At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism to live independently.
- Company: Join Optimal Living Limited, a supportive and caring environment in Swindon.
- Benefits: Earn £14.00 per hour with ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and excellent career progression into senior roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and social care with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
Join Optimal Living Limited as a Team Leader in Swindon, paying £14.00 per hour. You'll lead a small, dedicated team supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live independently - with genuine opportunities to progress into Deputy and senior leadership roles.
What We Offer
- £14.00 per hour
- Flourish Rewards
- Ongoing training and development, including funded qualifications
- Development into Deputy and other leadership roles
- Full induction and mandatory training, plus ongoing training via Click Learning
- Supportive management and team environment
- Free parking
About Us
Optimal Living Limited provides high-quality, person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities, autism, complex health needs and behaviours that may challenge. Laurel & Dean Park is a 10-bed service made up of two neighbouring homes. We support people to live as independently as possible in their own home, promoting choice, dignity and positive outcomes. Our values of Choice, Independence and Support are reflected through respect, dignity, compassion and meaningful involvement in everyday life. Above all, we recognise this is the people's home, and every member of the team is expected to respect their privacy, dignity and individuality.
The Role
As Team Leader, you'll lead by example, providing guidance and support to the staff team to maintain consistently high standards of care. You'll help oversee the day-to-day running of the service, mentor and develop colleagues, ensure compliance with policies and procedures, and work closely with the management team to deliver outstanding, person-centred support. This is a hands-on role that includes direct care, leadership responsibilities, shift work and participation in the on-call rota.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and support the staff team, acting as a positive role model
- Deliver and role-model high-quality, person-centred care
- Support, mentor and develop staff skills and confidence
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the service and ensure compliance with policies, procedures and CQC standards
- Promote choice, independence, dignity and wellbeing for the people we support
- Maintain effective communication with families, professionals and managers
- Support rota management, shift cover and on-call duties
- Ensure care plans, risk assessments and records are completed accurately
- Help create a positive, supportive and professional team environment
Shifts & Hours
Early shift: 7:00am - 3:00pm
Late shift: 3:00pm - 10:00pm
Long day: 7:00am - 10:00pm
Office day: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sleep-ins and waking nights may be required (service dependent)
Weekend working required
Flexibility is essential to meet the needs of the service
About You
Essential:
- Experience in a senior support worker or team leader role within adult health and social care
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and support colleagues
- A good understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and relevant legislation
- Confident making decisions, solving problems and using initiative in a fast-paced environment
- Flexible to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, nights, sleep-ins and on-call duties
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable:
- Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or working towards)
- Full UK driving licence (own vehicle not required)
If you have a genuine passion for care and the leadership skills to match, we'd love to hear from you.
Team Leader in Swindon employer: The Talent Hub
At Optimal Living Limited, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers our Team Leaders to make a real difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and autism. With competitive pay, ongoing training and development opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression into senior leadership roles, our team members thrive in an environment that values choice, independence, and dignity for both staff and those we support. Located in Swindon, our dedicated service fosters a sense of community and respect, ensuring every team member feels valued and integral to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader in Swindon
✨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 The Talent Hub.
✨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 The Talent Hub!
✨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 The Talent Hub, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader in Swindon
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 The Talent Hub:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Talent Hub! 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 The Talent Hub
✨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.