Manager
You’ll manage a team of care workers and/ or a care service to ensure your organisation and everyone in it provides high quality care and support.
Management roles in social care
- first line managers such as service managers or residential unit managers
- middle managers such as assistant director or department head
- senior managers such as service director or chief executive.
Managers can work in any social care setting including care homes, supported living flats, in the community, or local authorities.
Role overview
Depending on your organisation and your level, your role might include:
- overseeing the day to day running of a care service
- leading and managing staff so they can perform their roles safely and to the best of their ability
- managing budgets and contracts
- making strategic decisions about the future and growth of your care service
- leading on specific projects or clinical areas, for example setting up a new care service.
Skills and experience
Specific skills for this role include:
- strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others
- the ability to think strategically to develop your organisation
- good project management and organisational skills.
Career progression
The core qualification for social care managers is the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care. You can only do this qualification when you’re working in a management role.
Skills for Care recommends to ideally complete it before becoming the care manager. If you’re currently working in social care and interested in becoming a social care manager, speak to your employer about opportunities to progress.
Care managers would usually have experience of working in health or social care already but it is sometimes possible to transfer from a different sector.
We would recommend new care managers undertake the 'Lead to succeed' learning programme.