Hours and Working Pattern
Full time – 37.5 hours a week, with 16 hours for admin duties and the rest for hands‑on service.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide supervision and support to a team of Social Care Support Workers, including delivery of personal support and care plans.
- Ensure staff develop professional and trusting relationships with people supported, promote self‑esteem, happiness and emotional health, and encourage people to express their needs, views and concerns.
- Enable people to make choices, participate in planning and decision‑making processes and promote Person‑Centred Planning and BILD.
- Respect and promote the rights and entitlements of people with learning disabilities, mental health and autism, and facilitate participation in their communities.
- Ensure service users have access to independent advocacy, advice and culturally and age‑appropriate experiences.
- Promote a warm and positive approach to friends and families, and involve families in planning as appropriate.
- Coach staff in strategies to support people expressing frustrations and needs through challenging behaviour, as specified in the Person‑Centred Plan.
- Ensure medication is administered, recorded and stored following Autism Plus guidelines.
- Observe and monitor emotional and physical wellbeing, informing relevant staff and agencies of any concerns or significant changes.
- Respond to emergencies and incidents promptly within Autism Plus policy and reporting procedures, complying with Health & Safety and other relevant legislation.
- Carry out and record all financial transactions involving service users within agency guidelines and support people in managing personal finances.
- Maintain Individual Support Plans and person‑centred plans, monitoring implementation and effectiveness.
- Act as nominated key worker where appropriate in line with BILD.
- Manage staff schedules, record rota hours and absences on Humanity, Workday and the main rota.
- Carry out back‑to‑work interviews and progress outcomes to the next stage in line with Policy.
- Lead and manage staff to meet service user needs and maintain quality standards in line with PCP and CQC outcomes.
- Coordinate staff resources efficiently, delegating tasks and ensuring duties are carried out.
- Ensure all staff receive personal support, supervision, appraisal, training and development.
- Organise and chair team meetings, promoting open communication and a team approach.
- Cover on‑call requirements, assist with induction of new staff and cover leave as required.
- Support colleagues in difficult situations and elevate concerns to more knowledgeable staff where necessary.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- NVQ Level 2 in Social Care.
- Essential skills: knowledge of staff management/supervision.
- Experience in a care/support role, working with individuals with mental health issues and challenging behaviour.
- Experience implementing strategies for individuals expressing frustrations through challenging behaviour.
- Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to adapt communication to audiences.
- Good listening skills, empathetic approach and ability to build trust with vulnerable people and their families.
- Organised, efficient, flexible and able to work independently or as part of a team.
- High level of patience, emotional resilience and a non‑judgemental attitude.
- Experience dealing with budgets and handling monies.
- Good IT skills including Outlook and Microsoft Word.
- Respect for client confidentiality.
- Driving licence and vehicle access is preferred but can be discussed.
Organization Overview
Autism Plus is a leading Yorkshire charity supporting adults and young people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs. Founded in 1986 by parents looking for support after school, the charity employs over 350 people across northern England in care support services, employment support and social enterprise businesses.
Benefits
- 20 % staff discount at the Social Enterprise Chocolate Factory.
- Blue light discount card.
- Access to the BUPA Health Cash Plan Scheme (cash back on health expenses).
- Access to the Colleague Assistance Helpline 24/7.
- Fully funded DBS to the required level for the role.
- Induction training for the role.
How to Apply
The application process is simple: submit a short application form with a CV upload. If you are interested and feel you could make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!