At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage social work teams to deliver high-quality support for children and families.
- Company: Join North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, a values-driven organisation.
- Benefits: Supportive environment with professional development and focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape service redesign and improve access to support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families during a time of transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management within social work and a relevant qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Senior Management Team within the Children, Families and Justice Service. We are seeking an experienced, aspirational leader who shares North Ayrshire Council’s core values of Focus, Passion and Inspiration.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the operational management of defined service areas and social work teams across Children and Families services, ensuring high-quality, responsive child and family support services. Working alongside a fellow Service Manager, you will support the Senior Manager in driving forward service improvement and strengthening delivery standards for babies, infants, children and young people across North Ayrshire.
You will join us at a time of ambitious transformation, with real opportunities to shape service redesign, improve access to support and contribute to the delivery of sustainable, high-quality services. In North Ayrshire, we pride ourselves on visible, values-led leadership, where senior leaders are accessible, supportive and committed to creating the conditions for staff to thrive and deliver their best work.
We are equally committed to supporting our workforce through reflective supervision, continuous professional development and a strong focus on staff wellbeing, recognising that our people are our greatest asset. In line with our commitment to The Promise, we are dedicated to ensuring that all children and young people receive the right support, at the right time, enabling them to grow up feeling safe, secure and loved.
We support a risk sensible practice framework having imbedded Signs of Safety and Safe and Together practice models. You would have the opportunity to continue to support the imbedding of these models assisting frontline teams to focus on relationship-based trauma-informed practice.
The preferred candidate will bring extensive operational management experience within a Children and Families social work setting, a relevant Social Work qualification, strong leadership capability, with a focus on continuous improvement and partnership working and of course a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children, young people and families. You must also be willing to undertake and maintain mandatory PVG Scheme membership.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be made to: Corry McDonald, Senior Manager – Children and Families Tel: 01294 317712. Shortlisted candidates must be available to attend for a face-to-face interview on the 25th August 2026 within Cunninghame House, Irvine.
Service Manager - Children, Families & Justice Services - NAY17536 employer: North Ayrshire Council
As a Facilities Assistant in our catering team, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. We offer flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training, and opportunities for advancement within the local authority, ensuring that your contributions are valued and recognised. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a collaborative culture that celebrates diversity and encourages innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Children, Families & Justice Services - NAY17536
✨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 North Ayrshire Council.
✨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 North Ayrshire Council!
✨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 North Ayrshire Council, 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 North Ayrshire Council 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 - Children, Families & Justice Services - NAY17536
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 North Ayrshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to North Ayrshire Council! 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 North Ayrshire Council
✨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.
