Positive Journeys Support

Durham County Council; Spennymoor; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Job summary

Durham County Council is expanding its Positive Behavioural Support Team in County Durham, with two vacancies in Chester-le-Street (35-hr and 30-hr posts, 5 days/week). The role involves supporting individuals with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours, delivering PBSPs, and promoting independence.

DBS Enhanced disclosure is required; interviews start 5th October 2026. Induction, ongoing training, and supervision are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in care or support (professional or personal) demonstrating patience, empathy and understanding of behaviours that challenge.

Responsibilities

• Support young people and adults with learning disabilities and complex behaviours.
• Implement positive behaviour support plans and manage challenging behaviours.
• Promote independence and informed choice; act as role model.
• Attend induction, training and supervision as part of the team.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Behaviour understanding

Communication

Education

GCSEs A-C

NVQ Level 2

Job description

We’re excited to be expanding our Positive Behavioural Support Team in County Durham and currently have two opportunities available at our Chester-le-Street base: one 35-hour post and one 30-hour post, both worked over 5 days per week.

Due to the occupational needs, and the demands of the service we are only able to accept male applicants for this role.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about delivering high-quality care and making a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll work in a specialist day service (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm), supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities and complex behaviours.

As part of a dedicated team, you’ll help implement positive behaviour support plans, manage behaviours effectively, and create a safe, empowering environment. You’ll act as a role model, promoting independence and informed choice.

We offer a full induction, ongoing training, and regular supervision.

If you would more information or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Emma Pallister - Countywide Pathways Manager by email at [e-mail].

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You’ll need experience in care or support (professional or personal), and key qualities such as patience, empathy, and understanding of behaviours that challenge.

• Qualifications: 4 GCSEs (A–C) or NVQ/Diploma Level 2 (or equivalent).

Please refer to the attached person specification for full criteria.

Successful applicants will need to complete a DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children's arred list and Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity.

Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings,in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held week commencing 5th October 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.