Service manager

Summary: Oversee the performance and quality of practice of multiple social work teams across a service area
Other names: Service lead, area manager, operations manager

What you'll do

As a service manager you’ll:

oversee and lead social work teams to ensure effective service delivery
manage team resources including caseloads, staffing and budgets
monitor and evaluate service outcomes and identify areas to improve outcomes for children and families
work closely with external partners to develop policies and ensure coordinated service delivery
work with senior managers to set the strategic direction of the service
support social workers to ensure their supervision, training and well-being needs are met
carry out recruitment and performance management
report on service performance and develop improvement plans
carry out audits to ensure services are compliant and delivered to a high standard

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

strong leadership and management skills to motivate and inspire teams of social workers
knowledge of relevant legislation, national policies and best practice guidelines
strategic thinking to drive service improvement and achieve organisational goals
knowledge of budgeting, resource allocation and financial management
experience of supporting professional development across teams
the ability to monitor, evaluate and manage performance to ensure quality service provision
strong organisational skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

How to become one

To become a service manager you must:

have completed a degree, apprenticeship or graduate training scheme in social work
be registered with Social Work England
have significant post-qualifying experience as a qualified child and family social worker
have leadership and management experience in a social work setting

If you’re an experienced team manager, the Pathway 3: heads of service programme can help prepare you to progress to a service manager or head of service role.

Career paths and progression

With experience you could:

progress into an advanced leadership role such as head of service, assistant director or director of children's services
move into a training and consultancy role and deliver training programmes to social workers
become an expert in your specialist area of social work practice

The upon: aspirant directors programme can help prepare you to progress to a director of children’s services role.

Current opportunities