Practice Manager

East Sussex County Council; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council in Eastbourne is seeking an experienced Practice Manager to lead a skilled neighbourhood team supporting adults 18+. You will provide leadership, professional support and drive person-centred outcomes across safeguarding and independent living.

You will manage staff and resources, monitor performance, ensure quality standards and statutory duties while guiding service development and change through collaborative leadership and strong operational support.

Qualifications

• Recognised social work or management qualification.
• Extensive experience in Adult Social Care practice.
• Strong strengths-based and inclusive leadership.
• Knowledge of health and social care legislation and safeguarding.
• Ability to motivate and develop staff through change.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and professional support to staff while promoting independence, wellbeing and person-centred outcomes.
• Lead the neighbourhood team and oversee delivery of services for adults 18+, including transitions from youth to adult care and older adults with health needs.
• Monitor performance, maintain quality standards and ensure statutory safeguarding duties are delivered during service development and change.
• Manage staff, resources and budgets, aligning practice with organisational priorities and improving service delivery.
• Engage with stakeholders, support recruitment and workforce development, and foster inclusive practice.

Skills

Strengths-based leadership

People management

Staff development

Change management

Education

Recognised social work or management qualification

Job description

Are you ready to lead a skilled team and make a lasting difference to adults across East Sussex? If you are a passionate and experienced social work professional who values strengths-based practice, compassionate leadership and achieving positive outcomes, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As a Practice Manager within the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Support Team, you will lead a dedicated team supporting adults aged 18 and over, including young people transitioning into Adult Social Care and older adults with physical and mental health needs. You will provide leadership, oversight and professional support to staff while promoting independence, wellbeing and person-centred outcomes.

You will be responsible for managing staff and resources, monitoring performance, maintaining quality standards and ensuring statutory responsibilities, including adult safeguarding duties, are effectively delivered during a period of service development and change.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Hold a recognised social work or relevant management qualification.
• Have substantial experience in Adult Social Care practice.
• Demonstrate strengths-based and inclusive leadership.
• Have knowledge of health and social care legislation and safeguarding.
• Can motivate, develop and support staff through change.

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce, including:

• Men
• People under 30 years of age
• People from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds
• Disabled people
• People who identify as LGBTQ+

We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community because we recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.

Details about building accessibility for St Mary's House are available on our website. If you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact the hiring manager.

https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/contactus/visit-council-buildings/st-marys-house

If you have any questions about the building accessibility for the building this role is based in, please contact the hiring manager.

Interviews will take place in person at St Mary's House, Eastbourne, or via Microsoft Teams. Interview dates will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates. If you are unavailable on the proposed date, please let us know and we may be able to arrange an alternative.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist.

This role offers the opportunity to lead an experienced and supportive neighbourhood team while shaping practice and service delivery across a diverse Adult Social Care environment. With regular supervision, ongoing professional development and strong operational support, you will have the opportunity to influence outcomes for residents while developing your own leadership career.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

Vocational Training through Apprenticeships is available to our staff, ranging from entry-level to degree-level qualifications. Relevant apprenticeship opportunities may be available to support your continued professional and leadership development.

If you require reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager. Reasonable adjustments may include alternative application formats and interview arrangements.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Emma Breen, Operations Manager, on 01323 747333.

For excellent training and development, choose East Sussex.