Mental Health Service Manager

WILTSHIRE COUNCIL; Broxmore Park; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a passionate Service Manager for the Mental Health Service in Adult Social Care. This role involves leading operations, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and managing a staffing budget of approximately £3 million. The ideal candidate should hold a Social Work or Occupational Therapy qualification, have experience in complex adult care services, and possess strong leadership and partnership skills. Join us to make a difference in people's lives by delivering high-quality services.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Engagement in strategic priorities

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing operational adult care services in a large, complex organisation.
• Current registration with Social Work England or HCPC.
• Strong leadership skills for driving transformational change.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage specialist teams including Mental Health and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Collaborate with health partners and stakeholders for integrated care pathways.

Skills

Leadership skills

Expertise in safeguarding

Partnership working

Managing operational services

Education

Social Work or Occupational Therapy qualification

Job description

About this role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced leader to join our Adult Social Care directorate as Service Manager for the Mental Health Service in Wholelife Pathways. This is a vital role where you will make a real difference to people's lives by ensuring services are delivered to the highest standards and in line with our values of choice, independence, and safeguarding. You will lead key services, including Mental Health operations, the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (soon to be Liberty Protection Safeguards), Approved Mental Health Practitioners Hub, and the Emergency Duty Service. Working closely with the Head of Service and Director, you will drive continual improvement and embed a strengths‑based approach that empowers individuals. We are looking for someone with a recognised Social Work or Occupational Therapy qualification and professional registration, who brings proven experience of managing adult care services in a complex organisation. You will be confident working in a political environment, building strong partnerships across health, social care, and the voluntary sector, and ensuring compliance with statutory duties, including the Mental Health Act. If you are committed to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care and want to lead services that truly make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage specialist teams including Mental Health, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (soon Liberty Protection Safeguards), Best Interest Assessor function, Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) team, and Emergency Duty Service (EDS).
• Drive continuous improvement and embed a strengths‑based approach to practice.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, CQC standards, and deliver robust quality assurance.
• Manage a staffing budget of approximately £3 million and contribute to the wider Adult Care budget of £144 million.
• Work collaboratively with health partners, voluntary sector organisations, and other stakeholders to deliver integrated care pathways.

Organisational context

The council provides a range of essential services to residents, including waste management, public planning, and support for vulnerable populations, such as older adults and people with disabilities.

Governance

The council consists of elected councillors who form a cabinet to set the council's direction and priorities. A system of overview and scrutiny ensures accountability for the cabinet's decisions.

Strategic Planning

The council engages in long‑term planning, such as its household waste management strategy, focusing on new approaches and opportunities to manage waste over the next decade and beyond.

Infrastructure

The council uses Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds to support local infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and recreational facilities, to manage the impact of development.

Requirements

• A Social Work or Occupational Therapy qualification and current registration (Social Work England/HCPC).
• Proven experience managing operational adult care services in a large, complex organisation.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and drive transformational change.
• Expertise in safeguarding, partnership working, and handling complex situations.
• Excellent understanding of local government and health systems.

Benefits (Why Join Us?)

• Be part of a forward‑thinking council committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
• Work in a collaborative environment where your expertise will shape services for thousands of residents.
• Access to professional development and opportunities to influence strategic priorities.

About Wiltshire Council

Wiltshire Council is the unitary local authority for the county of Wiltshire, England, established in 2009 to provide both county‑level and district‑level services. The council's vision is to foster strong communities where residents can achieve their potential through empowerment and inclusion. The council focuses on long‑term challenges, community engagement, and delivering services that support independent living, reduce inequalities, and promote overall well‑being.