21330 - Children's Services Manager - Leaving Care, Belfast

Our successful applicant will have responsibility for service delivery including quality assurance, team development, change and financial management.  They will report to an Assistant Director of Children's Services, and will line manage and be supported by a full time Team Manager. 

Our Leaving Care Services are jointly commissioned by Health and Social Care Trusts and Supporting People (NIHE).  The service provides accommodation, support, assistance and guidance to young people aged 16 to 21 based on individually assessed need.

Applicants should have an interest in and experience of Service Improvement and Development implementation.  This role requires weekend and evening working as part of the hours. 

When completing your application please ensure that you outline how you meet the criteria below: 

Essential Criteria:

• Professional qualification in Social Work, social care, youth and community work or related discipline.
• Demonstrable management experience, including leading a staff team in a residential setting
• Demonstrable experience of managing risk including safeguarding concerns.
• Demonstrable capability in understanding and managing finance and budgets
• Ability to drive and have a valid driving licence or alternatively be able to demonstrate how they can meet the mobility requirements of the post.

Applicants must meet the qualification requirements to hold registration for Residential Children's Services in Northern Ireland. 

Location: South Belfast. 

Hours: 29.6 per week. It is essential that applicants demonstrate a willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Please see additional information sheet.

Salary: £43,066-£53,270 FTE

Allowance: On-call

Closing: Midnight, Sunday 3 August 2025.

Interviews: Thursday 14 August 2025

Contact email: recruitment.support@barnardos.org.uk

We will also hold a waiting list of suitable candidates to be considered in the event that other similar vacancies arise in the next 12 months.

The successful candidate will also be required to undertake Enhanced Access NI with Child and Adult Barred List check.

For informal enquires please contact Christine Doherty, christine.doherty@barnardos.org.uk