Service Manager

You will be responsible for creating a safe, nurturing and high-quality environment for looked-after children and young people, ensuring their individual needs, rights and wellbeing remain at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead the development, registration and successful opening of the new service, working alongside the senior management team and Care Inspectorate.
* Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, quality and performance of the service.
* Recruit, lead and develop a skilled, committed and resilient staff team.
* Ensure the service meets all relevant Scottish legislation, Care Inspectorate requirements, SSSC requirements and Health and Social Care Standards.
* Promote a child-centred, trauma-informed and relationship-based approach to care.
* Oversee safeguarding, child protection, risk management, care planning and placement stability.
* Develop effective working relationships with local authorities, social workers, families and other professionals.
* Implement robust quality assurance, recording, auditing and improvement systems.
* Manage staffing, budgets, resources and operational performance.
* Build a positive service culture focused on childrens rights, safety and positive outcomes.

Essential Requirements

* Significant management experience within residential childcare.
* A relevant practice and management qualification meeting Scottish SSSC requirements.
* Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and the needs of looked-after children.
* Understanding of Scottish legislation, Care Inspectorate expectations and regulatory requirements.
* Proven experience in staff leadership, supervision and service management.
* Excellent organisational, communication and decision-making skills.
* Ability to work autonomously and lead a service through periods of development and change.
* A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Desirable Experience

* Experience of opening or developing a new residential childcare service.
* Experience of managing solo placements.
* Experience of Care Inspectorate registration and inspections.
* Experience supporting children with complex needs, trauma and placement instability.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, resilient, proactive and accountable, with the confidence to lead independently, build a strong team and establish a service that delivers exceptional care and support.

What We Offer

* The opportunity to establish and lead a brand-new service.
* Autonomy to shape the service and develop its culture.
* Support from an experienced senior management team.
* Opportunities for professional development.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.

Prospero Teaching is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed