Team Leader - Learning Disabilities

Believe Care; Heysham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated care provider in Heysham seeks a Team Leader to support a young gentleman with autism in his daily activities. The ideal candidate will assist Jack in his routines, empower him to develop life skills while ensuring emotional support, and supervise a team of support workers. Applicants must be empathetic, physically fit, and have a valid driver’s license. Previous experience with autism is preferred, and a non-smoker status is essential. This role offers a fulfilling experience in a caring environment.

Benefits

Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Line

Employee discounts scheme

Refer a friend scheme

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with autism or a willingness to learn.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must not be allergic to horses.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily tasks and offer emotional support.
• Provide day‑to‑day supervision and guidance to support workers.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are followed.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Good listening skills

Patience

Physical fitness

Well‑organized

Job description

Team Leader - Learning Disabilities - Heysham

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role at this time.

About Jack

Jack is a young gentleman with autism looking for a dedicated, friendly and engaging Team Leader to help him live a fulfilled life in his own home. He enjoys outdoor activities such as walking, horse riding, shopping and spending time in the local community. He also appreciates good company and would love someone who can support his routine while respecting his independence and way of doing things. A driver is required for this role to support Jack with all his activities.

What Jack is Looking For in His Support Worker

Skills

• Excellent communication skills
• Good listening skills, including the ability to use an iPad for communication
• Patience, resilience, and respect for his independence (Jack prefers to do things his way)
• Physically fit and energetic to keep up with outdoor activities
• Well‑organized and reliable

Personality & Characteristics

• Bubbly, kind, and understanding
• Empathetic with a sense of humour
• Willing to engage in activities like walking, cooking, and spending time outdoors

Practical Requirements

• Must not be allergic to horses (due to Jack’s love for horse riding)
• Able to walk long distances in various weather conditions
• Valid driver’s licence (as Jack enjoys going out and about)
• Experience with autism or a willingness to learn
• Non‑smoker (essential)

About The Role

You will be part of a bespoke team supporting a young person within his own home. You will support him as part of a team that works together in ways that are led by the individual's needs.

This role requires empathy, compassion, resilience, problem‑solving skills, respect for professional boundaries, and a commitment to improving the lives of people we support. Most importantly, a genuine passion for working with and supporting people is essential, along with a desire to be an advocate for individuals with learning difficulties and mental health support needs.

Responsibilities

Assist with daily tasks, offer emotional support, and manage challenging behaviours when necessary. Empower the individual to develop life skills, make informed decisions, and build confidence in their independence. Support with budgeting, promote self‑care, and act as a trusted advocate for their needs and aspirations.

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide day‑to‑day supervision, guidance and support to support workers to ensure high‑quality care is delivered.
• Lead by example in maintaining professional boundaries, safeguarding standards, and best practice.
• Organise and oversee staff rotas, ensuring adequate cover at all times.
• Conduct regular supervision and appraisals with support workers in line with company policy.

Care & Support Delivery

• Work directly with the individual to provide emotional, social, and practical support according to their care and support plans.
• Ensure support workers follow care plans, risk assessments, and agreed strategies consistently.
• Support individuals in developing independence, life skills and positive routines.
• Act as a key point of contact for individuals, families, professionals and external agencies when required.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are followed and report concerns promptly.
• Maintain accurate, timely records (daily logs, incident reports, care plans, medication records).
• Monitor service delivery against regulatory and organisational standards.
• Support the Registered Manager / Deputy in preparing for inspections, audits and reviews.

Communication & Teamwork

Facilitate team meetings and briefings to keep staff informed and engaged.

Promote a positive team culture, encouraging collaboration, resilience and professional development.

Liaise with external agencies (social workers, health professionals, education providers) as directed.

Training & Development

• Identify staff training needs and support new staff through induction and shadowing.
• Mentor support workers to develop their skills and confidence in their role.
• Keep own knowledge up to date with relevant legislation, safeguarding practices and sector developments.

Operational Responsibilities

• Assist in managing petty cash, budgets and household resources responsibly.
• Take responsibility for decision‑making in the absence of the manager / deputy.
• Ensure the home environment is safe, welcoming and well‑maintained.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals we support. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

Employment History Review

• A thorough pre‑employment screening, including reference checks from previous employers.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including checks against the barred lists, where applicable.
• Right to work verification and identity checks.
• Employment history review, with clarification of any gaps.

Equal Opportunities

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees by creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and enables us to better support the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Our recruitment decisions are based solely on skills, experience, and suitability for the role.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Required Criteria

• Do you have any allergies to horses that would prevent you from supporting Jack with horse riding activities?
• Do you hold a valid driver’s licence so you can support Jack on his regular outings?
• Do you have experience supporting individuals with autism and learning disabilities?
• Are you a non‑smoker? (this is essential)
• Are you able to walk long distances in various weather conditions?

About The Company

We deliver high‑quality, individualised support built around what matters to each person – day and night. Our small, well‑matched teams help people build friendships, join community life and pursue long‑term goals. As part of Lancashire’s Small Supports approach, we embed inclusion, citizenship and continuity in everything we do.

Company Culture

We believe in teamwork, learning and appreciation – supported by reflective practice and meaningful training shaped by lived experience. We build small, skilled, well‑matched teams around each person, we partner with individuals, families and advocates to provide day and night support designed around what matters to each person – friendships, community life and long‑term goals.

Company Benefits

• Culture of recognition – Free 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Line offering support with a range of challenges such as stress, anxiety, bereavement, relationships, housing, finances, legal matters, family and childcare, health advice, and more.
• 'Refer a friend' scheme
• Employee discounts scheme – Access to our company caravan in the Lake District available at special rate for all our employees.