At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Windle Valley Day Centre, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for older residents.
- Company: Join Runnymede Borough Council, a progressive council dedicated to community services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, excellent pension, free parking, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting transition to the new West Surrey Unitary Council.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older residents while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and knowledge of safeguarding and health legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Surrey Heath and Runnymede Borough Council Community Services Partnership (and the future West Surrey Authority) as we continue our positive work supporting older residents to live active, independent and fulfilling lives.
As the Day Centre Manager, you will lead the safe and effective operation of Windle Valley Day Centre, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services for older people.
The Day Centre Manager will play a key role in creating a welcoming, vibrant environment for service users whilst leading a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operation of Windle Valley Day Centre, ensuring a safe, welcoming and engaging environment.
- Manage and support a team of staff, volunteers and casual workers to deliver excellent services.
- Plan and oversee activities, events and wellbeing programmes for older residents.
- Manage staffing rotas and maintain service continuity during periods of absence.
- Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and compliance requirements are met.
- Manage budgets, financial records and the day centre's daily income and expenditure.
- Work collaboratively with families, health professionals and partner organisations.
- Oversee the centre's kitchen operations and meal provision for service users.
- Support the ongoing development and improvement of day centre services across the Community Services Partnership.
- Help shape the future delivery of services for older residents as the Council continues to develop and modernise its day centre offer.
- Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward- thinking attitude and award-winning departments.
As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects.
We continually strive to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.
- From March 2027, Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey.
West Surrey will bring together the full range of local government services under one organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive services for our communities.
As one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diverse population across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, and significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
The scale and variety of our work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern, resident-focused council.
- It is an exciting time to join us as we build West Surrey together.
Runnymede Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with care support needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
You may be requested to present your identification at the interview stage and there will be several checks conducted during the onboarding process inclusive of an enhanced DBS check for specified roles.
All applications are handled in compliance with our
Qualifications
- Experience managing staff within a care, wellbeing, community or customer-focused environment, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop teams.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety legislation, risk assessments and working with vulnerable adults.
- Experience managing budgets, maintaining accurate records and working with financial controls.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with service users, families and partner organisations.
- Competence using Microsoft 365 applications and electronic record systems, with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, resolve service issues and make sound decisions under pressure.
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above or equivalent) and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to work across multiple sites when required.
Benefits
- 29 Days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Excellent Pension Scheme
- Free Parking
- Training and development opportunities
- Payment of one professional membership per annum
- Cycle to work + further related discounts
- Season ticket loan
- Health insurance plan after 1 years' service/ Dental after 3 years' service
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Please note that Runnymede Borough Council is currently undertaking a pay and grading review, which is expected to be implemented during the summer.
The successful applicant will be appointed under the Council's current grading and salary structure and, following implementation of the new framework, will be assimilated into the revised pay structure in line with all existing employees.
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Day Centre Manager in Lightwater employer: Runnymede Borough Council
Runnymede Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. With opportunities for professional growth and a generous benefits package, including 29 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, employees can enjoy a fulfilling career while making a meaningful impact in the local area. The hybrid working model further enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Day Centre Manager in Lightwater
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Day Centre Manager in Lightwater
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 Runnymede Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Runnymede Borough 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 Runnymede Borough 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.
