Community Services Manager - Countywide Mental Health Services

Devon County Council; Dawlish; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Dawlish is seeking a Community Services Manager for countywide Mental Health Services. The ideal candidate will lead teams delivering care for adults with mental health needs, manage budgets, and drive service development. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, along with significant experience in health or social care. This full-time role offers flexible working options and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, rising to 31

Flexible working opportunities

Recognition of NHS continuous service

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex health or social care services.
• Commitment to delivering customer care.
• Knowledge of current health and social care policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage countywide mental health social care services.
• Oversee commissioning and review of services.
• Manage and support a diverse workforce.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Budget management

Collaboration

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

Community Services Manager - Countywide Mental Health Services. An exciting opportunity within Devon’s Adult Mental Health Social Care services to lead the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care across Devon as part of the Section 75 Partnership arrangements with Devon Partnership Trust.

You will work with the Head of Social Work/Social Care, Devon Partnership Trust (DPT) to drive forward the improvement journey, providing strategic leadership and operational management to teams delivering care for adults with enduring mental health needs. You will be responsible for workforce planning, budget management, service development, and ensuring effective partnership working with Devon Partnership Trust, ICB, NHS, voluntary, and independent sector organisations.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage countywide mental health social care services.
• Oversee commissioning, contracting, and review of services funded by Devon County Council and partner organisations.
• Manage and support a diverse workforce, ensuring staff are supervised and developed in line with council policies and professional standards.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with statutory, independent, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Contribute to strategic planning, service development, and innovation in care provision.
• Ensure compliance with statutory frameworks, best practice, and governance requirements.
• Promote the wellbeing and safety of people aged 18 to 64 (and occasionally over 64 with primary mental health needs).
• Oversee effective hospital discharge processes and transitions for young people preparing for adulthood.

About You

Educated to degree level or equivalent, or hold an appropriate professional qualification (e.g. social work, nursing, occupational registration). Significant experience managing complex health or social care services. Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. Experience in budget management and achieving financial targets. Knowledge of current and developing health and social care policy, legislation, and best practice. Ability to work collaboratively with a range of partners and stakeholders. Commitment to delivering excellence in customer care and promoting a positive, inclusive culture.

About us

What we can offer you

• We are committed to your CPD.
• We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years service.
• Recognition of NHS continuous service for contractual annual leave purposes, sick pay entitlement and Maternity/Adoption & Paternity pay entitlement (within DCC Terms & Conditions)
• Flexible working opportunities are available.

How to apply

When completing your application form, provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Interview Date: 26th January 2026

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.

Job responsibilities

For all relevant information please refer to the job description and person specification documents attached.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Please refer to the job description and person specification document that is attached to the advert. Use this to address how your skills and experience meet the criteria outlined for this role.
• Educated to Degree level or equivalent academic ability or hold an appropriate professional qualification (social work, nursing or occupational registration).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working