What skills does a social services manager need?

A social services manager needs 54 essential skills including customer service, legal requirements in the social sector, social sciences, adolescent psychological development, strategies for handling cases of elder abuse. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace social services manager jobs?

The AI disruption score for social services manager is 65/100 (high risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Manufacturing & ProductionProduction and specialised services managersISCO 1344

social services manager

Social services managers have the responsibility for strategic and operational leadership and management of staff teams and resources within and or across social services. They are responsible for the implementation of legislation and policies relating to, for example, decisions about vulnerable people. They promote social work and social care values and ethics, equality and diversity, and relevant codes guiding practice. They are responsible for liaising with other professionals in criminal justice, education and health. They can be responsible for contributing to local and national policy development.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (54)

customer servicecustomer serviceProcesses and principles related to the customer, client, service user and to personal services; these may include procedures to evaluate customer's or service user's satisfaction.legal requirements in the social sectorlegal requirements in the social sectorThe prescribed legislative and regulatory requirements in the social sector.social sciencessocial sciencesThe development and characteristics of sociological, anthropological, psychological, political, and social policy theories.adolescent psychological developmentadolescent psychological developmentThe developments needs of children and young persons, their behaviour and the attachment relationships and the possible signs of developmental delay.strategies for handling cases of elder abusestrategies for handling cases of elder abuseThe range of strategies and approaches utilised in the identification, termination, and prevention of instances of elder abuse. This incudes understanding of the methods and procedures used to recogni...implement marketing strategiesimplement marketing strategiesImplement strategies which aim to promote a specific product or service, using the developed marketing strategies.manage a social work unitmanage a social work unitLead the social workers team and be responsible for the quality and effectiveness of social services provided within a social work unit.manage government fundingmanage government fundingMonitor the budget received through government funding, and ensure there are enough resources to cover the costs and expenses of the organisation or project.involve service users and carers in care planninginvolve service users and carers in care planningEvaluate the needs of individuals in relation to their care, involve families or carers in supporting the development and implementation of support plans. Ensure review and monitoring of these plans.work within communitieswork within communitiesEstablish social projects aimed at community development and active citizen participation.apply quality standards in social servicesapply quality standards in social servicesApply quality standards in social services while upholding social work values and principles.manage staffmanage staffManage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the wor...contribute to protecting individuals from harmcontribute to protecting individuals from harmUse established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice, bringing any such behaviour to the attention of the employer...deliver social services in diverse cultural communitiesdeliver social services in diverse cultural communitiesDeliver services which are mindful of different cultural and language traditions, showing respect and validation for communities and being consistent with policies regarding human rights and equality ...demonstrate leadership in social service casesdemonstrate leadership in social service casesTake the lead in the practical handling of social work cases and activities.communicate professionally with colleagues in other fieldscommunicate professionally with colleagues in other fieldsCommunicate professionally and cooperate with members of the other professions in the health and social services sector.follow health and safety precautions in social care practicesfollow health and safety precautions in social care practicesEnsure hygienic work practice, respecting the safety of the environment at day care, residential care settings and care at home.plan social service processplan social service processPlan the social service process, defining the objective and considering the methods of implementation, identifying and accessing available resources, such as time, budget, personnel and defining indic...promote social changepromote social changePromote changes in relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities by taking into consideration and coping with unpredictable changes, at the micro, macro and mezzo ...advocate for social service usersadvocate for social service usersSpeak for and on behalf of service users, using communicative skills and knowledge of relevant fields to assist those less advantaged.prevent social problemsprevent social problemsPrevent social problems from developing, defining and implementing actions that can prevent social problems, striving for the enhancement of the quality of life for all citizens.show intercultural awarenessshow intercultural awarenessShow sensibility towards cultural differences by taking actions which facilitate positive interaction between international organisations, between groups or individuals of different cultures, and to p...perform public relationsperform public relationsPerform public relations (PR) by managing the spread of information between an individual or an organisation and the public.set organisational policiesset organisational policiesParticipate in setting organisational policies that cover issues such as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits for the service users.assess social service users' situationassess social service users' situationAssess the social situation of service users situation balancing curiosity and respect in the dialogue, considering their families, organisations and communities and the associated risks and identifyi...relate empatheticallyrelate empatheticallyRecognise, understand and share emotions and insights experienced by another.