Service Manager Integrated Learning Disability

Old Moat; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Manchester is seeking a dedicated manager to oversee five teams focused on learning disability services. Candidates must have a recognized social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. This pivotal role involves strategic oversight of operational responsibilities, ensuring compliance with various legal frameworks and fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external partners. The position emphasizes compassionate leadership and a commitment to trauma-informed care practices.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme with life cover

Enhanced family leave options

Learning and development opportunities

Volunteering leave allowance

Qualifications

• Experienced manager in learning disability services.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Commitment to strength-based, trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Operate and strategically oversee 5 teams under the role.
• Ensure compliance with Care act, MCA, MHA.
• Liaise with provider networks and user networks.

Skills

Compassionate leadership

Experience in learning disability services

Collaborative working

Education

Qualification in Social Work

Job description

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Additional Payments: Casual Car User Allowance

Closing Date: 14 January 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm

Interview Method: Face to Face

This Role is Subject to:

Qualification

Social Work Qualification and registration with Social Work England

Casual Car Documentation

The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User which means that car journeys may be necessary on an occasional basis, but are not essential to the role. If you do drive, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work, as well as provide all the appropriate documentation. You will receive an allowance per mile of business use.

DBS Clearance

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.

Medical Clearance

Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA)

Operational Responsibility

The role will have operational and strategic responsibility for 5 teams, these include the 3 locality teams, a review team and a forensic team.

The role will have oversight of the assessment functions under the Care act, MCA, MHA, Human rights legal frameworks. Also liaising with our provider networks internal and external and working closely with Manchester people first and other user networks to ensure we have close alignment with people we are there to support.

The role holder will report to the assistant Director, complex needs and will be closely aligned with service managers across mental health, substance misuse, preparation for adulthood, entrenched rough sleeper teams amongst others as well as supporting close working relationships with INT colleagues across the MLCO.

About the Candidate

We are looking for an experienced manager who has worked in learning disability services previously and can provide compassionate leadership to the 5 teams that will sit under them, these include 3 locality teams, a review team and a forensic team. We are committed to co-production and would want the successful candidate to have the attributes to bring teams with them and to be skilled in working in a collaborative manner with internal colleagues as well as external partners. We want to be able to support the best outcomes for our citizens and the successful candidate would need to be committed to continuing the strength based, trauma informed approaches currently embedded.

The role holder will be required to have a recognised qualification in Social Work and be registered with Social Work England.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance – Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension – You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave – Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your newborn or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks – Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow – We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member – We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognise three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave – Give back to the community with three days pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the “Accessibility tools” button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability‑friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email [e-mail].

What we will need from you if you're successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work – You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References – We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications – Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check – A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
• Driving Licence – If the role requires driving, we’ll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

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