Acting Team Leader (Support Worker)

Cygnet Group; Horsforth; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Apprenticeship scheme

Flexible working

Employee discounts

Cycle to Work

Wellbeing centre

Job summary

Cygnet Group in Horsforth, Leeds, is seeking a confident Acting Team Leader who combines leadership duties with direct care. You’ll work full‑time on a 42‑hour week, with 12‑hour shifts and alternate weekends, helping to run the Outwood service.

This dual role requires a passionate Support Worker ready to lead, with a person‑centred approach, excellent communication, and safeguarding focus. We offer apprenticeship routes and a competitive hourly rate.

Qualifications

• An experienced Support Worker aiming to progress into a leadership role.
• Passionate about making a positive difference.
• Confident, proactive, and ambitious with high aspirations.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Empathetic, intuitive, and energetic; capable of collaboration within a team.
• Committed to empowering individuals to develop independence and achieve goals.
• Organised, reliable, and motivated to develop leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee medication administration in line with policies and procedures.
• Coordinate duties to ensure the service operates efficiently and effectively.
• Lead, motivate, and support staff with best practices and person-centred care.
• Assist management with daily running of the service.
• Monitor care delivery to reflect individuals' needs and preferences.
• Promote a positive, safe environment for service users and staff.
• Support workers in community involvement and daily tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Empathy

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

Helping others improve and turn their lives around - there's no better feeling. It's what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.

We are looking for a confident Acting Team Leader with a passion for delivering outstanding care.

You’ll be working full time 42 hours a week, 12 hour shifts, including alternate weekends (four shifts week one, three shifts week two, on a two‑week rolling rota), days only, making a positive difference to the lives of the people in our care at Outwood.

This is a dual‑role position, combining responsibilities as both a Support Worker and an Acting Team Leader. Shifts will be divided between providing direct support to individuals and undertaking leadership duties to support the effective operation of the service.

The Outwood is a specialist residential service supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, complex needs and behaviours of concern in Horsforth, Leeds.

The Outwood supports 10 individuals and offers spacious communal areas including a lounge, dining room, kitchen. Externally we have beautiful gardens to the rear of the building which feature plenty of space for outdoor games, BBQ and seating area.

At Cygnet, our perks go way beyond pension schemes and excellent professional development – you’ll also enjoy discounts with our free NHS blue‑light card, rewards gateway with vouchers for everyday purchases and shopping, private health cash plans, free confidential mental health support and much more, to support your wellbeing in and out of work.

Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while reaping the rewards of making a difference to others – every day.

Key Responsibilities – Acting Team Leader

• Providing oversight, administration, and management of medication in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Coordinating and allocating duties to ensure the service operates efficiently and effectively.
• Leading, motivating, and supporting the staff team while championing best practice and a person‑centred approach.
• Assisting management and colleagues with the daily running of the service.
• Monitoring and overseeing support delivery to ensure individuals receive care that reflects their needs, preferences, and aspirations.
• Promoting a positive, safe, and supportive environment for both service users and staff.

Key Responsibilities – Support Worker

• Providing high‑quality support using a flexible and individualised approach to meet varying needs.
• Offering practical, emotional, and motivational support to encourage independence and wellbeing.
• Developing an understanding of each individual’s specific needs and providing support in the most appropriate way.
• Assisting with medical, health, and welfare needs, ensuring accurate reporting and record keeping.
• Promoting safeguarding principles and protecting the welfare of all individuals in our care.
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
• Supporting individuals to access and participate in their local community, including employment, education, hobbies, social activities, holidays, and day trips.
• Encouraging personal growth and skill development through involvement in everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and household management.

About You

We are looking for someone who is passionate about delivering outstanding care and ready to take the next step in their career.

• An experienced Support Worker looking to progress into a leadership role and embrace new challenges.
• Passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others.
• Confident, proactive, and ambitious, with high aspirations for yourself, the people you support, and the organisation.
• An effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Empathetic, intuitive, and energetic, with the ability to create a trusting, stimulating, and supportive environment.
• Committed to empowering individuals to develop their independence and achieve their goals.
• Organised, reliable, and motivated to develop your management and leadership capabilities.

Why Cygnet? We’ll offer you

• Salary: acting team leader rate (payable for all acting team leader shifts): £15.39 per hour, support worker rate: £13.15 per hour, rising to £13.45 per hour after three months (£29,435.70 first year), rising to £13.70 per hour after 18 months.
• An opening to undertake further learning with our excellent apprenticeship scheme.
• Flexible working with opportunity for overtime.
• Employee discount savings & Cycle to Work scheme.
• Wellbeing centre with exercises, recipes, financial and mental health advice.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Please be aware that this vacancy may close before the advertised date if the role is filled. Please send your application as soon as possible.

Cygnethas been providing a national network of high‑quality specialist mental health services for more than 30 years. We have built a reputation for delivering pioneering services and outstanding outcomes. Our expert care enables thousands of individuals to consistently make a positive difference to their lives.

If you care about making a difference – we want to talk to you.