At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting young adults with learning difficulties through arts and personal development.
- Company: The Orpheus Centre, a vibrant college focused on inclusion and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a disability confident employer committed to inclusivity and staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young disabled people while fostering creativity.
- Qualifications: Level 2/3 in Learning Support or Health & Social Care and relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 28700 - 28700 £ per year.
Location: The Orpheus Centre, Godstone, Surrey
Salary: £28,700.48 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 35 hours per week, term-time only (44 weeks per year)
Contract: Permanent
Following a two-week rota system incorporating early and late shift patterns including some weekend working. Please note that this is a term time only contract for 44 weeks a year, 38 of which are term weeks, plus 6 weeks of admin, rehearsals, training – to be worked as required by the organisation.
The Orpheus Centre is a specialist college that promotes personal development through the arts for young adults aged 18–25 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Our core values—joyful, bold, inclusive, resilient, and determined—shape everything we do.
We are seeking an LSCA Support Lead / Team Leader to manage a team of support staff and ensure the smooth running of care and learning support services. This role involves shift leadership, staff supervision, rota management, and supporting students to develop independence and life skills.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team of Learning Support and Care Assistants (LSCAs).
- Oversee staff development, inductions, and appraisals.
- Manage rotas and ensure adequate support across shifts.
- Support students with education, social activities, and independent living skills.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and organisational policies.
- Act as Lead Fire Officer and oversee medication management.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to audits.
About you:
- Level 2/3 qualification in Learning Support or Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
- Minimum two years’ experience supporting individuals with learning difficulties/disabilities.
- At least one year of line management experience.
- Strong IT and administrative skills.
- Excellent communication and people skills.
- Caring, patient, and able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience in further education or specialist provision.
- Knowledge of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
- Clean driving licence and willingness to drive minibuses.
Be part of a creative and inclusive organisation. Contribute to meaningful initiatives that support staff wellbeing and diversity. Opportunities for professional development and growth.
Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. As part of our safer recruitment process and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, online searches may be undertaken as part of due diligence. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. In order to be considered you must be eligible to work in the UK.
The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer. We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:
- Challenging attitudes towards disability
- Increasing understanding of disability
- Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
- Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration
Team Leader in Godstone employer: Orpheus
The Orpheus Centre is an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering young adults with disabilities in a vibrant and inclusive environment. With a strong focus on joy, ambition, and creativity, employees benefit from a supportive culture that fosters personal and professional growth, alongside competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements. Located in Godstone, Surrey, the Centre offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact while being part of a passionate team committed to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader in Godstone
✨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 Orpheus.
✨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 Orpheus!
✨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 Orpheus, 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 Orpheus 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 Godstone
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 Orpheus:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Orpheus! 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 Orpheus
✨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.
