At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide outstanding support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
- Company: Join Lifeways, a leading provider of specialist support in the UK.
- Benefits: Leadership development, wellbeing resources, and discounts on shopping and travel.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care and strong management experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Who We Are – Lifeways
Every day at Lifeways, our team members make a difference. You’ll meet people who have built rewarding careers with us, and people whose lives have been transformed through the support we provide. Lifeways is one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist support for people with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries, mental health conditions, and complex care needs.
The Opportunity
Service Manager – Birch Tree, Birmingham - Fixed Term 12 month contract. We’re looking for an experienced manager who leads positively from the front, builds strong relationships, develops their team, and ensures the people we support, living with learning disabilities and autism, receive the very best support every day. Birch Tree is a well-established supported living flat scheme consisting of 16 self-contained flats, supporting 14 individuals. You’ll be joining a fully staffed service with an experienced Team Leader already in place, providing a great opportunity to focus on leadership, quality, and continued service development.
In this role, you will:
- Support, inspire, and develop your team of support workers and team leaders to deliver outstanding care and support within this supported living flat scheme.
- Oversee the delivery of high-quality care and support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism, challenging behaviours, and physical disabilities, each with their own unique and complex needs.
- Drive service improvements and quality standards.
- Build strong relationships with your team, families, and communities.
What You’ll Bring
- A minimum Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care with Level 5 being desirable (or working towards it).
- Strong experience in operational and people management.
- A valid UK driver’s licence and willingness to travel locally.
- A genuine passion for quality care — and the ability to lead by example.
We’re looking for individuals who embody empathy, courage, honesty, equality, and passion. If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to the team.
Why Join Lifeways?
When you join Lifeways, you step into a leadership role in a company that values and invests in its people. Our shared values guide everything we do: Caring – Honest – One Team – Innovative – Courageous – Equal.
You’ll get:
- Leadership development programmes & progression pathways.
- A supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Matched contribution company pension scheme.
- Wellbeing resources and mental health support.
- Reward and Recognition Schemes.
- Discounts on shopping, tech, travel, and more through CHOICE Rewards.
Why Now?
We are on a bold journey to become the Care Provider of Choice — and this is an exciting time to join us. We listen closely to our team members through surveys and forums and act on their ideas, continuously improving how we support both our people and the individuals in our care. As a leader, you’ll have the authority, resources, and support to shape your team’s culture and the quality of care they deliver. We invest in your growth through leadership development and promote a workplace where wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are more than just words — they’re lived values.
At Lifeways, you’re not just anyone. You’re a leader who can make a difference every single day.
Service Manager - Birmingham - Fixed Term Contract employer: Lifeway s Group
At Lifeways, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the care sector, where every team member plays a vital role in transforming lives. Our supportive and inclusive workplace culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering leadership development programmes and a range of wellbeing resources. Join us in Birmingham, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to innovation in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Birmingham - Fixed Term Contract
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Lifeway s Group, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Birmingham - Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Lifeway s Group. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Lifeway s Group. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lifeway s Group
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Lifeway s Group.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Service Manager - Birmingham - Fixed Term Contract role at Lifeway s Group, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Lifeway s Group that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
