Introduction

When you can help people with a range of physical and mental damage such as Down’s Syndrome or severe mobility problems to lead fulfilling lives and develop some degree of independence, the satisfaction is enormous.

This is a social care and health post for which a social worker qualification is not essential – though it does help. Day service managers run resource centres for adults who have had learning and multiple disabilities from birth. It is a highly charged area of work where success can often depend upon the ability not to take things personally.

The post can be found in all types of authority except for district councils and in some is called Resource Centre Manager.

Work Environment

Day service managers are responsible for one particular day centre but they work in a range of settings such as community halls, community education classes and sports auditoria. They are also required to travel local to meetings.

Sometimes, dealing with certain categories of disabled people can be distressing and physically challenging.

Smart dress is expected and the contracted hours are 35 per week with no anti-social shifts required.

Daily Activities

Day service managers have oversight of the resources and staff who provide support for people who have physical and communication problems, ranging from mental impairment to sensory deprivation. Blind and partially sighted people, those who are deaf, dumb or paralysed, can be helped to enjoy a range of activities – pottery, art, music, sports, discussions, cookery, swimming, and horse-riding which are both educational and therapeutic. Alongside physiotherapy and employment advice – depending on the degree of disability – clients are helped to realise their potential in spite of their handicaps.

Day service officers (who may not be qualified, though they might be working towards NVQs) provide the service in drop-in centres and community bases under the management of the day service/resource centre manager.

Managers may also work on special projects such as developing services for people with complex needs or employment opportunities for the disabled. Their routine duties – often undertaken weekly – include compiling returns on staff attendance, petty cash claims, agency employment and speaking to groups and fellow care and health professionals.

The people they liaise with on a daily basis includes parents, carers, social workers, GPs, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, tutors, and human resource personnel.

Skills & Interests

To do this job well you need:

• practical ability
• attention to detail
• caring nature
• project management ability
• to be good with figures
• confidence
• ability to get on with people from different backgrounds
• good written and oral communication skills
• maturity
• physical and mental strength.

It is also important that you are able to identify different needs and skills within client and staff groups.

Entry Requirements

Management qualifications and experience of working with people with learning disabilities are essential. A social work qualification would be useful but not essential.

Estimated salary range

£19,800 – £27,300 possibly rising to £28,000+ in some areas.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There is no clear promotion path though the next step up would be Service Unit Manager. It is a potential growth area and social care skills are transferable to other managerial jobs in the service. There are opportunities in private social care and health institutions with higher pay, though hands-on local government experience would be expected.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Community Care journal

General Social Care Council www.gscc.org.uk

Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk

Northern Ireland Social Care Council www.niscc.info

Scottish Social Services Council www.sssc.uk.com

Social Care Association www.socialcareassociation.co.uk

Institute of Management http://www.managers.org.uk

Social care careers & recruitment information www.socialcarecareers.co.uk

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under V.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Day Service Manager vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.