At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new Mental Health Service, empowering residents and supporting your team.
- Company: Join Social Interest Group, a not-for-profit transforming lives through quality support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and access to discounts and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and previous leadership roles required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth await you.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Bedford. Unfortunately, this service does not have step-free access.
Salary: £36,400
Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and resident requirements, as well as be part of the out-of-hours on-call rota for managers.
About the Role:
Join and lead our brand new Mental Health Service which is due to go live April 2026! The service is a step-down service, which provides short-stay, trauma-informed alternatives to hospital admission and facilities. The service forms part of a wider integrated initiative for urgent and emergency care. The team will support our residents who are at risk of admission but can be supported outside of mental health hospital settings, by providing tailored support to help them overcome their personal barriers and achieve their goals, to live more fulfilled lives and independent living.
In this role, you will lead the team by providing overall leadership to the service and line management responsibilities to support, enable, and empower your team to deliver high-quality support to our residents. You will drive service outcomes in line with contractual requirements, ensuring quality and consistency within a trauma and psychologically informed environment. You will ensure the service runs smoothly in collaboration with the team, wider teams, and external partners. We’re looking for someone who is solution-focused, has experience within a similar service environment, and can create a safe space for individuals to learn and grow.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Line management and leadership, offering guidance and support throughout the employee lifecycle, fostering a supportive leadership culture focused on staff wellbeing, learning, and development.
- Encourage productivity, engagement, and wellbeing of the team through regular check-ins, training, meetings, and supervisions.
- Support with day-to-day tasks within the service, supporting the team to deliver the best possible outcomes with their residents.
- Lead the day-to-day operational delivery of the service.
- Risk Management ownership, ensuring processes and policies are followed.
- Property and housing management, ensuring accommodation standards, timely maintenance, and reporting.
- Striving to ensure excellence and quality in our service delivery.
- Financial Management of service budget with cost-saving mechanisms.
About You:
We’re seeking someone who has a genuine passion for making a difference to lives and helping to create safer communities for all. You will be a proactive leader, with the ability to motivate and empower a team to drive excellence, both as individuals and as a team, whilst providing practical solutions to challenges which arise. You will be knowledgeable of mental health and have an understanding and experience in how to support those who struggle. We’re looking for someone who can build rapport, trust, and create an environment which allows individuals to grow their skills and experience and develop as individuals.
Previous leadership experience, and ability to take responsibility for the full service, ensuring service outcomes, KPIs, and requirements are met. Demonstrable experience in leading a service/team in a similar capacity. Previous experience in supporting those who struggle with their mental health, ideally in a similar environment. Ability to provide high-quality support and line management to staff. Ability to motivate and empower a team to achieve KPIs. Ability to provide advice, guidance, and support to the team on all aspects of service delivery including resident-related queries. Ability to promote the service externally to enhance reputation in the area and with partner organisations. Ability to work flexibly to meet the demands and needs of the service.
For example, provide an emergency on-call service as and when required in case of emergency. IT proficiency - we use various systems so look for someone who can learn and navigate new systems including case management, Microsoft, ATS, HR systems, and other types of organisational software. Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency.
What we Offer:
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service.
- Employer Pension Contribution.
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card.
- Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports, and more.
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work.
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans.
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling.
- Life Assurance Scheme.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Annual Staff Awards.
- EDI Ambassador programme.
About Social Interest Group (SIG):
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent, and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
Additional Information:
Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages. As part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check; some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below.
For Recruitment related enquiries, or if you need support with making your application for example due to learning needs or a disability, please email recruitment@socialinterestgroup.org.uk or call our central office on 020 3668 9270 to request a call back. Please note that this will take you through to our Central Administration team, who will then communicate your enquiry with us and we will arrange to call you back. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship; please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions.
Closing Date: 22 February 2026.
Service Manager in Bedford employer: Homeless Link
Contact Detail:
Homeless Link Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Service Manager role. 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 company and its values. Understand their mission to empower independence and how you can contribute to that. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and handled challenges in previous roles. This will help you demonstrate your fit for leading a new service effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our mission to create safer communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in mental health services. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to empower independence!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for making a difference shine through! Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted others in your previous roles, as this is key for us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Service Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered early in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Know the Service Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Service Manager in a mental health setting. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care principles and how they apply to the service. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can contribute to the team's success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you empower your team. Think of specific examples where you've motivated staff or improved team dynamics. Highlighting your ability to foster a supportive culture will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll face challenges regularly. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully navigated difficult situations or implemented solutions that improved service delivery. This will illustrate your proactive mindset and ability to think on your feet.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your previous roles.