Service Manager

Compass; Derby; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Compass as a Service Manager for the Harrow Young People’s Substance Misuse Service, where your leadership will directly impact vulnerable youth. You will lead a dedicated team, implement innovative solutions, and ensure high-quality care while advocating for those in need. Embrace this unique opportunity to make a positive difference in young people's lives and help navigate them toward brighter futures.

Benefits

27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)

Life assurance at 2 x basic salary

Competitive contributory pension scheme

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service

Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression

Annual performance/salary review

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a substance misuse or vulnerable young people's setting.
• Experience as a safeguarding lead.
• Skilled staff leadership, supervision, and change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small, dedicated team supporting young people aged 5 to 24.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Drive a service focused on safeguarding, quality assurance, and outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Empathy

Integrity

Performance Analysis

Budget Management

Data Confidence

Education

Qualifications in substance misuse, coaching or health and social care

Job description

Looking for more than just a management job? Lead a service where your values, voice and leadership really count!

As our Service Manager for the Harrow Young People’s Substance Misuse Service, you will be at the centre of something special. You will lead a small, dedicated team that supports young people aged 5 to 24 who are facing challenges around substance use and other complex needs. You will help shape a service that meets young people where they are, offering hope, support and practical change.

You will build strong, trusting relationships with partners, commissioners and schools, and drive a service that is rooted in care, but always looking for new ways to reach the Young People that needs us the most.

From safeguarding and quality assurance to performance, outreach and innovation , your role will touch every part of what we do and how we do it. You will have the freedom to lead with kindness , the backing to try new approaches , and the chance to influence systems to better support young people.

This is a role where your leadership can shift the direction of young livesonto a more positive path. Where values lie at the heart of everything you do and where no two days feel the same.

If you believe every young person deserves a chance to thrive, and you’re ready to lead a service that truly changes lives, then this is your moment. Step forward...Harrow needs you.

About You

Change does not just happen. It takes a leader who shows up, speaks up and keeps going when it counts most...is that you?

We're looking for a confident and compassionate leader who thrives on challenge and purpose. Who will bring a clear vision and a steady hand, even when things feel tough. Someone who leads with empathy, acts with integrity, and knows how to lift others up while holding high standards. A leader who is trusted to get the job done, whilst bringingheart, humour and clarity to the way they work.

If this sounds like you then we also need:

Substantial experience in a substance misuse or vulnerable young people setting

A strong safeguarding mindset, with experience as a safeguarding lead

Skilled staff leadership, including supervision, development and change management

Data confidence, including performance analysis, KPIs and service reporting

Experience working with high risk groups, and navigating multi agency systems

Budget management and strategic thinking, with an eye for improvement

You might also have qualifications in substance misuse, coaching or health and social care, or experience across areas like mental health or sexual health. These would help you thrive but aren't dealbreakers. What matters most is how you lead, how you connect, and how you bring people with you.

Does this sound like you? If it does...we'd love to have you onboard. Let's build brighter futures.

About Us

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives.

All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual performance/salary review

Help us to make a positive change to the lives of children and young people!