At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve child-centred services for children and families in Nottingham.
- Company: Nottingham City Council, committed to transforming children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, pension scheme, and professional development.
- Other info: Join us in a pivotal moment for children's services with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while shaping future services.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 56730 - 60125 £ per year.
Nottingham City Council is on a significant journey of improvement, reform and transformation across Children's and Education Services. We are redesigning services, strengthening practice and building a more connected system around children, young people and families. With a clear vision, strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, this is an exciting opportunity to join us and help shape the future of services across our city.
We are now recruiting to several Service Manager positions across Children's Social Care and SEND services.
- Service Manager, Children with Disabilities
- Service Manager, Locality Team (Social Care)
- Service Manager, Emergency Duty Team (EDT)
- SEND Service Manager (Statutory Assessment and Identification)
About the Roles
Our Service Manager roles are pivotal leadership positions, driving high quality, child centred services that improve outcomes for children, young people and families across Nottingham. Working collaboratively with teams, partners and stakeholders, you will lead service improvement, support professional excellence and help shape inclusive and responsive services that make a real difference. You will bring strong leadership experience, a commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for delivering positive outcomes for children and families.
Why Nottingham?
This is a pivotal moment for Children's and Education Services in Nottingham. We are investing in leadership, strengthening our services and creating the conditions for long term success. Our vision is simple. Every child and young person should be seen, heard and supported to thrive. If you share our ambition and want to play a key role in shaping the future of services for children and families, we would love to hear from you.
What We Offer:
- Service Manager (Grade K) Salary £56,730 - £60,125
- Flexible hybrid working
- Local Government Pension Scheme with 18.5% employer contribution
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- A strong commitment to employee wellbeing
To apply, please visit our website via the button below. Closing date: Friday 21 August 2026 at 11.59pm. Please state the role you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Join us and help create better outcomes for Nottingham's children, young people and families.
Service Manager in Nottingham employer: Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With a strong focus on professional development, employees have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in their roles. Located in the vibrant city of Nottingham, the council provides a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive while contributing to the community's welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Nottingham
✨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 Nottingham City 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 Nottingham City 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 Nottingham City 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 Nottingham City 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 in Nottingham
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 Nottingham City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nottingham City 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 Nottingham City 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.
