At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop national bereavement services, ensuring quality and responsiveness.
- Company: Compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting bereaved individuals across Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible home-based work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help create an environment where everyone can thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping vital support services.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, service development, and a background in health or social care.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced, compassionate and confident leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as our Head of Client Services. This is a unique opportunity to lead our national bereavement services, ensuring they remain safe, effective, accessible and responsive while helping shape how we continue to develop and improve support for people across Scotland.
Hours: 35 hrs per week (occasional evenings and weekends)
Base: Home-based with travel to each Area Office for a minimum of one day per month (Area Offices located in: Aberdeen, Glasgow, Leith and Perth).
Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Monday 24th August 2026.
Role: Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership for Cruse Scotland's client services. You'll lead a team of Area Managers, our Helpline Development Manager and Client Services Co-ordinator, to ensure our core services and projects are delivered consistently and continue to meet the changing needs of the people who rely on us.
This is a busy and varied leadership role. Alongside supporting and developing your managers, you'll oversee service quality, safeguarding, clinical governance, service performance and continuous improvement. You'll contribute to organisational strategy, work closely with the Board and senior colleagues, and use data, feedback and lived experience to help shape future services.
About You: We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with practical operational leadership. You will have experience of leading services, developing managers and driving continuous improvement within psychologically informed, counselling, therapeutic, health, social care or similar environments. You'll be comfortable leading through complexity, making sound decisions, managing safeguarding responsibilities and using data and insight to improve services.
Most importantly, you'll be someone who leads with compassion, integrity and confidence, building positive relationships and creating an environment where staff and volunteers can thrive. If you're looking for a leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to shape services, inspire others and improve the experience of bereaved people across Scotland, we'd love to hear from you.
Interview Dates: Monday 31st August or Tuesday 1st September 2026 in Leith.
Head of Client Services in Edinburgh employer: Cruse Scotland
Cruse Scotland is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing meaningful support in bereavement care across the nation. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that our team members are equipped to make a real difference in people's lives. Located in the heart of Scotland, our organisation fosters a supportive environment where every employee's contribution is valued, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Client Services in Edinburgh
✨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 Cruse Scotland.
✨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 Cruse Scotland!
✨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 Cruse Scotland, 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 Cruse Scotland 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 Head of Client Services in Edinburgh
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 Cruse Scotland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cruse Scotland! 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 Cruse Scotland
✨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.
