Salary: £35,520 – £51,060 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (37 hours per week)
Location: Melbourne View, Carlisle (On-site)
We reserve the right to close this advert early if a sufficient number of applications are received, therefore early applications are strongly encouraged.
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.
Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
About the Role
We are specialists in mental health, delivering high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the needs of the people we support. Our vision is to break down the barriers that prevent people from accessing the support they need to live a life they value.
We are now looking for a Service Manager to lead our Melbourne View service, supporting individuals with mental health needs across a 12-flat residential setting, alongside a community outreach team.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact—both in the lives of service users and in shaping a developing service.
What You’ll Be Doing
As Service Manager, you will:
* Oversee the day-to-day running of the service and ensure high-quality delivery across all areas
* Lead, manage and develop a team (including 12 direct reports), promoting a positive and high-performing culture
* Ensure effective service delivery models are embedded and continuously improved
* Build strong partnerships with external agencies including Social Services, Housing, Probation and Health services
* Monitor and drive performance targets, service outcomes and contractual requirements
* Develop structured programmes to support individuals, including those experiencing mental health challenges and homelessness
* Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with CQC standards and organisational policies
* Manage safeguarding, incidents and risks effectively
* Support recruitment, induction, supervision, training and performance management of staff
* Contribute to ongoing service development and improvement initiatives
* Hold a small caseload where required to support service delivery
About You
We are looking for a confident and compassionate leader who can motivate teams and drive service excellence.
Essential:
* Proven people management and leadership experience
* Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle
* Level 3 NVQ in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards)
* Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills
Desirable:
* Experience in mental health, housing, or care settings
* Experience working in a fast-paced or complex service environment
* We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds—transferable leadership skills are highly valued.
What Success Looks Like & What We Offer
In your first 6–12 months, you’ll focus on settling into the role, successfully passing probation and building a stable, engaged and high-performing team. You’ll play a key role in maintaining strong service performance, including effective void management, while contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of how the service operates.
In return, you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives every day, shaping and developing a growing service. You’ll be part of a supportive, values-driven organisation that encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. We are committed to your development, offering access to training, learning opportunities and clear career progression pathways.
Working Pattern & Key Considerations
This is a full-time, on-site role working 37 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. As the service operates 24/7, flexibility is required, and occasional weekend working may be needed—time off in lieu will be provided.
This is a rewarding but sometimes challenging role. Supporting individuals with mental health needs can be complex, and the environment can be fast-paced. You will play an important role in strengthening the team, improving service culture and ensuring high-quality delivery across the service.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
*
27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
*
Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
*
Life assurance (3× annual salary)
*
Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
*
Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
*
Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
*
24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
*
Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
*
£500 Recommend a Friend bonus
*
Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
*
Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
*
Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.
We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please contact our recruitment team
Salary description
£35520.00 - £51060.00 per year