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Social services manager

Alternative titles for this job include Service manager, service development manager

Social services managers plan and co-ordinate the health, welfare and social care support provided by local authorities and charities.

Average salary (a year)

£35,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Social services manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification before applying for a management trainee place with a local authority. Most subjects are accepted, though you may have an advantage with a qualification in:

  • social work
  • mental health nursing
  • public health policy
  • health and social care

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

College

You could learn some of the skills you need for this job through a college course, like a Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to start on a higher apprenticeship for children, young people and families managers, or care leadership and management, then do further on-the-job training.

You could also do a social worker degree apprenticeship to get a trainee manager's position.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You'll need several years' management experience and a relevant qualification like the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership in Health and Social Care to apply for job vacancies directly.

Employers will expect you to have a clear understanding of legislation, safety standards and social policy for your chosen field.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You'll find more advice about working in social services from Think Care Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of psychology
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to work well with others
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • business management skills
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

A driving licence will be useful.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties, you could:

  • develop strategies and policies
  • manage a team of senior staff
  • plan staff and resource requirements
  • manage finances and control budgets
  • monitor and improve service provision
  • manage changes to services and how they're provided
  • analyse service data to identify areas for improvement and for reports
  • work closely with other agencies
  • support the professional development of your management team
  • negotiate contracts and buy in services from outside providers

Working environment

You could work in the community or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in a particular area, like mental health or children's services.

You could also become a head of service, chief executive, assistant director or director of social services.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Senior Residential Support Worker (L5 Children, Young People & Families Manager) Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £31,000 a year Annually
  • Location: David Lane, Nottingham

Residential Children's Home Manager Apprentice The Gateshead Group

  • Wage: £47,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Gloucester

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Social services manager?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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