At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support young people towards independence and create a positive environment.
- Company: Join Orwell, a values-driven organisation dedicated to empowering individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 22 days annual leave, ongoing training, and a wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values empathy and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and a passion for supporting vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Salary: 37,584.02 per annum
Hours: Full time - 37 hours per week
Location: Christchurch House, Ipswich
Ref: CH055
Shape Futures. Empower Young People. Lead with Purpose.
Can you inspire a team while helping young people build brighter futures? Christchurch House is a 37-bedroom supported housing service in Ipswich, providing accommodation and personalised support for young people aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness. We are looking for an exceptional Service Manager to lead the service, support our talented team, and help young people take positive steps towards independence. This is a rewarding leadership opportunity for someone who brings warmth, empathy and determination, along with the ability to create a positive culture where young people and colleagues can achieve their full potential.
What you'll be doing:
- You'll lead all aspects of service delivery, ensuring young people receive high-quality, person-centred support that builds confidence, resilience and independence.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Inspiring, developing and empowering a dedicated support team.
- Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for vulnerable young people.
- Promoting excellent safeguarding and risk management practices.
- Working collaboratively with local authorities, education providers, health services and community partners.
- Driving continuous improvement and delivering outstanding outcomes for customers.
- Ensuring the service operates effectively, efficiently and in line with organisational values.
About you
You'll be an experienced people-focused leader who has:
- Experience managing teams within homelessness, housing, supported living or related services.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management and supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
- A collaborative leadership style that motivates and develops others.
- The ability to remain calm, decisive and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment.
Most importantly, you'll understand that great leadership starts with empathy, respect and a genuine belief in people's potential. If you're a compassionate leader who wants to empower young people, support an exceptional team, and create lasting positive change, we want to hear from you.
More benefits of joining #TeamOrwell:
- 22 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays (Please note that bank holiday work may be required as part of this role).
- Reward and recognition awards.
- Free DBS checks.
- Cashback Health plan.
- Access to Blue Light Card - membership fees apply.
- Ongoing training and development & opportunities to progress in your role through the Orwell Academy.
- Wellbeing programme.
Person Specification:
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade 9-4 / A-C or equivalent)
- Leadership qualification or willingness to gain a qualification in the Orwell Academy.
- A full driving licence is desirable.
Closing date for applications: 6th September 2026
Interview date: 11th September
Before applying, Orwell is committed to safeguarding and safer employment and the principles of empowerment. Please note Orwell Housing Association does not provide visa sponsorship. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply. You will be required to provide the relevant right to work documentation if successfully appointed to the role. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List.
Orwell is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We believe in creating an accessible and supportive environment, where every team member can thrive and contribute. Join us in our commitment to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers all individuals to reach their full potential. We actively welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure equal access and opportunity for all.
If there is anything that might prevent you from applying for one of our roles, we want to help remove that barrier.
Service Manager - Ipswich employer: Orwell Housing Association
Orwell Housing Association is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its staff, offering flexible home care shifts that allow for a healthy work-life balance. With a strong emphasis on empathy and creativity, employees are encouraged to develop their skills in a supportive environment, making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals in Loddon. The organisation fosters a collaborative work culture, providing opportunities for professional development and a rewarding career in social care.
Contact Details:
Orwell Housing Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Ipswich
✨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 Orwell Housing Association.
✨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 Orwell Housing Association!
✨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 Orwell Housing Association, 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 Orwell Housing Association 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 - Ipswich
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 Orwell Housing Association:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Orwell Housing Association! 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 Orwell Housing Association
✨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.
