At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to support individuals with learning disabilities and autism in achieving their dreams.
- Company: Positive Futures, a compassionate organisation focused on empowering individuals and their families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, vacation, employee development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a culture of respect, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 3 years of management experience in social care and relevant accredited qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Lead with people first, and every part of this service follows suit. At Positive Futures, we support people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury or autism to achieve their dreams and live the life they choose. As Service Manager, you’ll be the person who makes that real day‑to‑day: leading the team, holding the standards, and making sure the people we support are always at the centre of every decision. This is a role with genuine weight to it. You’ll be the “Person in Charge”, responsible for the full day‑to‑day running of your service and answerable for the quality of everything that happens in it.
You’ll lead your staff team, model the standards you expect from them, and act as the key point of contact for the people we support, their families, and the professionals around them. You’ll manage budgets, rosters, risk and compliance, and you’ll do all of it while staying close to the people you’re there for, building real relationships and making sure their voice drives the plan, not just the paperwork.
- Full ownership: you carry real accountability for your service, from quality and compliance to budgets and staffing, with the authority to make it work.
- People-first leadership: you’ll build, coach and develop a team that shares your standards, supporting them through induction, supervision and ongoing development.
- Direct, lasting impact: your decisions shape the everyday lives of the people you support, from how their support is planned to how their voice is heard.
If you’re ready to lead a service that puts people first, we’d love to hear from you.
Values only mean something when someone lives them daily. In this role, that’s you. As Service Manager, you’ll take full responsibility for the quality and compliance of your service, making sure it meets both Positive Futures’ internal standards and HIQA regulatory requirements. You will coordinate the assessment, planning and review of support for the people you work with, keep on top of quality improvement plans, and act as the escalation point when things need your attention, whether that’s a safeguarding concern, a family query, or a conversation with the wider multidisciplinary team.
Leading people is a core part of the job. You’ll oversee recruitment, induction and training for your staff and volunteers, run Person‑Centred Supervision, and manage performance so your team has the skills and confidence to do their jobs well. You will also take the lead on growth for your service, building relationships with the HSE and other bodies, identifying opportunities for new referrals, and helping shape what Positive Futures can offer next.
You will hold responsibility for the practical side too: budgets, staffing levels, rosters, medication oversight, incident reporting and risk management all sit with you, alongside making sure the people you support are getting the entitlements and financial support they’re due.
Required Criteria:
- A minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in an operational management capacity, which must include the supervision of staff / volunteers and financial management.
- Hold an accredited qualification in social care, allied health or related field, registered with the appropriate professional body.
- Hold an accredited qualification in health or social care management.
- A full driving licence with access to a car insured for business purposes.
About The Company:
Founded in 1995 (initially under the name United Response NI), we now operate across the island of Ireland offering a wide range of services tailored to individuals with learning disabilities, acquired brain injury or autism and the families who support them. Our services include supported living, peripatetic housing support, shared‑lives schemes, residential short breaks and family support. We focus on enabling people to live as equal citizens, develop independence and realise their hopes and dreams. With offices and services located in Dublin, Dundalk, Wicklow, Manorhamilton and beyond, we’re committed to making a meaningful difference in local communities.
Company Culture:
At Positive Futures, we foster a culture of respect, innovation and empowerment. We believe in putting people first—both those we support and our staff. We create environments where colleagues feel valued, where ideas for improvement are welcomed, and where continuous learning is encouraged. We support staff to grow professionally and personally, and we emphasise collaboration, listening and trust. Working with us means being part of a team that genuinely cares, is proactive in shaping futures and embraces the possibility in every situation.
Company Benefits:
- Vacation
- Paid time off
- Paid sick days
- Retirement plan and/or pension
- Employee development programs
- Competitive salary
- Employee Assistance Scheme
- Wellbeing Scheme
- Annual performance review
- Culture of recognition
- On the job learning
- Progression opportunities
- Staff celebration events
Salary: €54,548.00 - €66,642.00 per year
Service Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Positive Futures Ireland
At Positive Futures, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first approach in everything we do. Our supportive work culture fosters respect, innovation, and empowerment, ensuring that both our staff and the individuals we support feel valued and heard. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, competitive benefits, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in local communities, joining our team as a Service Manager means being part of a dedicated group that is proactive in shaping futures and embracing possibilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Positive Futures Ireland.
✨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 Positive Futures Ireland!
✨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 Positive Futures Ireland, 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 Positive Futures Ireland 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 Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Positive Futures Ireland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Positive Futures Ireland! 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 Positive Futures Ireland
✨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.
