At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a support team to provide exceptional care for adults with learning disabilities.
- Company: Advance, a not-for-profit provider dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, professional development, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Join a supportive, inclusive environment with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult care and team leadership is essential.
Location: Poole, Dorset
Hours: 37.5 contracted hours per week
This is a 9-month fixed-term maternity cover position, with the possibility of extension subject to business needs.
Salary: £41,326.39 per annum
Closing Date: 28th August 2026
We regret to inform you that Advance is unable to accept any sponsorship requirements.
About the Role
Would you like to work somewhere where you get to make a real difference every day? We are seeking a highly motivated Autism and Behavioural Support Manager to work with the Operations Manager in leading and directly line managing a support team in Poole to deliver the highest quality of support to a group of adults with learning disabilities in their own homes. You will lead as an exemplary role model to achieve outstanding, personalised support and high levels of regulatory compliance, ensuring our customers are at the heart of all we do, and their needs are met. Ensuring your team feel valued and supported, providing them with a full understanding of what is expected of them and giving them the skills and tools to undertake their role to the best of their abilities. Success in this role means that individuals get the highest quality support and live their best lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and directly manage a team of support workers, ensuring high-quality, personalised support
- Act as an exemplary role model to staff, ensuring that customers remain at the heart of all services provided
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements
- Support customers with mental health conditions and learning disabilities
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with key stakeholders, customers, families, and external agencies
- Manage and resolve staff issues effectively, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures
- Conduct risk assessments and crisis management, including de-escalation techniques
- Oversee quality assurance, ensuring service delivery meets and exceeds expectations
- Promote staff development through training, performance management, and supervision
- Ensure confidentiality and compliance with the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
- Work flexibly, including occasional weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-in duties if required
- Contribute to business development and service growth initiatives
Person Specification
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in adult care, supporting individuals with mental health conditions and learning disabilities
- Previous experience in team leadership and staff management within the health and social care sector
- Strong understanding of person-centered care and complex mental health conditions
- Strong IT literacy, including experience with digital care systems
- Ability to work under pressure, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Commitment to ongoing training and professional development
- Business development experience with a drive to expand services
- UK driving license
- NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification) or willing to achieve
Desirable
- Experience working alongside Support Managers and Operations Managers in a similar role
- Understanding of health and social care compliance frameworks
- Knowledge of stakeholder engagement and relationship management
For more information about the role please contact Sinti Breitenberga, Email: Sinti.Breitenberga@advanceuk.org
About the organisation
Advance is a national, not-for-profit provider of housing and support services for people with disabilities and mental health conditions. Our vision is to transform lives; providing the best quality housing and support services so that people can live the lives they choose, achieve their personal goals, feel valued and know their voices are heard. We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and we’re passionate about making Advance a great place to work. We invest in our staff, providing the training and support you need to succeed in your role, gain industry-recognised qualifications and realise your career aspirations. We are an equal opportunities employer who values its staff and the difference they make to their customers. There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in Advance. As an organisation, we will not tolerate it. We are firmly committed to recruiting the best colleagues regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation and to supporting customers from similarly diverse backgrounds. All newly appointed staff receive an induction, during which they will learn about our PRIDE values, our expectations of how they should treat our customers and our commitments in relation to how they will be treated as a member of staff.
Benefits of working for Advance
- Paid holiday (from 25 days up to 30 days with long service in addition to bank holidays, pro rata for part time hours)
- Sector specific training is provided as part of induction plus opportunities for professional development
- Access to Perks at Work where you can obtain great discounts of cinema tickets, shopping vouchers and much more
- Long service awards payable in 5 year increments
- Golden Hello/refer a friend receive up to £500
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Free DBS (Disclosures and Barring Service)
- Excellent opportunities to progress your career within Advance
- Enrolment in a pension scheme with matched contributions above the statutory minimum (if you work enough hours to meet the threshold for enrolment)
Advance is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing and the Care Quality Commission and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. You will be required to provide evidence of right to work. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this role, the cost of which will be covered by Advance.
Safeguarding
At Advance, Safeguarding is embedded in our organisational culture — it’s reflected in our values, our behaviours, and the way we work together. We believe that creating a safe environment is not just about compliance, but about cultivating trust, openness, and accountability at every level. As the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead, Ryan Brummitt, Executive Director of Support, oversees our safeguarding arrangements and ensures that concerns are acted upon quickly, sensitively and in line with national legislation and local safeguarding procedures. We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are a customer, family member, colleague or partner organisation, if you have any concerns about the welfare or safety of someone we support — or of any member of our team — please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Ryan.Brummitt@Advanceuk.org Together, we can ensure that Advance remains a safe, supportive and inclusive organisation for all. We value diversity and therefore welcome applications from everyone interested in working at Advance. We are a Disability Confident Leader. Advance Housing & Support Ltd reserves the right to close this job once sufficient applications have been received.
Support Manager - 9+months maternity in Poole employer: Advance Housing and Support Ltd
Advance is an exceptional employer located in Witney, offering a rewarding opportunity as a Casual Support Worker where you can truly make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions. With flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and genuine career progression opportunities, Advance fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that values every employee's contribution. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives while enjoying benefits like paid mileage, discounts, and a commitment to your professional development.
Contact Details:
Advance Housing and Support Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Manager - 9+months maternity in Poole
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Advance Housing and Support Ltd, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Manager - 9+months maternity in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Advance Housing and Support Ltd. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Advance Housing and Support Ltd. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Housing and Support Ltd
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Advance Housing and Support Ltd.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Support Manager - 9+months maternity role at Advance Housing and Support Ltd, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Advance Housing and Support Ltd that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
