Service Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Home Again Programme.
• Lead the mobilisation, implementation and delivery of the regional service model.
• Develop and deliver the programme's strategic vision, objectives and operational plans.
• Ensure the service aligns with regional and national children's social care reform agendas.
• Develop sustainable alternatives to restrictive placements and high-cost specialist provision.
• Drive innovation and transformational change to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Provide strategic advice and assurance to senior leaders, partnership boards and stakeholders.

Service Development & Improvement

• Establish and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary workforce.
• Develop referral pathways, assessment frameworks and intervention models.
• Ensure services are child-centred, trauma-informed and outcome-focused.
• Embed evidence-based practice, quality improvement and learning across the programme.
• Monitor service effectiveness and continuously improve delivery models.
• Support the development of regional sufficiency arrangements and placement stability initiatives.

Partnership & System Leadership

• Build strong relationships with Directors of Children's Services, health partners, education providers, youth justice services and commissioners.
• Promote collaborative working across organisational boundaries.
• Develop shared ownership and accountability for outcomes.
• Represent the service at local, regional and national forums.
• Chair and contribute to governance boards, steering groups and partnership meetings.
• Work closely with initiatives such as Appropriate Places of Care, CNEST and Gateway services.

Quality, Governance & Performance

• Establish robust quality assurance and performance management frameworks.
• Monitor outcomes, impact measures and programme benefits.
• Produce strategic reports and performance updates for governance boards and funding bodies.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain oversight of risk management arrangements across the programme.
• Ensure high standards of professional practice are maintained throughout the service.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage programme budgets, staffing and resources effectively.
• Ensure value for money and long-term sustainability.
• Develop business cases and support future funding opportunities.
• Identify and manage financial, operational and strategic risks.
• Ensure resources are deployed effectively to meet programme objectives.