At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop our Dundonald Service, shaping support for individuals with autism.
- Company: Join Autism Initiatives, a values-driven organisation focused on empowering autistic individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working, career development, and a culture of recognition await you!
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while growing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care and experience supporting individuals with autism.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a pro‑active and values‑driven Team Leader to lead and develop our Dundonald Service. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow our support service, ensuring they continue to meet the evolving needs of the individuals we support. At Autism Initiatives we work alongside autistic people, providing specialist services tailored to each individual. Our values, shown below, underpin every aspect of the organisation’s culture and activities in NI: Autism‑Focused, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, Collaboration, Commitment to Change and Rights‑based.
Our services aim to:
- Enrich lives by providing meaningful social opportunities
- Empower individuals to make choices and pursue their own interests
- Build independence and develop practical life skills
- Connect people with opportunities within their local communities
This is an ideal role for a candidate looking to take the next step in their career. Whether you’re ready for your first leadership role or looking to expand your management skills, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact.
JOB CRITERIA – TEAM LEADER
To assist the Service Manager in every aspect of the running of the service as directed and to deputise in the absence of the Service Manager as required.
ESSENTIAL
- Minimum QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification in a related subject.
- Minimum of one year’s experience in a Senior Support role, supporting people with Autism or learning disabilities and associated conditions.
- GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- A full UK driving licence to be held for a minimum of one year.
- Be flexible to work according to the needs of our services.
- NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment.
Given the nature of the role, these positions are subject to an enhanced Access NI check for the successful applicants. The cost of which will be met by the organisation.
You will enjoy an enhanced range of benefits designed to reward the outstanding support that staff provide. Some of these benefits start immediately, whilst others are awarded at later dates in recognition of loyalty, dedication and long service.
- Competitive salary.
- Employer pension scheme.
- Enhanced company sick pay.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
- Access NI paid.
- NISCC fee paid after two years service.
- Generous paid annual leave.
- Incremental increases to annual leave.
- Paid bank and public holidays.
- Birthday leave.
- Option to buy and sell annual leave.
- Long service awards.
- Monthly staff cash prize draw.
- Blue light discount card.
- Employee Refer a Friend initiative.
- Free Autism specific training.
- Comprehensive induction training.
- On the job learning.
- Buddy/mentor for new staff.
- Funded QCF development opportunities.
- Continuous learning & development opportunities.
- Line management support structure.
- Regular 121 meetings.
- Annual Performance review.
- Culture of recognition.
- 24/7 employee assistance programme (confidential counselling helpline) available from day one of employment.
- Offering free support from experts on a wide range of subjects from childcare and probate, to managing money and work life balance.
- Medicash health scheme, subject to eligibility.
- Menopause support line as part of Medicash scheme.
- Career break policy.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Compassionate & Bereavement leave.
- Wagestream financial planning and support App – enables you to access money earned before pay day, set up savings and more.
If you’re passionate about person‑centred support and motivated to lead with purpose, we’d love to hear from you. Autism Initiatives are an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in employment and service delivery. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants, however, we particularly welcome male applicants and those from a Protestant community background as these cohorts are currently under‑represented. Currently we are unable to provide Sponsorship or take over Sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Team Leader in Belfast employer: Autism Initiatives Group of Companies
At Autism Initiatives, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values collaboration, empowerment, and respect. Located in Dundonald, our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities alongside a competitive benefits package, including enhanced leave and a robust employee assistance programme. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic individuals while enjoying a rewarding career in a values-driven environment.
Contact Details:
Autism Initiatives Group of Companies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader in Belfast
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Autism Initiatives Group of Companies.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Autism Initiatives Group of Companies!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Autism Initiatives Group of Companies, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Autism Initiatives Group of Companies or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Autism Initiatives Group of Companies:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Autism Initiatives Group of Companies! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Initiatives Group of Companies
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