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...manage social crisismanage social crisisIdentify, respond and motivate individuals in social crisis situations, in a timely manner, making use of all resources.manage ethical issues within social servicesmanage ethical issues within social servicesApply social work ethical principles to guide practice and manage complex ethical issues, dilemmas and conflicts in accordance to occupational conduct, the ontology and the code of ethics of the socia...review social service planreview social service planReview social service plans, taking your service users' views and preferences into account. Follow up on the plan, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.apply decision making within social workapply decision making within social workTake decisions when called for, staying within the limits of granted authority and considering the input from the service user and other caregivers.adhere to organisational guidelinesadhere to organisational guidelinesAdhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.apply holistic approach within social servicesapply holistic approach within social servicesConsider the social service user in any situation, recognising the connections between micro-dimension, meso-dimension, and macro-dimension of social problems, social development and social policies.apply socially just working principlesapply socially just working principlesWork in accordance with management and organisational principles and values focusing on human rights and social justice.promote inclusionpromote inclusionPromote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive envi...maintain records of work with service usersmaintain records of work with service usersMaintain accurate, concise, up-to-date and timely records of the work with service users while complying with legislation and policies related to privacy and security.manage fundraising activitiesmanage fundraising activitiesInitiate fundraising activities managing the place, teams involved, causes and budgets.promote social awarenesspromote social awarenessPromote the understanding of dynamics of social relationships between individuals, groups, and communities. Promote the importance of human rights, and positive social interaction, and the inclusion o...provide safeguarding to individualsprovide safeguarding to individualsHelp vulnerable individuals assess risks and make informed choices by proving information on indicators of abuse, measures to avoid abuse and steps to take in the case of suspected abuse.report on social developmentreport on social developmentReport results and conclusions on society's social development in an intelligible way, presenting these orally and in written form to a range of audiences from non-experts to experts.carry out social work researchcarry out social work researchInitiate and design research to assess social problems and evaluate social work interventions. Use statistical sources to connect the individual data with more aggregated categories and interpret data...consider economic criteria in decision makingconsider economic criteria in decision makingDevelop proposals and take appropriate decisions taking into account economic criteria.manage budgets for social services programsmanage budgets for social services programsPlan and administer budgets in social services, covering programmes, equipment and support services.build business relationshipsbuild business relationshipsEstablish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the orga...advocate for othersadvocate for othersDeliver arguments in favour of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy, to benefit another person.evaluate staff performance in social workevaluate staff performance in social workEvaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.communicate with social service userscommunicate with social service usersUse verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication. Pay attention to the specific social service users' needs, characteristics, abilities, preferences, age, developmental stage, and culture...cooperate at inter-professional levelcooperate at inter-professional levelCooperate with people in other sectors in relation to social service work.accept own accountabilityaccept own accountabilityAccept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.influence policy makers on social service issuesinfluence policy makers on social service issuesInform and advise policy makers by explaining and interpreting the needs of the citizens to enhance social service programs and policies.manage stress in the work placemanage stress in the work placeCope with sources of stress and cross-pressure in one's own professional life, such as occupational, managerial, institutional and personal stress, and help others do the same so as to promote the wel...analyse community needsanalyse community needsIdentify and respond to specific social problems in a community, delineating the extent of the problem and outline the level of resources required to address it and identifying the existing community ...comply with legislation in social servicescomply with legislation in social servicesAct according to policy and legal requirements in providing social services.build helping relationship with social service usersbuild helping relationship with social service usersDevelop a collaborative helping relationship, addressing any ruptures or strains in the relationship, fostering bonding and gaining service users` trust and cooperation through empathic listening, car...

