the service meets the needs of families effectively.