Vacancy for Service Support Manager

sams_logoService User Support Manager, Epsom, Surrey

Up to £35K per annum, dependant on skills and experience

Samaritans is looking for a positive, dynamic individual with an interest in crisis management and support with excellent management and leadership skills to manage and develop caller support across the organisation. The successful candidate will also provide expert advice to the organisation on the most appropriate and effective support for all users of Samaritans services. This is a new role reporting to the Head of Operations and working closely with the Honorary Psychiatrist and Samaritans volunteers responsible for caller care.

The Service User Support Manager will have:

• Significant experience of working in the mental health field
• Extensive knowledge of therapeutic theory, practice and interventions in relation to caller support
• Understanding of the needs of a wide range of vulnerable service users and proven ability to understand and analyse complex emotional/mental health needs
• A track record of achievements in telephone helpline, social work or counselling service provision
• Experience of developing, implementing and reviewing policies and procedures
• Understanding of the issues relating to large scale service delivery  through a volunteer work force
• Experience of giving guidance in relation to service delivery to promote and influence practice to the highest standards

The ideal candidate will have:

• A high level of trust and integrity
• Resilience and the ability to work independently with a strong personal drive
• Excellent people management and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide leadership in a way that inspires confidence and builds relationships
• The ability to bring out the best in people – both staff and volunteers
• The ability to find solutions to complex issues and achieve win/win results
• Demonstrable empathy with Samaritans’ mission, vision and values
• Excellent all round IT skills especially Microsoft Office

If you think you are the right person for this role and are excited by this opportunity, please visit www.samaritans.org for a full job description, terms and application form and email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 22nd February 2010

First interviews will be held on Tuesday 2nd March and second interviews on Tuesday 9th March (PM) and Wednesday 10th March (AM)