Social services manager

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification before applying for a management trainee place with a local authority. Most subjects are accepted, though you may have an advantage with a qualification in:

• social work
• mental health nursing
• public health policy
• health and social care

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could learn some of the skills you need for this job through a related college course like health and social care management.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do a Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, then do further on-the-job training.

You could also do a Social Worker Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to get a trainee manager's position.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You'll need several years' management experience and a relevant qualification like health and social care management to apply for job vacancies directly.

Employers will expect you to have a clear understanding of legislation, safety standards and social policy for your chosen field.

Registrations

you'll need to register with Social Work England

Further Information

You'll find more advice about working in social services from Think Care Careers .

As a social services manager, you could:

• develop strategies and policies
• manage a team of senior staff and support their development
• plan staff and resource requirements
• manage finances and control budgets
• monitor and improve service provision
• manage changes to services and how they're provided
• analyse service data to identify areas for improvement and for reports
• work closely with other agencies
• negotiate contracts and buy in services from outside providers

You could work in the community or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.