Social services manager
Social services managers plan and co-ordinate the health, welfare and social care support provided by local authorities and charities.
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
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.
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.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
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
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
More Information
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
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.
Registration
- you'll need to register with Social Work England
Further information
You'll find more advice about working in social services from Think Care Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.