SERVICES MANAGER
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
ABLE HANDS TOGETHER CIC
POSITION: HEAD OF SERVICES
LOCATION: Little Wishford Farm, Warminster Rd, Stoford SP2 0PS
REPORTING TO: Director
SALARY: Up to £16 per hour, Full Time
JOB PURPOSE
To provide strategic leadership across both education and social care services at Able Hands Together CIC, ensuring exceptional outcomes for adults with learning difficulties and young people aged 10-17 within our unique therapeutic farming educational environment. Combining educational leadership with comprehensive social care management, utilising trauma-informed, person-centred approaches that prioritise wellbeing, safety, and natural learning progression.
ABOUT OUR SERVICES
Our integrated services operate within a therapeutic farm environment where Alternative Education Provision (AP) for young people aged 8-17 coexists with social care support for adults with learning disabilities and autism. We support individuals who cannot access mainstream services, many having experienced trauma. Our approach is fundamentally child/person-led, trauma-informed, and follows low/no demand methodologies that prioritise individual wellbeing and natural progression.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Demonstrate strategic and tactical leadership, role modelling the core values and behaviours of AHT. Developing business plans, staff capabilities and leading integrated teams. Responsible for budgets, recruitment, resources and contribute directly to service delivery and service improvements across both education and social care.
· Responsible for financial budgets, financial planning and ensuring robust, data-informed financial decisions. Lead on the creation of annual budgets for both service areas and use sound financial planning to develop new services, offers and drive financial efficiency.
· Lead in the delivery and implementation of HR processes and systems, including but not limited to recruitment, recruitment contracts and appointments. Role model the core values and behaviours of AHT alongside SLT and team members.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
* Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term strategic plans for both Alternative Education Provision and Social Care services, with passion and ambition.
* Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team alongside the Director and Head of Operations
* Develop, retain and grow our external relationships and partnerships with Local Authorities, Funders, Parents, and collaborative partnerships
* Lead both educational and social care aspects of the planned "Tech Barn" expansion project
* Drive innovation in integrated service delivery, combining therapeutic farming with educational achievement and social care excellence
* Ensure both services maintain their reputation for positive outcomes and high-quality provision
* Oversee compliance with educational regulations, Care Act 2014, and alternative provision requirements
TEAM MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
* Effectively manage and lead integrated teams including Tutors, Learning Assistants, and Support Workers
* Recruit, develop, and retain high-quality staff aligned with AHT's values across both disciplines
* Provide regular supervision, support, and professional development opportunities
* Ensure all team members are trained in trauma-informed, person-centred approaches
* Foster a collaborative team culture that prioritizes participant wellbeing and safety
* Maintain appropriate staff-to-participant ratios
ADMISSIONS AND REFERRAL MANAGEMENT
Education & Social Care Referrals:
* Serve as primary contact for parents and professionals interested in the AP and adult social care.
* Lead the referral, introduction, and induction process for new students and adults
* Ensure comprehensive assessment of student/adults needs and AHT's capacity to meet them, in a safe way, working alongside the staff at the point of delivery.
* Manage student attendance and ensure optimal student mix
* Lead assessment and intake process for new adult referrals
* Conduct comprehensive needs assessments considering individual capacity and existing participants
* Complete all required documentation including "This is Me" profiles, one-page profiles, emergency contacts, and permission forms
* Coordinate and facilitate taster days for both services
* Manage funding confirmation processes and complete necessary funding applications
SAFEGUARDING LEADERSHIP
* Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the organisation
* Coordinate and oversee all safeguarding procedures in compliance with The Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989/2004, and Prevent duty requirements, attending safeguarding meetings and liaising with commissioners.
* Serve as primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns across all services
* Ensure all staff understand, follow, and are trained in safeguarding procedures
* Maintain availability for staff consultation on safeguarding issues
* Ensure prompt and appropriate referral of suspected or actual safeguarding concerns
* Oversee comprehensive reporting and recording systems
* Communicate sensitively with families and carers regarding safeguarding issues
PARTICIPANT SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT
Student Support (8-17 years):
* Build trusting relationships with students, understanding and responding to individual needs
* Develop personalized learning approaches that respect each student's pace and interests along with the team at the point of service delivery.
* Coordinate with families and professionals to align educational goals with individual needs
* Implement assessment methods appropriate for trauma-informed, child-led learning
· Attend EHCP annual reviews using a data led approach.
· Liaise with muli-disaplinary teams to meet the needs of the child.
