Service Manager – Supported Accomodation Service

About the role

This is an opportunity to shape a new supported accommodation service from the ground up, influence the future of supported accommodation across County Durham, and make a lasting difference to the lives of young people. As Service Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of our Supported Accommodation Service, ensuring young people receive outstanding care, support, and opportunities as they move towards adulthood. You will work closely with the Strategic Manager and senior leaders to create a service recognised for excellence, innovation, and positive outcomes.

This role is pivotal in developing new provisions, building high-performing teams, and creating environments where young people feel safe, listened to, and supported to achieve their goals. It’s a rare chance to leave your mark on a growing service while leading talented professionals who share your passion for making a difference.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a developing Supported Accommodation Service.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership that drives excellent outcomes for young people.
• Act as the Registered Service Manager and maintain fitness requirements in line with Ofsted expectations.
• Ensure services consistently meet and exceed Supported Accommodation Regulations and Quality Standards.
• Champion a culture of excellence, accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Lead audits, quality assurance activity, service reviews, and improvement programmes that make a real difference.
• Develop, coach, and motivate staff teams to be the very best they can be.
• Prepare services for inspection and build strong relationships with Ofsted and key partners.
• Support the development, registration, and mobilisation of future supported accommodation provisions.
• Be a visible and approachable leader who inspires confidence in young people, staff, and stakeholders alike.

Requirements

• A Level 5 Management Qualification.
• Significant experience working within supported accommodation, residential care, social work, housing support, or a related social care environment.
• The skills, knowledge, and experience required to register as a Service Manager.
• Experience of driving quality assurance, service improvement, and organisational development.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and risk management.
• Experience of leading teams through change and maintaining high standards of performance.
• A commitment to listening to young people and ensuring their voices shape the services they receive.
• Passion for seeing potential in every young person and determination to help them succeed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive leadership and management development opportunities.
• A strong culture of support and professional growth.
• Opportunities to influence and shape future services.
• Flexible and family-friendly employment practices.
• Access to a wide range of employee rewards and benefits.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of County Durham's young people.

Pay

Grade 16, £56,554 - £60,680 per annum.

Our Durham Values

Our service is built on the ‘Durham’ values – Dignity, Unity, Responsibility, Heart, Aspiration, and Mindset. These values are at the heart of everything we do for both our young people and our teams. They are more than just words; they are the foundation of our culture and the way we work every day.

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the Children’s Barred List, will be required.