Service Manager - Social Work Hospital Teams

Are you passionate about transforming the lives of Vulnerable People and making a real difference in your community? Do you thrive on partnership working, innovation, and leading inclusive, community-informed services? If so, we want to hear from you!

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Kirklees Council's forward-thinking leadership team as Service Manager for our Hospital Discharge Team. You will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality, cost-effective services and least restrictive services that put people and communities at the heart of everything we do.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management for the Hospital Discharge team, working closely with health and social care partners.
• Drive transformation and continuous improvement, ensuring our services are innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our diverse communities.
• Champion partnership working, building strong relationships across the Council, NHS, voluntary sector, and wider stakeholders to deliver seamless, whole-system support.
• Lead and inspire social work teams who work under pressure, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and high performance.
• Ensure services are delivered within budget, achieving necessary savings and efficiencies while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
• Promote a strengths-based, enabling approach that empowers individuals and communities to achieve positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
• Represent Kirklees at local, regional, and national forums, sharing best practice and driving forward our vision for inclusive, community-informed mental health services.

We are looking for an experienced and innovative social care professional who:

• Has significant management experience in a social care or health environment, with a track record of successful employee, budget, and resource management.
• Demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels.
• Is passionate about service transformation, partnership working, and improving outcomes for people with mental health needs.
• Has specialist knowledge of Hospital Discharge Pathways, relevant legislation, and best practice.
• Is committed to promoting inclusion, co-production, and community engagement in service design and delivery.
• Can manage complex situations and drive change in a multidisciplinary, integrated setting.
• Is a positive, respectful, and supportive leader who role models the Council's values and expectations.

Why Kirklees:

Kirklees is a place of pride, inclusion, and kindness. As a Service Manager, you will join a team that is ambitious for our communities and committed to making a real difference. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to be part of a service that is transforming lives.

For an informal discussion or further information, please contact Richard Cumbers on .

Shortlisting will take place on Thursday 19th March 2026

Interviews will take place on Friday 27th March 2026

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.