At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop our Dundonald Service, shaping support for autistic individuals.
- Company: Join Autism Initiatives, a values-driven organisation focused on empowerment and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care and experience supporting individuals with Autism.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 41000 £ 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
- 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.
- 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.
Please note that all interviews for this position will be conducted in person at our head office on Thursdays - Office 1 & 2, Linden House, Beechill Business Park, 96 Beechill Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 7QN
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.
Benefits of working with us
In addition to competitive pay rates, a contributory pension, and generous holiday entitlements, you'll have access to a range of additional benefits designed to recognise and reward the exceptional support our staff provide. Some benefits are available immediately, while others are awarded over time to recognise loyalty, dedication, and long service. Please note that benefits may vary by role, location, and length of service. Full details of your benefits package will be available once you join.
Below is an overview of some of the benefits you may be eligible for:
- Monthly staff cash prize draw
- Your birthday off work every year
- Medicash health scheme (including reimbursement for medical costs, gym discounts, and more)
- Employee Assistance Programme - free expert support on childcare, probate, money management, and work-life balance
- Additional paid holidays after 1, 2, and 3 years of service
- Extra paid holidays for milestone service years
- Financial wellbeing programme offering flexible access to pay
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Career break scheme
- Wagestream financial planning and support app - access earnings before payday, set up savings, and manage your finances
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Continue to Application or Login/Register to apply button below.
Team Leader in Belfast employer: Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
At Autism Initiatives, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values empowerment, collaboration, and personal growth. Located in Dundonald, our supportive work culture fosters continuous learning and development, offering a range of benefits including competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic individuals while enjoying a fulfilling career with a commitment to equality and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland.
✨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 Northern Ireland!
✨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 Northern Ireland, 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 Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland! 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 Northern Ireland
✨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.
