At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage access and discharge services in adult social care.
- Company: Join the dynamic London Borough of Newham, committed to high-quality community services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant borough with excellent transport links and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape services that improve lives and promote inclusion in a diverse community.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult social care leadership and managing large teams.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Adults and Health Directorate | London Borough of Newham
We are proud of our diverse communities and ambitious in our commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred services that support residents to live independently, safely and with dignity. We are now seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to join us as Service Manager - Access and Discharge within Adult Social Care. This is a pivotal role, leading the operational delivery of access and discharge services and ensuring that adults with social care needs, alongside their families and carers, receive timely, effective and integrated support.
Working as part of a senior leadership team, you will shape and drive services that are responsive, inclusive and outcomes-focused, reflecting both local priorities and the wider national agenda for health and social care.
About the role
As Service Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the performance, quality and development of the Access and Discharge service. You will lead a sizeable and multidisciplinary workforce, providing strong professional leadership to Team Managers and their teams, while ensuring services operate to consistently high standards of practice, safeguarding and governance. You will work to strengthen and embed integrated and preventative pathways with health partners, Public Health, neighbourhood teams, the voluntary and community sector and other stakeholders, supporting effective access to services, promoting preventative approaches and enabling safe and timely hospital discharge.
Alongside this, you will manage significant resources, including a budget of approximately £10 million, ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining a clear focus on quality and outcomes. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership. You will help shape and deliver service change, transformation and continuous improvement activity that promotes inclusion, prevention, integration and improved resident outcomes.
About you
You will be an experienced leader within adult social care, bringing a strong understanding of statutory responsibilities, safeguarding and the wider legislative framework. You will have a proven track record of leading large teams in complex and fast-paced environments, developing managers and fostering high-performing, accountable services. You will be confident working in partnership across organisational boundaries, particularly with health colleagues, and able to influence and collaborate to deliver genuinely integrated care. Your experience will include managing significant budgets and balancing demand, risk and quality to achieve sustainable service delivery.
Just as importantly, you will be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring services reflect and respond to the communities we serve. You will be comfortable leading change, driving innovation and continuous improvement while maintaining a strong focus on quality and outcomes. Above all, you will share our values of Honesty, Equality, Ambition, Respect and Trust, and be motivated by making a real difference to the lives of Newham residents.
Why join Newham?
Newham is one of London's most dynamic and diverse boroughs, with big ambitions for its residents and services. You'll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that encourages innovation, supports professional development and values strong, visible leadership. This is a role where you can have genuine impact-shaping services, influencing systems and improving outcomes for people across the borough.
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that's all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About Us
The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London. It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east. It is well connected by public transport with bus, tube and DLR. When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London. The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country. It was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics and contains most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium. It has a thriving arts quarter with the Theatre Royal Stratford East offering excellent entertainment for all the family. There is the University of East London which has two campuses in Newham, one in Stratford and another next to the regenerated Royal Albert Dock. It also has a large Westfield shopping Centre in Stratford which has all the major retailers there.
Service Manager (Access and DAT) employer: Newham
Newham is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a generous pension scheme, we foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager (Access and DAT)
✨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 Newham.
✨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 Newham!
✨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 Newham, 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 Newham 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 Service Manager (Access and DAT)
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 Newham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Newham! 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 Newham
✨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.
