At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a team in delivering high-quality, person-centred care and guidance.
- Company: Join Alternative Futures Group, a leading health and social care charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, lifestyle support, and a fulfilling work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in person-centred planning and supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As an experienced practitioner, the job holder will support the Team Leader for a complex service through the provision of supervisory, advisory and administrative support to ensure that a high quality, compliant, person centred approach is maintained at all times.
Job Purpose
The Key Objectives Of This Role Are To:
- Promote the principles of person-centred approaches in all areas of operation to the staff team as directed by the Team Leader.
- Provide advice, guidance and support to members of the staff team to drive best practice; compliance to policy, regulations and CQC Standards; and to encourage the appropriate use of AFG systems and processes.
- Support the Team Leader with ensuring the service delivery meets the required quality standards, and to evidence quality service delivery.
- Act up during the Team Leader's annual leave and seek any additional support/advice from the Area Manager.
Dimensions
The post holder has no direct reports, however will hold Supervisory responsibility for a designated staff team under the leadership of the Team Leader.
Key Result Areas
- Support the development, update and review of care plans for the attention of the Team Leader that outline the care and support individuals need.
- Actively engage in the assessment, planning, monitoring and reviewing of individuals' support as directed by the Team Leader. This will include the identification of any new goals and outcomes and implementing plans to address these.
- Celebrate the success of the people we support, through the sharing of stories across the team and organisation. The post holder will support the team in achieving butterfly moments with the people supported.
- Actively participate in the transition of people into service.
- Promote best practice across the staff team through the provision of advice, support and mentoring. This will include the provision of learning and guidance on relevant process, policy, legislation, regulations or own practitioner experience.
- Support the delivery of any service/team improvement plans developed by the Team Leader – this may include embedding new processes, new systems or promoting digital engagement across the team.
- Drive the importance of quality record keeping within the staff team, and provide guidance/coaching/feedback to staff to ensure that the records they make are of a high quality and in line with current policy guidelines.
- Support the Team Leader in addressing any identified risks and putting control measures in place.
- Support the Team Leader with 1:1 discussions with members of the staff team, and in monitoring the delivery of personal objectives or development plans as part of their My Performance Review.
- Observe staff interactions with the people we support and mentor staff in person centred approaches by both working alongside them and in supervisory discussions.
- Complete reflective discussions from any key themes and record on employee notes.
- Support the planning and administration of staff rotas within PeoplePlanner as directed by the Team Leader and in line with Policy/Procedure.
- Support the induction and development of new staff to the service. This will include supporting colleagues through the Care Certificate and associated training.
- Support the Team Leader in the management of staff absence which will include updating SelectHR, early home contacts, and non-complex return to work interviews/plans.
- Report any safeguarding concerns to external agencies in the absence of the Team Leader.
Essential Criteria
Please only apply if you meet the below requirements:
- Experience of person centred planning and review.
- Experience of supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
- Experience of undertaking staff supervisions/support.
- Experience of using IT systems in the management of service and people.
Skills & Knowledge
- Seasoned practitioner in person centred principles and practices.
- Ability to assess, plan and monitor care and support to achieve individual outcomes.
- Ability to engage with service users and their families and carers, to develop positive and trusting relationships.
- Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal.
- Knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health or learning disabilities and be familiar with the current views and best practice.
- The ability to use person centred tools to develop individuals and teams.
- Ability to apply policy and procedure in a way that results in quality outcomes for people.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative, self motivation and resourcefulness.
- Effective resource management.
- Ability to use ICT for information, performance reporting and communication.
- Knowledge of equality and anti-discriminatory practices.
- Excellent time manager who has the ability to plan and prioritise a complex workload.
Qualifications / Training
- NVQ3 qualification in management or care (or equivalent) or a willingness and ability to complete such a qualification within a set time period.
- Training in Person centred practices (planning, review, team development).
About Us
We’re Alternative Futures Group, a health and social care charity providing specialist support for people with a learning disability or mental health condition. We’re proud to have been positively changing lives and enabling people to achieve amazing outcomes for over 30 years. We have a vision to create a world where amazing people do amazing things every day. Our skilled and experienced teams work with every person we support to create personalised, outcome-focused plans to achieve their aspirations.
As a ‘values based’ employer, the people that work for us genuinely care about the people they support, and we are seeking likeminded people to join our team. If you are passionate about working in Health and Social Care and have a real desire to make a positive difference to the lives of the people we support then we would love to hear from you.
At AFG we also recognise the contribution and value that our staff make. We would not be able to provide the life changing support that we do without people like you! In return for your contribution we will support you throughout your career and we provide a wide range of employee benefits, career development and lifestyle support services to ensure that you too feel supported, fulfilled and valued from day one of your employment with us.
Operational Support Officer - 35 hours per week in Ellesmere Port - Temp until November 2026 employer: Alternative Futures Group
Alternative Futures Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Ellesmere Port. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive career development opportunities and a range of benefits that prioritise your well-being and professional fulfilment. Join us in making a meaningful impact in health and social care, where your contributions are valued and celebrated every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Support Officer - 35 hours per week in Ellesmere Port - Temp until November 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and social care sector. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on openings at AFG or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to person-centred approaches and team support. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with AFG's values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your stories about making a difference in people's lives. This will help them see that you’re not just looking for a job, but you genuinely care about the work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates about AFG there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Officer - 35 hours per week in Ellesmere Port - Temp until November 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with person-centred planning and supporting individuals with learning disabilities or mental health needs. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the role!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. We love seeing candidates who can express themselves well, both in writing and verbally.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any supervisory experience or your familiarity with IT systems in managing services. We’re looking for seasoned practitioners, so make sure your application reflects your background and expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alternative Futures Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on person-centred planning and review techniques. Familiarise yourself with the principles of supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs, as this will show your understanding of the role and its requirements.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported a team or individual. Highlight any supervisory roles you've held and how you've driven best practices in compliance with policies and regulations.
✨Engage with the Values
Understand the values of Alternative Futures Group and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. They’re looking for people who genuinely care about making a positive difference, so share your passion for health and social care.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to staff development or how they celebrate successes within the team. It shows you're engaged and interested in contributing to their mission.
