At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver high-quality care for children and young people.
- Company: Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, dedicated to improving lives of children and families.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, pension scheme, employee assistance programme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to equality, diversity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential care, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Service Manager and Responsible Individual to lead and develop our Children’s Residential Services. This is a pivotal role in shaping the future of care for children and young people, ensuring high standards of safeguarding, service delivery, and continuous improvement across a designated portfolio. You will be responsible for strategic planning, operational leadership, and performance management, ensuring services are aligned with both local and national priorities.
As a Service Manager, you will lead and inspire a group of teams delivering high-quality children’s social care services. You’ll develop and implement service and team plans that align with council objectives, ensuring continuous improvement and excellent outcomes for children and families. You’ll manage budgets and contracts, making sure resources are used effectively and in line with financial regulations. You’ll build strong partnerships with external agencies, contribute to safeguarding arrangements, and play a key role in shaping integrated services. You’ll also be responsible for driving a performance culture, supporting staff development through supervision and workforce planning, and ensuring that the voices of children and families are central to service design. You’ll lead change initiatives and contribute to strategic planning.
You will have extensive experience in the regulated residential sector, statutory social care and leadership. You have a strong track record of managing children’s services. You’re a confident leader who can motivate teams, manage performance, and deliver results. Your communication and negotiation skills are excellent, and you’re comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, including children, families, and partner agencies. You understand the regulatory landscape and have experience with inspections and service improvement. You’re strategic, adaptable, and committed to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.
We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do. We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:
- 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years
- Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health pension protection.
- Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave
- Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation.
- Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
- Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits
- A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions
- Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities
- Subsidised town centre car parking scheme
At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do – in every decision we make and every action we take. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils. Our workforce are our most valuable asset and are pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be. We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed. At NCT equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria.
Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference.
Service Manager - Children's Homes in Ashley employer: Northamptonshire Children's Trust
At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the well-being and development of our staff. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, we offer extensive learning and development opportunities, a supportive management team, and a generous benefits package that includes 28 days of annual leave, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and flexible working arrangements. Join us in a culture that values creativity, celebrates achievements, and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Contact Details:
Northamptonshire Children's Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Children's Homes in Ashley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the organisation thoroughly and understand their values and mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around safeguarding and service delivery. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've motivated teams and driven performance in previous roles. Highlight your strategic planning abilities and how they’ve led to successful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Get your application in early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Children's Homes in Ashley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for children's services shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement directly addresses the essential criteria outlined in the job description. This is your chance to show us how your experience aligns with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that highlight your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Children's Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Service Manager in children's homes. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as safeguarding, service delivery, and performance management. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience and how you've motivated teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve driven change or improved services. This will show that you can lead effectively and inspire others to achieve great outcomes.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Brush up on the regulations and standards governing children's residential services. Be ready to discuss your experience with inspections and service improvement. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're committed to maintaining high standards.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their services and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and goals.
