Care service manager
Make sure people in need are cared for with dignity, respect and compassion.
Also known as: care home manager, registered care home manager
About the job
What it's like
You'll lead a team to make sure a care facility is run smoothly and residents are looked after. There are a range of places you could work, such as care homes, supported living flats and in people's homes.
You might provide support to:
older people
children, young people and families in their own homes
people experiencing mental health problems
people with learning disabilities
people with physical disabilities
people who are at the end of their life
It'll be your responsibility to provide a high quality service that meets National Care Standards. These standards make sure people are cared for with dignity, respect and compassion.
Your tasks might include:
recruiting, developing and managing staff
promoting the rights of people using the service and safeguarding them against harm
giving information, advice and support to people using the service, their families and carers
developing good working relationships with carers, families, health professionals and other agencies
helping people using the service contribute to the local community and access local support
managing budgets, contracts and overseeing fundraising efforts
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Careers in Care – information and guidance from the Scottish Social Services Council
A Question of Care – take an interactive video challenge
The Hub – resources from the Care Inspectorate for people working in care
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Select qualification level(s)
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- delegating
- managing resources
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- written communication
- verbal communication
- supporting
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Business Management
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Care
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Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would have a degree (SCQF Level 9) in social work, nursing, occupational therapy or another related discipline.
You could also have relevant work-based experience or qualifications.
It’s possible to progress into this role with an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare (SCQF Level 7). Once you’re in the role, your employer would support you to complete an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare (SCQF Level 9).
You would also need to work towards an SVQ in Care Services Leadership and Management (SCQF Level 10) regardless of your qualification route.
Training in counselling can be useful.
A driving licence is handy and may be required for some roles.
You'll need to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
You must have approved membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
Experience in the care sector is important for this role. You might have worked as a support worker or supervisor. Alternatively, you might come from a background in social work, nursing or another related profession.
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