Service Manager - Learning Disabilities / Autism

The New Dawn Day Service Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and developing a safe, inclusive, and high-quality day service. The role focuses on delivering activities that promote independence, social inclusion, and well-being for service users while managing daily operations, regulatory compliance, and staff teams.

Main Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage the overall operations of the New Dawn Day Opportunities Services.
• Oversee the line management of all staff employed within the service.
• Review, assess, and attend annual reviews and other professional meetings of service members.
• Develop and monitor staff training plans in conjunction with the deputy managers and Tower Projects Chief Executive.
• Plan and deliver high-quality programmes that meet the social, educational, and developmental support needs of service members.
• Ensure all daily activities, workshops, and support programs align with the Tower Project’s core values and strategic aims.
• Monitor and prepare group and individual learning plans in conjunction with the Chief Executive.
• Assess potential new and existing service members referred to or within the day service.

Main Duties:

• Facilitate a community-based programme that meets the individual support needs of service members.
• Manage, support, and actively participate in the delivery of a high-quality service in a supportive environment.
• Ensure service delivery in consultation and partnership with service members, parents/carers, schools/colleges, and other relevant parties.
• Provide and/or receive support, advice, and training as appropriate.
• Oversee the effective and efficient use of the Services budget.
• Develop and implement new initiatives as required.
• Address and resolve issues in the general running of the services.

Specific Duties:

• Maintain and develop systems for monitoring.
• Attend and contribute to Tower Project Senior staff team meetings, organise Day Service meetings and staff supervisions.
• Initiate and/or attend training events and appropriate external meetings.
• Ensure health, safety, and security of the premises and its equipment.
• Prepare timetables, activity plans, budgets, programme reports, and monitoring data.
• Conduct administrative and financial responsibilities according to Tower Project procedures.
• Proactively promote and develop inclusion and equal opportunities.
• Liaise with service members’ parents/carers, outside agencies, support staff, key workers, and other partner agencies.
• Implement guidelines of relevant legislation, e.g., Care Act 2014.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings with the Tower Projects Chief Executive.
• Undertake other duties as appropriate to the nature of the post.

Operations:

• Design and oversee a diverse programme of daily activities, workshops, and outings tailored to service user needs.
• Maintain the facility to high standards, ensuring compliance with fire safety, food hygiene, and risk assessments.
• Ensure the service meets all internal policies, local authority contract requirements, and statutory regulations.

Staff Team Management:

• Recruit, supervise, appraise, and support a team of support staff and deputy managers.
• Manage staff levels and attendance for operational purposes.
• Identify training gaps and ensure the team completes mandatory compliance and care training.

Financial Resource Management:

• Manage the day-to-day operational budget, monitoring expenditure and optimizing resources.
• Oversee accurate record-keeping, including service user files, attendance logs, and financial transactions.

Person Specification:

• Experience of coordinating services for adults with disabilities.
• Experience of assessing and supporting adults with disabilities.
• A minimum of two years’ experience managing a team of staff.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding adults, health safety law, and risk management.
• A QCF Level 5 in Care or equivalent, or willingness to work towards such qualification.
• Ability to organise and deliver a high-quality educational and social programme of activities.
• Good communication skills with parents/carers, service members, external agencies, and staff.
• Ability to manage and provide a safe environment by identifying and implementing strategies/activities.
• Basic computer skills, or a willingness to undertake training as required.

Special Conditions:

• The post holder will be expected to undertake any additional training as required.