At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead specialist support teams to enhance the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
- Company: Join Linkage Community Trust, a values-driven charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, health support, discounts, and bonuses for long service and referrals.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while leading innovative strategies in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in learning disabilities, autism, and adult social care management required.
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 dependent upon Experience & Qualifications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 36.25
Location: Lincolnshire Wide/Cross site
Closing Date: 16th November 2025
Benefits of working for Linkage:
- Generous Annual Leave Package
- Health & wellbeing support including employment, financial & Mental Health via an employee assistance programme
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Care (£4.99 for 2 years membership)
- Membership to the ‘Company Shop’ for discounted food and household products
- Linkage Lottery cash prizes
- Long service bonus every 5 years
- Recommend a friend bonus
About the role:
This is an exciting role heading up the teams of PBS Partners, Speech & Language Therapy and Sensory integration, and to work in partnership with operational services the wider senior management team to foster positive outcomes for the people we support and the staff working with them.
Principal Duties:
- To lead on the development & Implementation of the organisational Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Strategy.
- To lead on the development & implementation of Linkage’s strategy to deliver services to increasingly complex referrals.
- To lead on the development & implementation of Linkage’s PBS and Physical intervention training.
- To provide support, direction and leadership to the specialist support team in the delivery of individual plans for the People we Support.
- To assess and provide therapeutic input to individuals including initial assessments, annual reviews, transition support and individual and group therapy sessions.
- To design, implement and monitor specific therapy and PBS Programmes to enhance and develop individuals quality of life.
- To provide leadership and supervision to the clinical team ensuring efficient, effective and continually improving specialist support offered to services and the People we Support.
- To lead on practice development for individuals supported by Linkage, supporting as required in crisis situations.
- To devise, deliver and evaluate specialist training within Linkage.
About you:
You will need to have extensive experience in the field of Learning Disability and Autism, with specific knowledge around Positive Behaviour Support management and Specialist Services. You will need a background in Adult Social Care management and or Education with an expectation of an appropriate qualification in LD, Adult Social Care or Education. Knowledge of Residential Care services and Learning Disability Educations Provision would be an advantage.
If you would like to have a conversation regarding the role please contact recruitment@linkage.org.uk and we will be able to facilitate an informal chat with the director of Care and Independence.
About Linkage:
Linkage Community Trust is a learning disabilities charity and a values based organisation. Our values are central to providing high quality, personalised and effective care, support and education to our clients and students.
- Respect
- Independence
- Honesty
- Teamwork
As an employer, we are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer. Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor license therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship. As an equal opportunities employer, Linkage Community Trust is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Linkage.
All applications for this vacancy are to be submitted online, and strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions. Communication is undertaken via email, we advise you check your inbox and junk mail. Should you be offered a role you will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Specialist Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of Learning Disability and Autism. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Linkage’s values and mission. We want to see how you align with our commitment to respect, independence, and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with Positive Behaviour Support management. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or implemented strategies in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Specialist Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Specialist Support role. Highlight your experience in Learning Disability and Autism, and how it aligns with our Positive Behaviour Support strategy.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex environments. This will help us understand how you can support our specialist team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from interested candidates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linkage Community Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support and the specific needs of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Familiarise yourself with Linkage's values and how they align with your own experience in adult social care management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities, especially in managing teams and developing training programmes. Think about times when you've successfully led a team through complex referrals or crisis situations, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current PBS strategies or how they measure the success of their specialist support services. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Linkage values honesty and teamwork, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism, and how you can contribute to fostering positive outcomes for both clients and staff.
