Introduction

There is an increasing acceptance that we have a responsibility for people who are unable to cope with ordinary life because of physical or sensory disability. It is accepted that everyone, no matter what their disadvantage, has the right to a quality life in the community. It applies to the aged, the infirm, anyone with mobility problems, those with learning difficulties and those who have problems with their sight or their hearing.

In addition, other categories of persons such as asylum seekers, political refugees who find it difficult to adapt to life in Britain are entitled to help from social services.

Service managers/co-ordinators are responsible for administering support systems that meet the needs of all kinds of disadvantaged people.

The post can be found in all types of authority except for district councils.

Work Environment

This is largely office-based, with some local, regional and national travel required to attend meetings and conferences. The standard working week is 37 hours including some anti-social shifts. A good deal of time is spent on the computer.

Daily Activities

The aim of the job is to ensure that appropriate and timely social work services are provided for everybody with physical and sensory disabilities. The role of the service manager is to make sure that this happens in collaboration with social workers, health professionals, other service managers, voluntary and independent organisations such as Age Concern, the Refugee Council and others. On a day-to-day basis the disability co-ordinator will:

• supervise service team managers
• plan strategic direction to the service and compile policy documents
• ensure that an assessment and care management service is properly in place
• prepare and monitor budgets
• write reports
• prepare contracts
• chair meetings
• monitor progress of service provision.

In developing the service, the manager will take responsibility for particular large issues like:

• health action and welfare schemes for refugees, for example housing and benefits help for Kosovan refugees
• employment and training projects for disabled people.

Co-ordinators work in teams – they are members of both the Disabilities Management Team and the Services Management Team – and on their own initiative. It is a challenging, but rewarding job.

Skills & Interests

To be good at this job you would need to have:

• caring nature
• project management ability
• a head for figures
• confidence
• an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds
• good written and oral communication skills
• an ability to analyse complex material.

Entry Requirements

It is essential to have a social work qualification or similar such as a diploma or degree in social work and possibly a management qualification. Several years experience as a social worker and team management is necessary, too.

On-the-job training is provided as part of continuing professional development.

Estimated salary range

£28,000 – £30,000

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

This is a fairly narrow field with few avenues for promotion. However, with further training and management qualifications it is possible to move up the ladder to Head of Adult Services, Assistant Director and Director of Social Services.

There are opportunities for sideways moves into special project work which would give the sort of experience needed for promotion.

Outside local government there are opportunities in the voluntary sector.

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

British Association of Social Workers www.basw.co.uk

Social Care Council www.socialcareassociation.co.uk

National Training Organisation for Social Work/Social Care www.topssengland.net

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

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 Disability Co-ordinator 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.