At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting young people with vision impairment to develop independence and life skills.
- Company: InFocus Charity, dedicated to empowering young individuals with complex needs.
- Benefits: Generous leave, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or support settings and a passion for helping others thrive.
The predicted salary is between 32240 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role
We are looking for a proactive, passionate and committed Team Leader to join the Life and Living Skills team at In Focus Charity.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and inspire a team of Enablers who support young people with vision impairment and additional complex needs to develop the skills, confidence and independence they need for adult life.
You will play a key role in ensuring your team delivers high-quality, person-centred support in a safe, positive and empowering environment.
Our Life and Living Skills Programme is designed to help young people practise choice, control and independence in real-life situations, enabling them to maximise their potential and prepare for their next step.
Every young person has a personalised programme tailored to their aspirations, whether that is developing daily living skills, accessing community opportunities or exploring future living options and transition services.
As Team Leader, you will coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the programme, planning staffing, organising activities and ensuring each young person receives outstanding support.
You will also help create memorable experiences by leading the planning of larger events such as holidays, music festivals and celebrations.
The role also includes supporting our College Residential service, where young people live while accessing the Life and Living Skills Programme and College.
Here, you will continue to lead your team in delivering exceptional care and support, encouraging independence and helping young people build confidence in everyday living skills.
Weekend working forms part of this role.
At weekends, our young people enjoy getting out into the community, exploring new places and socialising.
You will lead and motivate your team to plan and deliver engaging leisure and community-based activities that reflect each person’s interests and goals.
Alongside leading frontline practice, you will
- Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and support to your team.
- Conduct regular supervisions and support staff development.
- Assist with the onboarding and induction of new colleagues.
- Promote high standards of care, safeguarding and health and safety.
- Drive continuous improvement and contribute to the ongoing development of the service.
- Work closely with the College Residential Managers to ensure a consistent, high-quality service.
About you
We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference and who believes in the potential of every individual.
You will have experience working in a care or support setting, supporting people with disabilities or complex needs, and will be confident leading and motivating a team.
You will be a positive role model who enjoys helping others to grow and succeed, creating an environment where both colleagues and young people can thrive.
You will bring
- Experience working in a care, support or residential setting.
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience, or the confidence and ability to step into a leadership role.
- A passion for delivering person-centred care and promoting independence.
- Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to plan activities, coordinate staffing and manage competing priorities.
- A collaborative and supportive leadership style.
- A flexible approach, including the ability to work weekends as part of a rota.
In return, you will join a dedicated and supportive team where your ideas, leadership and commitment will make a genuine difference.
You will receive ongoing support from the College Residential Managers, regular supervision and opportunities for professional development as you help shape a service that enables young people to live fulfilling, independent lives.
Working pattern
Two week rolling rota, averaging 37 hours a week, term time only (38 weeks per year) To view the full working pattern please click on the link below to view the application pack.
- How we say "thank you"
- Six weeks annual leave plus eight bank holidays
- Occupational sick pay scheme from day one
- Paid medical appointments
- Comprehensive training and development
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Onsite café
- Access to discounted shopping
- On-site free parking
- 24-hour employee assistance programme
- "Death in service" life assurance and group accident cover
- Free flu vaccinations
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Contributory pension scheme for eligible staff
- About our application process
When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification in the application pack and include information that shows your suitability for the role.
Please Note: Where you do not provide a supporting statement and a full and up to date CV, your application will not be considered.
If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted by the recruiting manager for a brief initial conversation to check suitability for the role.
Equality, diversity and safeguarding
We are a disability friendly employer and actively encourage candidates with a disability to apply.
If you need support with completing your application form, please contact our HR team
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All posts are conditional to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS), satisfactory medical check, references and evidence the right to work in the UK.
Staff have a responsibility to inform In Focus of any conviction or prosecution that occurs whilst employed.
It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and adults at risk.
- Please note this role is not eligible for sponsorship
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Team Leader: Life And Living Skills in Exeter employer: InFocus
Infocus College is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering visually impaired youth in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a strong focus on professional development and ongoing training, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Located in Exeter, our high-quality residential setting fosters a collaborative work culture that values dignity, respect, and individual aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader: Life And Living Skills in Exeter
✨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 InFocus.
✨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 InFocus!
✨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 InFocus, 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 InFocus 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: Life And Living Skills in Exeter
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 InFocus:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to InFocus! 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 InFocus
✨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.
