Social services manager

In your day-to-day duties, you could:

• develop strategies and policies
•  manage a team of senior staff
•  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
•  support the professional development of your management team
•  negotiate contracts and buy in services from outside providers

• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• leadership skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• business management skills 
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

A driving licence will be useful.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could specialise in a particular area, like mental health or children's services.

You could also become a head of service, chief executive, assistant director or director of social services.