Location: Langdon Hospital, Dawlish
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Devon’s Adult Mental Health Social Care services as we continue to develop and respond to both current and future service needs. We are seeking a motivated and experienced individual to take on the role of Community Services Manager, leading the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care across Devon as part of our Section 75 Partnership arrangements with Devon Partnership Trust.
In this key position, you will work closely with the Head of Social Work/Social Care, Devon Partnership Trust (DPT) to drive forward our improvement journey, providing strategic leadership and operational management to teams delivering care for adults with enduring mental health needs. You will be responsible for workforce planning, budget management, service development, and ensuring effective partnership working with Devon Partnership Trust, ICB, NHS, voluntary, and independent sector organisations.
This post is offered for external and internal applicants. If you are ready to make a real difference and support positive change in our service, we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and manage countywide mental health social care services, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care.
• Oversee commissioning, contracting, and review of services funded by Devon County Council and partner organisations.
• Manage and support a diverse workforce, ensuring staff are supervised and developed in line with council policies and professional standards.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with statutory, independent, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Contribute to strategic planning, service development, and innovation in care provision.
• Ensure compliance with statutory frameworks, best practice, and governance requirements.
• Promote the wellbeing and safety of people aged 18 to 64 (and occasionally over 64 with primary mental health needs).
• Oversee effective hospital discharge processes and transitions for young people preparing for adulthood.
About You:
• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or hold an appropriate professional qualification social work, nursing, occupational registration).
• Significant experience managing complex health or social care services.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Experience in budget management and achieving financial targets.
• Knowledge of current and developing health and social care policy, legislation, and best practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of partners and stakeholders.
• Commitment to delivering excellence in customer care and promoting a positive, inclusive culture.
What we can offer you
1. We are committed to your continuous professional development, doing all we can to help you to get the most from your career. You will receive excellent support and supervision, with regular opportunities to discuss and reflect on your practice, both with your line manager and peers.
2. We offer 26 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, rising incrementally to 31 days after 5 years’ service.
3. Recognition of NHS continuous service for contractual annual leave purposes, sick pay entitlement and Maternity/Adoption & Paternity pay entitlement (within DCC Terms & Conditions)
4. Flexible working opportunities are available, these include part-time hours, flexitime, compressed working hours and homeworking (this is subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at further at interview)
5. Offer an opportunity to enter a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
6. As a place to live and work, Devon is hard to beat with top-performing schools, universities, vibrant cities, pretty villages and some of the most scenic coast and countryside in the UK. Living and working in Devon as a Community Services Manager has never been more attractive.
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now below to see the Job Description
Interview Date: 26th January 2026
7. DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our.
8. - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
9. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
10. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
11. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the.
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