Social Services Manager
Job Description:Social services managers plan and coordinate the health, welfare and social care support provided by local authorities and charities.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- developing strategies and policies
- managing a team of senior staff
- planning staff and resource requirements
- managing finances and controlling budgets
- monitoring and improving service provision
- managing changes to services and how they’re provided
- analysing service data to identify areas for improvement and for reports
- working closely with other agencies
- supporting the professional development of your management team
- negotiating contracts and buying in services from outside providers
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- leadership skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent communication skills
- the ability to manage relationships with partner agencies
- analytical skills
- project management skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Social Services Manager, you will typically need a combination of relevant education, work experience, and skills. While there are no specific subjects required for this role, you can focus on subjects that can help you build a foundation for a career in social services:
- English: Strong communication skills are essential for effective interactions with clients, staff, and other professionals. Good writing skills are also important for creating reports and documents.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills can be useful when managing budgets and financial resources within social service organizations.
- Biology or Psychology: Understanding human biology or psychology can be beneficial when working with clients and assessing their needs. These subjects can provide insight into human behavior and mental health.
- Sociology: Sociology can provide a deeper understanding of societal issues, cultural diversity, and social structures, which are all relevant to social services.
- Citizenship or Political Science: These subjects can help you understand government policies and how they impact social services.
- Health and Social Care: While not typically offered as a subject, courses in health and social care can provide a solid foundation for understanding the principles and practices of social services.
Post School
You’ll need:
- several years’ management experience
- a degree and professional qualifications relevant to the service you want to work for, like in social work or mental health
- clearance from the local authorities (in the UK that would be the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) )
- a driving licence will be useful
Employers will expect you to have a clear understanding of legislation, safety standards and social policy for your chosen field.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 35 to 40 hours a week.
You’ll be based in an office but travel between sites for meetings with social services teams and partner organisations.
Career Path & 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.