Service Unit Manager- Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood

Service Unit Manager- Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood

Full-Time 55691 - 60036 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Tameside Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate in services for Learning Disabilities and Autism, shaping lives positively.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to transforming lives in the community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and community impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading transformative change.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leadership, change management, and a passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.

The predicted salary is between 55691 - 60036 £ per year.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Grade K SCP 44 £55,691 - SCP 47 £60,036

Hours Per Week: 36

Base Location: Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6BH

Assessment Date: To be arranged

The Role

We are looking to recruit a Service Unit Manager to lead our newly developed Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood Service. This is an exciting post with an opportunity to really shape how we work with people with Learning Disabilities, the Autistic community and young people starting adult life. Key to this will be developing the team and the operational and strategic relationship with our partners. Focus will be on how we deliver our statutory functions under the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2006, whilst being person‑centred, staying true to principles of Valuing People and using strength‑based approaches, including the implementation of the 3 conversations model.

We are commencing a 5-year Transformation Plan, where we will be leading and working with partners on core areas of Transformation. As a directorate we have developed the Living Well at Home Strategy and a Transformation plan that sits behind this. As a service we are focused on, Somewhere to Live, Something to Do, Someone to Love and Being Well Enough to do it. This means you will be focused on developing day opportunities, developing what an enablement model looks like, develop the Preparing for Adulthood Policy, Process and Pathways, and developing diverse accommodation and support models as well as a robust short break offer so people can stay living well at home.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic and innovative person who says ‘how can we’ not ‘we can’t’. We want someone who has experience of leading change and transformation and has the skills to support staff through this whilst ensuring safe and effective services are delivered. Ideally, someone with experience of working within Learning Disabilities, Autism and Transition, but most importantly is someone who is passionate about ensuring people with Learning Disabilities and Autism are supported to have fulfilled lives, across the lifespan and that nothing is done about them without them.

Responsibilities

  • Provide operational and strategic leadership across LD, Autism and transitions services
  • Set the direction for service improvement, transformation and performance
  • Lead integrated teams and strengthen partnerships with Health and wider system partners
  • Ensure exceptional safeguarding oversight and embedding of Care Act principles
  • Drive a culture of continuous learning, quality and high performance
  • Represent and deputise for the Head of Service
  • Lead specialist projects and influence local and regional policy developments
  • Manage budgets, resources and workforce development
  • Put people at the heart of everything we do

This is a role for someone who leads with passion, clarity and purpose; someone who can inspire confidence and create a future‑proof service that delivers outstanding, strength‑based outcomes for local people.

Other Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures. This post is a designated customer-facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English. Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application. We are committed to developing a culture that respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria. Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed on the job posting. For further information about this role please contact the recruiting manager, Caitlin Chapman, at Caitlin.chapman@tameside.gov.uk.

Service Unit Manager- Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood employer: Tameside Council

As a Service Unit Manager in Tameside, you will join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with Learning Disabilities and Autism. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and supportive work culture, which values innovation and collaboration. With a focus on person-centred care and community engagement, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a competitive salary and a range of benefits in a vibrant local setting.

Tameside Council

Contact Details:

Tameside Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Service Unit Manager- Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of Learning Disabilities and Autism. Attend local events or online webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around person-centred care and transformation initiatives.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your vision for leading change and how you can contribute to developing services that truly support individuals with Learning Disabilities and Autism.

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 genuinely interested in being part of our team and making a difference in the community.

We think you need these skills to ace Service Unit Manager- Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood

Leadership Skills
Change Management
Operational Management
Strategic Planning
Partnership Development
Safeguarding Oversight
Service Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting people with Learning Disabilities and Autism shine through. We want to see how you can inspire change and make a real difference in their lives.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading change and transformation. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their skills in developing teams and partnerships, so be specific about your past roles and achievements.

Be Person-Centred:Remember to emphasise your commitment to person-centred approaches. We value candidates who understand the importance of involving individuals in decisions that affect their lives, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Tameside Council

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2006. Brush up on the principles of Valuing People and strength-based approaches, as these will be key in your role. Being able to discuss how these frameworks can be applied in practice will show your understanding and commitment.

Show Your Passion

This role is all about supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities and Autism. Be ready to share personal experiences or stories that highlight your passion for making a difference in their lives. Employers love to see genuine enthusiasm and a person-centred approach.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you’ve led change and transformation in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve inspired a team or improved service delivery. This will help illustrate your capability to lead integrated teams and strengthen partnerships.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready. Ask about the 5-year Transformation Plan or how they envision the future of the service. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in the organisation’s goals and how you can contribute.