Service Manager

Management roles in social care:

• First line managers such as service managers or residential unit managers.
• Middle managers such as assistant director or department head.
• Senior managers such as service director or chief executive.

Managers can work in any social care setting including care homes, supported living flats, in the community, or local authorities.

Role overview:

• Overseeing the day to day running of a care service.
• Leading and managing staff so they can perform their roles safely and to the best of their ability.
• Managing budgets and contracts.
• Making strategic decisions about the future and growth of your care service.
• Leading on specific projects or clinical areas, for example setting up a new care service.
  
  

Salary expectation:

The average registered care manager salary in the United Kingdom is around £35,027 per year according to Talent. Entry level positions start at £31,358 per year while most experienced workers make up to £47,513 per year. This may vary depending on region and provider.

Skills and experience:
You’ll ideally need to have experience and qualifications before progressing into a Deputy manager or Team manager role. Experiencing of directly delivering care can be highly beneficial in understanding the needs of your team. Specific skills needed to work in this role include:

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
• Effective communication skills.
• Self-motivation and resilience.
• A good understanding of regulatory requirements.
• The ability to think strategically to develop your organisation.
• Good project management and organisational skills.
• Prior experience in performance management

Opportunities:
The core qualification for social care managers is the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care. You can only do this qualification when you’re working in a management role.

It is recommended to ideally complete this qualification before becoming a care manager. If you’re currently working in social care and interested in becoming a social care manager, speak to your employer about opportunities to progress.

• The Manager Induction Standards outline what social care managers need to know in their role.
• Read Skill for Care’s Developing new managers and deputies guide to find out more.

Care managers would usually have prior experience of working in health or social care, but it is sometimes possible to transfer from a different sector.
It is also recommended that new care managers undertake the 'Lead to succeed' learning programme.