Area Service Manager - Specialist Support for Children & Young People with Complex Needs
Location: Shropshire Hours: Full Time Salary: £40,000 (dependent on experience)
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced, compassionate and resilient Area Service Manager to lead and oversee a specialist package of support for a young person aged 16–18 in Shropshire. The young person we support has a learning disability, is autistic, and has experienced trauma alongside mental health support needs. This is a hands-on leadership role at the heart of a small, dedicated team, and you will play a central part in creating a safe, stable and trauma-informed environment that helps them build confidence, independence and the skills they need for adult life. As the young person is under 18, safeguarding and promoting their welfare sits at the centre of everything the role involves. You will work closely with the Registered Manager and the wider operational team, taking day-to-day responsibility for the leadership, quality and delivery of the package.As an area manager you will lead further teams as the area grows.
What You'll Be Doing
- Provide visible, confident leadership to the staff team supporting the young person, day to day and during out-of-hours or on-call periods. Be willing to work alongside the team on shift where needed, to model best practice and ensure continuity of care.
- Oversee the delivery of safe, high-quality, person-centred support that reflects the young person's autism, learning disability, trauma history and mental health needs. Ensure safeguarding concerns are recognised, responded to and reported promptly and appropriately.
- Lead the development and regular review of support plans, risk assessments and positive behaviour support strategies, including proactive and reactive strategies for behaviours that challenge. Monitor incidents, accidents and safeguarding concerns, ensuring learning is identified and acted upon. Complete regular audits and quality checks to provide assurance around the safety and quality of the service.
- Ensure the whole staff team understands the young person's individual needs, communication style, sensory profile, preferences and aspirations. Provide regular supervision, coaching and development for the staff team, building their confidence and skill in trauma-informed and autism-informed practice.
- Work in close partnership with families, social workers, commissioners, health professionals, education providers and the wider multi-disciplinary team.
- Support positive outcomes and help the young person prepare for the transition into adulthood.
About You
We're looking for a compassionate, resilient leader who is genuinely motivated to improve outcomes for children and young people with complex needs. You will bring both the emotional intelligence to lead a team through demanding, sensitive situations and the operational rigour to keep the service safe, well-run and compliant.
You will have:
- A relevant qualification in children's health and social care, education, or a related field is preferable (for example a Level 3, 4 or 5 Diploma in Residential Childcare, or equivalent) candidates working towards this, or with equivalent experience, are also encouraged to apply. Leadership and management qualifications (such as a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare) are advantageous but not essential we will support the right candidate to work towards these.
- Proven experience supporting children or young people with learning disabilities, autism, trauma backgrounds and/or mental health support needs.
- Confidence and skill in managing and de-escalating behaviours that challenge, using positive behaviour support and trauma-informed approaches.
- Previous experience in a senior, management or leadership role within children's residential or health and social care services. A strong working knowledge of safeguarding children and young people, and of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. Ofsted / Children's Homes Regulations).
- Experience leading, motivating and developing a staff team, including delivering supervision and training & Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including with families and multi-disciplinary professionals. The confidence to challenge poor practice and drive continuous improvement. The ability to manage competing priorities and provide clear, calm operational oversight under pressure.
- A full UK driving licence (desirable, depending on service needs).
Why Join Us?
This is a genuine opportunity to lead a specialist, developing service and make a lasting difference to a young person's life. You'll be backed by an experienced operational and management team, with real opportunities to grow your leadership career while helping shape the service and build a strong, consistent team around the young person. We believe outstanding care starts with outstanding leadership. If you're a passionate, values-led manager looking for a role where the impact of your work is immediate and real, we'd love to hear from you.
Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role is subject to robust safer recruitment procedures, including an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List information, satisfactory references, verification of employment history, right-to-work checks, and any other appropriate pre-employment checks.
What You’ll Get In Return
- Perkbox benefit (Shopping & groceries savings) & Employee wellbeing assistance package (EAP & Virtual GP)
- Ongoing training & coaching
- Pension enrolment, Paid holiday &24 days of annual leave, with each additional year of continuous service, you will receive an additional day, up to the maximum of 28 days + bank holidays & Sick Pay
Refer a Friend Scheme
- £125 once the referred individual has successfully completed their first shift.
- £125 once the referred individual has successfully completed their probation period.
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