At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compassionate support services for patients and families in a rewarding environment.
- Company: Join Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, a respected local charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 7 weeks annual leave, life insurance, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a collaborative culture and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading supportive teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
At Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, we provide compassionate care and support to people facing life-limiting illnesses, children with complex needs, and the families who matter most to them. We’re looking for an experienced and people-focused Support Services Manager to lead our Patient and Family Support and Administration teams. This is a varied and rewarding role that combines operational leadership, service development, people management and oversight of our IT infrastructure, helping to ensure colleagues have the tools, systems and support they need to deliver outstanding care.
As Support Services Manager, you’ll provide visible and compassionate leadership across a range of non-clinical services that play a vital role in supporting patients, families, carers, volunteers and colleagues. You’ll lead and develop teams, oversee day-to-day operations, coordinate administrative services, monitor service performance and drive continuous improvement. You’ll also work closely with our external IT support provider to ensure our technology, equipment and infrastructure remain reliable, secure and fit for purpose. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a people-centred environment and enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, support and develop the Patient and Family Support and Administration teams.
- Create a positive, inclusive and supportive culture where people can thrive.
- Ensure services are responsive, compassionate and centred around the needs of patients, families and carers.
- Oversee effective administrative systems that support the smooth running of hospice services.
- Monitor team performance, service activity and outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Coordinate IT equipment, infrastructure and technology requirements alongside our external IT partner.
- Support service development, quality improvement and organisational change initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with colleagues across clinical, operational and support services.
- Ensure compliance with relevant policies, information governance requirements and regulatory standards.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do:
- Caring: We provide compassionate, person-centred care that recognises the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and those important to them.
- Respect: We treat everyone with dignity, kindness and sensitivity, valuing individual experiences, choices, cultures and beliefs. We embrace learning, research and continuous improvement to enhance patient outcomes and develop the future of hospice care.
- Inclusive: We create an environment where diversity is celebrated, everyone belongs, and all voices are welcomed and valued.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- Significant experience of leading, managing or supervising teams.
- Strong people management, communication and organisational skills.
- Experience managing operational services and coordinating resources effectively.
- A compassionate, approachable and inclusive leadership style.
- Experience supporting staff development, wellbeing and performance.
- Confidence managing competing priorities and driving service improvements.
- Strong IT skills and the ability to work with digital systems and data.
- An understanding of confidentiality, GDPR and information governance.
It Would Be Great If You Also Have
- Experience within a hospice, healthcare, charity or social care environment.
- Experience managing administrative services.
- Knowledge of quality improvement, audit or service evaluation.
- Experience working in a CQC-regulated setting.
- A leadership or management qualification, or a qualification relevant to health, social care, business administration or a related discipline.
Please see the job description and person specification for the full requirements of the role.
Why Join Us?
At Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, you’ll be part of a supportive and values-driven organisation where every role contributes to improving the lives of local people and their families. We offer:
- A meaningful and rewarding role within a respected local charity.
- The opportunity to lead and shape important support services.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
We have a range of benefits, including:
- 7 weeks’ annual leave entitlement, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
- Life insurance for all staff working regular hours.
- Company maternity and adoption schemes.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health and wellbeing initiatives.
- On-site catering facilities.
- Free on-site parking.
- Discounted gym membership.
This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be arranged and paid for by the hospice.
Closing Date: 10am, Friday 13th November 2026
Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum (FTE)
Hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional weekend working
Location: Carlisle, Cumbria
Support Services Manager employer: Eden Valley Hospice
Eden Valley Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment where compassion and teamwork are at the heart of our mission. Located in Carlisle, we provide our Healthcare Assistants with ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of care and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Services Manager
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Eden Valley Hospice.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Eden Valley Hospice.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Eden Valley Hospice, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Services Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Eden Valley Hospice.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Eden Valley Hospice.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Eden Valley Hospice. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Eden Valley Hospice. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Valley Hospice
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Eden Valley Hospice’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
