Service Manager - Children's Social Care in Sunderland

We're growing here at Nova Care Group and are looking for a Service Manager to join our team. The young people we support have been through a lot and show this through challenging behaviours. But for us, that’s not the full picture because behind every behaviour is a story and a chance to make a difference.

As a Service Manager, you’ll lead and oversee two placements, driving a culture of operational excellence, accountability, teamwork and respect across both services. The Service Manager will provide visible and inspirational leadership to Deputies and Support Workers, ensuring the highest standards of care, safeguarding, compliance and team performance are consistently achieved. Operating outside of the shift rotation, the Service Manager will maintain oversight of both day and night teams through the leadership of two Deputy Managers. The role is responsible for ensuring services operate in line with regulatory requirements, organisational expectations and therapeutic approaches.

Requirements for our Service Manager:

• Experience within a management or leadership role within children and young people social care settings.
• Strong working knowledge of safeguarding, compliance and risk management.
• Experience leading or supporting inspections, audits or quality assurance processes.
• Experience of supporting with the recruitment, onboarding and development of a team.
• Working knowledge of CQC standards and Regulation 44 processes.
• Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, Children's Health and Social Care or equivalent is essential.
• Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification desirable or willingness to work towards.
• Full UK Driving licence and right to work in the UK (we are not able to offer sponsorship).

This could be the ideal role for someone with experience working as a Service Manager, Registered Manager, Team Leader, Deputy Manager or Senior Support Worker within children and young people social care settings.

What makes us different:

Nova Care Group was founded on lived experience. Real understanding of what it means to support a young person through crisis, through complexity and through the moments where others may have walked away. Because we’ve been there before, the support we offer our Service Manager is meaningful, practical and designed to help you thrive in your role.

What you’ll receive in return:

• Competitive salary of £52,000.
• No shift work required – this is a Monday – Friday role.
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement that increases with length of service.
• Private healthcare cover.
• Fully funded Level 5 or 7 qualifications.
• Clear career and progression pathways.
• Paid sick leave and company pension scheme.
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Entitlement to Blue Light discounts.

Nova Care Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS, employment history and reference checks.