At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to provide impactful employment support for those with mental health challenges.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a values-driven organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, inclusive workplace that values equity and respect.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on lives while championing recovery-focused practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and knowledge of mental health best practices required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: East Kent (Thanet, Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh, Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Ashford)
Hours: 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE)
Contract: Permanent
Work type: Field-based
Reporting to: Head of Area
DBS: Enhanced Disclosure with Adults Barred List
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone severely affected by mental illness should have a good quality of life. We listen, we work together, and we challenge inequality — always putting people at the heart of what we do. Our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Service helps people with mental health challenges find and sustain paid employment that matters to them. We’re now looking for a passionate and experienced IPS Employment Service Manager to lead and develop our East Kent service.
As Employment Service Manager, you’ll lead a small, dedicated team of Employment Specialists delivering high‑quality, recovery‑focused employment support across East Kent. You’ll ensure the service meets contractual requirements, achieves positive outcomes for people we support, and reflects Rethink’s values in everything it does. Working closely with the Head of Area, you’ll provide day‑to‑day leadership, oversight of performance and quality, and strong external partnership working — all while championing innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement. You’ll manage four part‑time Employment Specialists and play a key role in shaping how the IPS service responds to local need.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading, supporting and developing a dispersed staff team to deliver safe, effective and person‑centred services
- Ensuring strong performance against contract targets, quality standards and reporting requirements
- Embedding safeguarding, data protection, equality and health & safety into everyday practice
- Providing regular supervision, coaching, appraisals and performance support
- Building effective relationships with commissioners, referrers, mental health services and community partners
- Managing recruitment, staff resourcing, budgets and operational processes
- Promoting service user involvement and ensuring voices of lived experience shape the service
- Identifying opportunities for service improvement, innovation and local engagement
Who we’re looking for:
You’ll be a confident, values‑driven leader with experience of managing services in health, social care or a related setting. You’ll bring a collaborative approach, a commitment to recovery‑focused practice, and a genuine passion for supporting people affected by mental illness into employment.
You’ll need:
- Experience of managing and supporting staff teams, including supervision and performance management
- Knowledge of mental health, recovery approaches and best practice
- Experience of safeguarding, incident reporting and regulatory compliance
- Strong organisational, communication and partnership‑working skills
- Ability to plan, monitor and evidence outcomes and service impact
- NVQ Level 3 / QCF Diploma (or equivalent) in a health or social care related subject
- Good IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office
We’d love it if you also have:
- Lived experience of mental ill health or using mental health services
Be part of a values‑led organisation making a real difference. Work flexibly and autonomously with strong leadership support. Access learning, development and career progression opportunities. Join a caring, inclusive workplace where equity, respect and openness matter.
Interested? If you’re ready to lead a service that changes lives through meaningful employment, we’d love to hear from you. Rethink Mental Illness is committed to creating a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from people with lived experience of mental illness.
Why Work With Rethink Mental Illness?
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe that when you feel supported, you can make the biggest difference. That’s why we offer a range of benefits to help you thrive:
- Inclusive Culture: Join staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion.
- Wellbeing Support: Access our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, and the Unmind mental health app.
- Recognition & Rewards: Enjoy discounts, cashback offers, and celebrate achievements through our PULSE platform.
- Flexible Working & Generous Leave: Starting at 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with options to buy or sell extra days.
- Learning & Development: Grow your career with structured onboarding and training opportunities.
- Financial & Family Support: Contributory pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits like season ticket loans and cycle-to-work schemes.
- Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us, and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services.
We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background- regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement. We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
Service Manager in England employer: Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Service Manager in East Kent, you will lead a dedicated team while benefiting from flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and access to comprehensive learning and development opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by mental illness, all within a diverse and equity-focused environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the mental health and employment sectors. Attend local events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for supporting people with mental health challenges. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Research common questions for service manager roles and think about how your experience aligns with Rethink’s values. Practise your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨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 serious about joining our team at Rethink Mental Illness. So, what are you waiting for? Get that application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Service Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and supporting individuals with mental health challenges, as this will show us you understand what we're all about.
Showcase Your Values:We’re all about values at Rethink Mental Illness, so don’t be shy about sharing your passion for supporting people affected by mental illness. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you embody our commitment to recovery-focused practice.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key skills and experiences shine through without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Employment Service Manager and the specific needs of the IPS Employment Service. Familiarise yourself with Rethink Mental Illness's values and how they align with your own experiences and beliefs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in health or social care settings. Highlight your experience in performance management and how you've supported staff to achieve their best.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Rethink values partnership working, so be ready to discuss how you've built effective relationships with various stakeholders. Share specific instances where your collaborative approach has led to positive outcomes.
✨Bring Your Passion
Let your genuine passion for supporting people affected by mental illness shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to recovery-focused practice and how you can make a difference in this role.