Optional (58)

impact of social contexts on healthimpact of social contexts on healthThe social and cultural contexts of individuals` behaviours, and the impact on their health within their social and cultural context.government policy implementationgovernment policy implementationThe procedures related to the application of government policies at all levels of public administration.organisational policiesorganisational policiesThe policies to achieve set of goals and targets regarding the development and maintenance of an organisation.government social security programmesgovernment social security programmesThe different areas of social security provided by the government, the different rights which citizens have, which benefits are available, the rules which regulate social security and the different si...financial managementfinancial managementThe field of finance that concerns the practical process analysis and tools for designating financial resources. It encompasses the structure of businesses, the investment sources, and the value incre...disability caredisability careThe specific methods and practices used in providing care to people with physical, intellectual and learning disabilities.older adults' needsolder adults' needsThe physical, mental, and social needs of frail, older adults.budgetary principlesbudgetary principlesPrinciples of estimating and planning of forecasts for business activity, compile regular budget and reports.personnel managementpersonnel managementThe methodologies and procedures involved in the hiring and development of employees in order to ensure value for the organisation, as well as personnel needs, benefits, conflict resolution and ensuri...health care systemhealth care systemThe structure and function of health care services.pedagogypedagogyThe discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.social security lawsocial security lawLegislation concerning the protection of individuals and the provision of aid and benefits, such as health insurance benefits, unemployment benefits, welfare programs and other government-provided soc...child protectionchild protectionFramework of legislation and practice meant to prevent and protect children from abuse and harm.public housing legislationpublic housing legislationThe regulations and legislation concerning the construction, maintenance and allocation of public housing facilities.handle children's problemshandle children's problemsPromote the prevention, early detection, and management of children`s problems, focusing on developmental delays and disorders, behavioural problems, functional disabilities, social stresses, mental d...apply conflict managementapply conflict managementTake ownership of the handling of all complaints and disputes showing empathy and understanding to achieve resolution. Be fully aware of all Social Responsibility protocols and procedures, and be able...maintain relations with local representativesmaintain relations with local representativesMaintain good relations with representatives of the local scientific, economic and civil society.manage budgetsmanage budgetsPlan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.protect client interestsprotect client interestsProtect the interests and needs of a client by taking necessary actions, and researching all possibilities, to ensure that the client obtains their favoured outcome.tend to elderly peopletend to elderly peopleHelp elderly people in their physical, mental, and social needs.liaise with local authoritiesliaise with local authoritiesMaintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.assess the development of youthassess the development of youthEvaluate the different aspects of development needs of children and young people.build community relationsbuild community relationsEstablish affectionate and long-lasting relationships with local communities, e.g. by organising special programmes for kindergarten, schools and for disabled and older people, raising awareness and r...meet standards of practice in social servicesmeet standards of practice in social servicesPractice social care and social work in a lawful, safe and effective way according to standards.support social service users in skills managementsupport social service users in skills managementProvide support to individuals in determining the skills they need in they everyday lives and help them in their skills development.communicate about youth's well-beingcommunicate about youth's well-beingCommunicate about youth's behaviour and welfare with parents, schools and other people in charge of the youth's upbringing and education.organise operations of residential care servicesorganise operations of residential care servicesPlan and monitor the implementation of establishment procedures by operations staff, ensuring the proper and efficient operation of the facility for elderly care in relation to cleaning and laundry se...manage emergency proceduresmanage emergency proceduresReact quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.manage health and safety standardsmanage health and safety standardsOversee all personnel and processes to comply with health, safety and hygiene standards. Communicate and support alignment of these requirements with the company's health and safety programmes.ensure public safety and securityensure public safety and securityImplement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.conduct interview in social serviceconduct interview in social serviceInduce clients, colleagues, executives, or public officials to talk fully, freely, and truthfully, so as to explore the interviewee`s experiences, attitudes, and opinions.oversee quality controloversee quality controlMonitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. Supervise product inspection and testing.maintain relationships with government agenciesmaintain relationships with government agenciesEstablish and maintain cordial working relationships with peers in different governmental agencies.organise facility activitiesorganise facility activitiesDesign and promote activities to meet customer demand and generate revenue.implement care programmes for childrenimplement care programmes for childrenPerform activities with children according to their physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs by using appropriate tools and equipment that facilitate interaction and learning activities.apply strategic thinkingapply strategic thinkingApply generation and effective application of business insights and possible opportunities, in order to achieve competitive business advantage on a long-term basis.coordinate carecoordinate careCoordinate care for patient groups, being able to manage a number of patients within a given amount of time and provide optimum health services.communicate with others who are significant to service userscommunicate with others who are significant to service usersActively involve others who are significant to service users, communicating with them appropriately and taking their roles into account.manage administrative systemsmanage administrative systemsEnsure administrative systems, processes and databases are efficient and well managed and give the sound basis to work together with the administrative officer/staff/professional.apply person-centred careapply person-centred careTreat individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them and their caregivers at the heart of all decisions.plan shifts of employeesplan shifts of employeesPlans shifts of employees to ensure completion of all customer orders and satisfactory completion of the production plan.respond to enquiriesrespond to enquiriesRespond to enquiries and requests for information from other organisations and members of the public.promote the safeguarding of young peoplepromote the safeguarding of young peopleUnderstand safeguarding and what should be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.contribute to the safeguarding of childrencontribute to the safeguarding of childrenUnderstand, apply and follow safeguarding principles, engage professionally with children and work within the boundaries of personal responsibilities.support children's wellbeingsupport children's wellbeingProvide an environment that supports and values children and helps them to manage their own feelings and relationships with others.communicate with youthcommunicate with youthUse verbal and non-verbal communication and communicate through writing, electronic means, or drawing. Adapt your communication to children and young people`s age, needs, characteristics, abilities, p...ensure compliance with policiesensure compliance with policiesTo ensure compliance with legislation and company procedures in respect of Health and Safety in the workplace and public areas, at all times. To ensure awareness of and compliance with all Company Pol...develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.apply organisational techniquesapply organisational techniquesEmploy a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and s...provide improvement strategiesprovide improvement strategiesIdentify root causes of problems and submit proposals for effective and long-term solutions.develop social security programmesdevelop social security programmesDevelop programmes and policies which aim to protect citizens and grant them rights in order to aid them, such as providing unemployment and family benefits, as well as to prevent misuse of government...manage health and safetymanage health and safetyManage the overall health, safety and sustainability policies and their application on an organisation wide scale.train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...maintain relations with children's parentsmaintain relations with children's parentsInform children`s parents of the activities planned, program`s expectations and children`s individual progress.advise on social security benefitsadvise on social security benefitsAdvise citizens on government-regulated benefits they are eligible for, such as unemployment benefits, family benefits, and other social security benefits.manage government policy implementationmanage government policy implementationManage the operations of the implementation of new government policies or changes in existing policies on a national or regional level as well as the staff involved in the implementation procedure.supervise childrensupervise childrenKeep the children under supervision for a certain period of time, ensuring their safety at all times.