Service Unit Manager- Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood
| Posting date: | 16 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 April 2026 |
| Location: | Tameside, OL6 6BH |
| Company: | inploi |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 75793674 |
Summary
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade K SCP 44 £55,691 - SCP 47 £60,036
Hours Per Week: 36 hours
Base Location: Tameside One
Assessment Date: week commencing 13th April
The Role
We are looking to recruit a Service Unit Manager to lead our newly developed Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood Service.
This is an exciting post with an opportunity to really shape how we work with people with Learning Disabilities, the Autistic community and young people starting adult life. Key to this will be developing the team and the operational and strategic relationship with our partners. Focus will be on how we deliver our statutory functions under the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2006, whilst being person centred, staying true to principles of Valuing People and using strength-based approaches, including the implementation of the 3 conversations model.
We are commencing a 5-year Transformation Plan, where we will be leading and working with partners on core areas of Transformation. As a directorate we have developed the Living Well at Home Strategy and a Transformation plan that sits behind this. As a service we are focused on, Somewhere to Live, Something to Do, Someone to Love and Being Well Enough to do it. This means you will be focus on developing day opportunities, developing what an enablement model looks like, develop the Preparing for Adulthood Policy, Process and Pathways, and developing diverse accommodation and support models as well as a robust short break offer so people can stay living well at home.
About You
We are looking for a dynamic and innovative person to join our experienced, dedicated and committed Learning Disability, Autism and Preparing for Adulthood Team. We want someone who says ‘how can we’ not ‘we can’t’.
We want someone who has experienced of leading change and transformation and has the skills to support staff through this whilst ensuring safe and effect services are delivered.
Ideally we want someone with experience of working within Learning Disabilities, Autism and Transition, but most importantly is someone who is passionate about ensuring people with Learning Disabilities and Autism, are supported to have fulfilled lives, across the lifespan and that nothing is done about them without them.
You will:
- Provide operational and strategic leadership across LD, Autism and transitions services
- Set the direction for service improvement, transformation and performance
- Lead integrated teams and strengthen partnerships with Health and wider system partners
- Ensure exceptional safeguarding oversight and embedding of Care Act principles
- Drive a culture of continuous learning, quality and high performance
- Represent and deputise for the Head of Service
- Lead specialist projects and influence local and regional policy developments
- Manage budgets, resources and workforce development
- Put people at the heart of everything we do
This is a role for someone who leads with passion, clarity and purposesomeone who can inspire confidence and create a futureproof service that delivers outstanding, strengthbased outcomes for local people.
About Us
Message from Stephanie Butterworth, Director of Adults Services at Tameside Council.
‘’ I’ve worked here for many years now and I’m proud of the work that we do together, ensuring people in our borough are living a good life.
‘‘Our vision is one which sees people living well in the place they call home, where they are supported to be a part of their local communities to live long, healthy and fulfilled lives.
‘’One way I regularly connect and listen to our workforce is through my monthly staff drop-in with our Principal Social Worker. This is an opportunity to create dedicated time for staff to share ideas, team updates and network across our services. It’s amazing to hear during sessions that they really value being part of Team Tameside and the opportunities that we bring, so we can make sure that they are part of delivering our ambition for the people we support.
‘’Working in Adult Social Care is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, where you can really make a difference to people’s lives every day. We will support you to develop and fulfil your potential and create space for you to reflect and grow. We are dedicated to breaking barriers, so our workforce is rich with experience and understanding, always building and championing social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
People are always at the heart of everything we do, if our vision sounds like something you want to be part of, we offer a warm welcome to join us here at Team Tameside. ‘’
At Tameside, we are committed to ensuring all our Citizens lead long, fulfilling and healthy lives. We are committed to supporting economic growth, providing high quality health and care services, protecting our most vulnerable and creating strong and supportive, self-sufficient communities.
We recognise that our people drive our success and enable the organisation to deliver on its vision, purpose and priorities, and that our people are our most important resource and asset. Our values underpin our practice and behaviours, and are at the heart of everything that we do; and we understand that how we do things is just as important as what we do. We pride ourselves on living by our STRIVE values of Support, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Value Diversity and Engage. Our values underpin our practice and behaviours and are at the heart of everything that we do. How we do things are just as important as what we do.
Our employees’ skills, experience and knowledge are essential to our success along with their happiness, wellbeing, commitment, enthusiasm and motivation to be the best they can be.
This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.
We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.
Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed here
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel. Please click here for more information on our guaranteed assessment scheme.
For further information about this role please contact the recruiting manager Caitlin Chapman on Caitlin.chapman@tameside.gov.uk
Supporting Documents
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