Co-Farmer Support (Adults):
* Build meaningful relationships with co-farmers to establish trust and rapport
* Monitor and support wellbeing through behavioural observation, active listening, and person-centred strategies
* Liaison with families, friends, and carers (with appropriate permissions)
* Signpost to specialist services including GPs and Learning Disability and Autism Teams
* Conduct annual reviews, setting meaningful outcomes and goals
* Utilize Makaton symbols and signs to promote independence and communication
* Support relationship building and manage group dynamics
EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY AND OUTCOMES
* Oversee curriculum development combining therapeutic farming activities with academic learning
* Ensure clear, accurate tracking of student progression against set outcomes
* Maintain high educational standards while prioritizing emotional wellbeing and recovery
* Develop and update personalized care/learning plans linked to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
FAMILY AND CARER SUPPORT
* Provide ongoing support to parents and carers in their caring roles
* Maintain regular communication regarding achievements, challenges, and progress
* Support families through transitions and significant life changes, using the AHT transition policy and processes.
* Facilitate family involvement in care planning and review processes
COMPLIANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
* Ensure all participant paperwork is complete, accurate, and up to date. Using AHT's dedicated in house AP system.
* Maintain accurate records in line with Local Authority and regulatory requirements
* Coordinate with AHT's finance team to ensure accurate invoicing and prompt payment
• Follow all AHT policies and procedures, particularly safeguarding and child protection
• Participate in regulatory inspections and quality assurance processes
MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIPS
* Advertise, market, and promote both services within relevant networks and partners.
* Develop partnerships with local schools, educational institutions, and healthcare professionals, collaborative partnerships and attend networking events.
* Represent AHT professionally at external events and meetings
* Build relationships with Local Authorities and commissioning bodies
* Contribute to funding applications and service development proposals
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Education and Qualifications:
* Degree in Education, Social Work, Social Care, Special Educational Needs, or related field or qualified by experience.
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) OR Professional registration (Social Work England) OR equivalent qualification/experience
* Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care (minimum), or work towards one.
* Understanding of alternative education provision and Care Act 2014 requirements
* Knowledge of trauma-informed educational and care approaches
* Safeguarding training and child protection certification
* First Aid certification or work towards one.
Experience:
* Minimum 5 years experience in educational leadership, social care management, or senior roles combining both
* Proven experience working with young people who have experienced educational trauma AND/OR adults with learning difficulties
* Experience in alternative education, SEND provision, or therapeutic settings
* Demonstrated success in developing and implementing educational/care strategies
* Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and driving improvement
* Experience in safeguarding leadership and case management
Skills and Knowledge:
* Deep understanding of trauma-informed, person-centred approaches
* Knowledge of low/no demand methodologies
* Comprehensive understanding of The Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and education legislation
* Strong leadership and team management capabilities
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures
* Ability to build relationships with participants, families, and professionals
* Financial awareness and budget management skills
* Understanding of autism, learning difficulties, and neurodevelopmental conditions
Personal Attributes:
* Commitment to AHT's values of inclusion, empowerment, and holistic wellbeing
* Passion for supporting vulnerable individuals across age groups
* Resilience and emotional intelligence to work with trauma-affected individuals
* Professional integrity and ability to be a positive role model
* Flexibility and adaptability in a unique farm-based environment
* Strong problem-solving skills and creative thinking
* Empathetic and patient approach
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Additional Qualifications:
* Post-graduate qualification in Special Educational Needs, Educational Leadership, Social Care, or related field
* Dual qualifications in both education and social care
* Training in specific therapeutic interventions or trauma recovery approaches
* Mental Health First Aid or similar wellbeing qualifications
* Makaton certification
Experience:
* Experience in therapeutic farming, outdoor education, or nature-based learning
* Knowledge of Local Authority commissioning and funding processes
* Experience with educational technology and innovative learning approaches
* Understanding of transition planning for vulnerable individuals
* Grant writing and funding application experience
* Multi-agency working and professional partnerships experience
Skills:
* Knowledge of therapeutic farming principles and animal-assisted interventions
* Understanding of organic farming and environmental education
* Project management and strategic planning capabilities
* IT literacy including specialized record-keeping systems
WORKING CONDITIONS
* Full-time position based at Little Wishford Farm therapeutic farm environment
* Combination of indoor education/care spaces and outdoor farm-based activities
• Exposure to farm animals and outdoor work in all weather conditions
* Occasional evening and weekend work for events and emergency situations
* Travel within local area for meetings, training, and partnership activities
* Physical demands including walking on farm terrain and outdoor activities
Our Vision: "We GROW people, to ensure everyone achieves their full potential and leaves us happier and stronger."
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £15.00-£16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
Work Location: In person