At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a service that empowers individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
- Company: Eco-op, a valued project of Kingston Voluntary Action.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating meaningful community connections.
- Why this job: Shape the future of community support and foster independence for local people.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management, person-centred support, and partnership building.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lead a service that makes a real difference! Eco-op provides person-centred activities, opportunities and support to help people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and neurodiversity build confidence, independence, wellbeing and meaningful community connections. We are looking for someone to build on the successes of our manager who is retiring after 7 years in the role to take Eco-op (A project of Kingston Voluntary Action) into the next phase of its development. Join us and help create opportunities, choice and independence for local people while leading one of Kingston Voluntary Action’s most valued community services.
We're looking for someone who has:
- Proven experience managing teams and services
- A strong commitment to person-centred support and inclusion
- Excellent leadership and partnership-building skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and Adult Social Care
- The ability to drive service development, manage resources and demonstrate impact.
Location: Kingston upon Thames
Hours: 28 hours
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 12 August 2026, midday
Interviews: 17 and 21 August
For more information on the role and Job Description and Person Specification visit: www.kva.org.uk/jobs
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Sanja.djerickane@kva.org.uk
Day Service Manager in Kingston upon Thames employer: Kingston Voluntary Action
Eco-op is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community of Kingston upon Thames. With a strong focus on person-centred support and inclusion, we foster a collaborative work culture that values leadership and innovation. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to contribute to the growth and independence of individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Day Service Manager in Kingston upon Thames
✨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 Kingston Voluntary Action.
✨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 Kingston Voluntary Action!
✨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 Kingston Voluntary Action, 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 Kingston Voluntary Action 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 Day Service Manager in Kingston upon Thames
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 Kingston Voluntary Action:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kingston Voluntary Action! 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 Kingston Voluntary Action
✨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.
