Assistant Service Manager - Galashiels

The Central Locality is seeking a committed Assistant Service Manager to join us on a permanent, full‑time basis (35 hours per week) at an exciting point of management restructure and service development. This is a pivotal role for someone who is motivated to empower staff, strengthen operational practice, and contribute to a positive and forward‑looking team culture.
We are looking for an individual who can support staff to work confidently and autonomously, while helping to review and improve processes, systems, and overall team performance. Working closely with the Service Manager, you will play a key role in shaping how the locality operates and ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day running of the service.

The role includes overseeing and supervising the team, supporting with allocations and the triaging of incoming work, authorising decisions, and maintaining effective operational oversight. This post does not carry a caseload, although there may be occasions where council officer duties are required.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys supporting others, strengthening practice, and contributing to meaningful change within a developing management structure.
Key responsibilities
- Supporting staff through supervision, coaching, and reflective practice
- Assisting with allocation and oversight of cases
- Promoting safe, strengths‑based, person‑centred practice
- Building strong relationships with partners across health, education, and community services
- Contributing to service development and continuous improvement

A degree or diploma equivalent in Social Work, OT or Nursing

Ability to work within a statutory - Experience of outcomes focussed
approach to assessment.- Excellent interpersonal skills.- Clear value base which includes an
understanding of non-stigmatising and
non-discriminatory practice.- An awareness of issues which relate
to older people, adults with disabilities,
mental health, people at risk of harm
and those at risk of social exclusion.- Negotiation skills and an ability to
work in partnership with service users,
carers, colleagues and other
agencies.- Experience of risk assessments.
- Experience of chairing and a MDT

A current driving licence and use of a vehicle is an essential requirement of this post.

* If you have a disability which precludes you from holding a drivers licence, Scottish Borders Council will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability. Should it be possible to make such an adjustment in order that you can undertake the travel responsibilities of the post, this will be taken into account in consideration for this role.

Informal enquiries may be made to Hayley McKenzie at hayley.mckenzie@scotborders.gov.uk