At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop high-quality children's residential services, ensuring excellent outcomes.
- Company: Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, pension scheme, employee discounts, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values creativity and celebrates achievements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information
- 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
About the role
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.
What will you be doing?
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.
About you
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.
About us
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 Northampton employer: Northamptonshire Children's Trust
At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the continuous improvement of our workforce and the well-being of children and families. Our supportive work culture fosters innovation and creativity, offering extensive learning and development opportunities, a generous benefits package including 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and flexible working arrangements. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a nurturing environment that values every team member's contributions.
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 Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who work with children and families. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values and how they align with your passion for children's services. This will help you showcase your commitment during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and driven performance in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in managing children's services will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to support children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Children's Homes in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives, so share your experiences and motivations clearly.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Service Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in the regulated residential sector and how it aligns with our mission at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, ensuring we can easily see how you meet the requirements of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Children's Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of children's residential services and the regulatory landscape. Brush up on recent changes in legislation and best practices in safeguarding, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your commitment to improving the lives of children and families. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your dedication to this cause, and be ready to discuss how you can inspire and lead teams to achieve excellent outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and leadership skills. Think about past challenges you've faced in similar roles and how you overcame them, focusing on your strategic planning and performance management abilities.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation’s goals, team dynamics, and how they support staff development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
