Service Manager - Care Leaver Service

Service Manager - Care Leaver Service

Full-Time 61443 - 68775 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Hertfordshire County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop a passionate team to support care leavers in their journey to independence.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team within Hertfordshire's Children's Services, making a real difference.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to impact young lives positively.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of care services and empower young people to thrive.
  • Qualifications: Experience in management and a passion for supporting young people.

The predicted salary is between 61443 - 68775 € per year.

Starting Salary: £61,443 progressing to £68,775 per annum + Market Enhanced Payment

Hours: 37

Base Location: Stevenage with county wide travel required

Contract Type: Permanent

Directorate: Childrens Services

About The Team

Our Children Looked After, Separated Migrant and Care Leaver Service exists to ensure that every young person in our care — and every care leaver we support — has the stability, guidance and opportunities they need to thrive into adulthood. Our purpose is to provide consistent, relationship‑based support that helps young people feel safe, valued and empowered as they navigate their journey towards independence. You will be joining a dedicated and passionate senior management group within a service made up of 15 teams, all working collaboratively to deliver high‑quality, trauma‑informed support. As the Care Leaver Service Manager, you will line manage four Care Leaver Team Managers and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our service, strengthening our practice, and ensuring we deliver the best possible outcomes for the young people we serve.

About The Role

As an experienced manager, you will be a valued member of the management group, supporting the Children Looked After (CLA), Separated Migrant (SMC) and Care Leaver Teams to be the best corporate parent, delivering a high-quality service to Hertfordshire Children Looked After and Care Leavers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work in partnership with a range of internal and external stakeholders to lead and develop practice, identify, and respond to challenges and learn from our strengths.
  • You will have the ability to develop and sustain partnership working and be an effective advocate for the Council.
  • Ensure statutory obligations are met through the development and delivery of the service plan.
  • You will drive excellence through the effective monitoring and evaluation of service performance, ensuring a capable, trained, supported, and supervised workforce.
  • Support your teams by developing strategies using your understanding of external influences, legislation, and council processes to continually improve the service.
  • Lead and develop teams, inspiring best practice, and guiding and supporting your teams to deliver positive outcomes.
  • You will also have the joy of working with the young people who are members of our Children in Care Council, ensuring that they are continuing to influence service delivery.

About You

Qualified

Service Manager - Care Leaver Service employer: Hertfordshire County Council

As a Service Manager in the Care Leaver Service, you will be part of a compassionate and dedicated team committed to empowering young people in Hertfordshire. Our organisation fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, offering numerous opportunities for growth and collaboration with passionate colleagues. With a focus on delivering high-quality, trauma-informed support, we ensure that our employees feel valued and equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

Hertfordshire County Council

Contact Detail:

Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Care Leaver Service

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around supporting young people and delivering high-quality services.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for the role! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping care leavers thrive. Authenticity goes a long way!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our dedicated team.

We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Care Leaver Service

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Partnership Development
Advocacy Skills
Service Planning
Monitoring and Evaluation
Understanding of Legislation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting care leavers shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in young people's lives.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us see your potential quickly!

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.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Care Leaver Service. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and challenges mentioned in the job description. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Service Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in a social care context. Highlight how you inspired best practices and drove positive outcomes for young people.

Engage with Their Mission

The service is all about empowering young people. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission. Share your passion for supporting care leavers and any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to making a difference in their lives.

Prepare Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, current challenges, and future goals of the service. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can fit into and enhance their existing framework.