Support Lead

City of Chelmsford Mencap; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent charity in Essex is seeking a Support Lead to deliver high-quality, person-centred support within their Outreach Academy. The role involves coordinating daily activities, promoting independence, and ensuring that service users enjoy meaningful learning experiences. The candidate must demonstrate an understanding of key social care values and have experience in guiding staff and volunteers in best practices. Initial interviews are scheduled for the week of January 12th.

Qualifications

• Understanding of person-centred planning and co-production.
• Experience in supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
• Ability to guide and support staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on, person-centred support for service users.
• Implement and uphold care plans and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Guide staff, students, and volunteers during learning sessions.

Skills

Person-centred thinking

Strengths-based practice

Trauma-informed approaches

Positive Behaviour Support

Accessible communication methods

Job description

Overview

Make a real difference in people's lives - and let usmake a real difference to your life and career.City of Chelmsford Mencap is an independent charity that supports people affected by learning disability across mid-Essex. It provides lifelong learning, social opportunities, work experience, advocacy and information.

Summary of the Role

The Support Lead plays a key hands-on role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support within the Outreach Academy, CCM’s lifelong learning service. They help coordinate daily activities, promote independence and wellbeing, and ensure service users experience meaningful learning in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment.

The Support Lead works closely with the Senior Support Leads to implement care plans, support learning sessions, uphold safeguarding responsibilities, and model best practice based on key social care values. They guide and assist specialist support workers, tutors, volunteers, and work placement students during sessions, helping to create a positive and enriched learning experience for all participants.

Key Social Care Values and Approaches Required

The Support Lead must demonstrate understanding and use of :

• Person-centred thinking, planning and co-production
• Strengths-based and outcomes-focused practice
• Active Support approaches
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Making Safeguarding Personal
• Supported decision-making and the relevant legislation
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Accessible communication methods (e.g., visual supports, Makaton, easy-read)
• Dignity in Care and principles of respect, choice, independence and inclusion

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting Daily Operations
• Direct Support and Person-Centred Practice
• Guiding and Supporting Staff, Students & Volunteers
• Communication and Partnership Working
• Safeguarding, Safety and Risk Management
• Record-Keeping and Administration
• Quality, Reflection and Development

Initial interviews will be held in the week commencing 12th January