At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, support staff, and inspire individuals with creative activities.
- Company: Join The Laurels, a vibrant community hub dedicated to empowering individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, training opportunities, and discounts on fitness memberships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and fun environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 4 GCSEs including English and Maths; experience in social care is a plus.
- Other info: This role is fixed-term until August 2027, with a focus on community and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 30000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Day Opportunity Co-ordinator to join our team. We support our individuals to live the life they choose, champion \’ordinary life\’ and feel part of our local community.
About the job
Salary: £32,597 – £35,412
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
Contract Length: Fixed term contract, until 31/08/2027
Location: The Laurels, Rustington
As a Day Opportunity Coordinator you will:
- Support the senior team in managing the daily operation of the Hub. This will include, directing staff, completing everyday assessments, liaising with families and people who access the service.
- Bring a passion, or skill to the team that you can spark some excitement with the people we care for it can be anything at all from expressive dance to karaoke or art. We are always looking to inspire people & would love to see what you could bring to the team.
- Listen to people and treat all our individuals with respect, kindness and dignity.
- Have a strong focus on maintaining those who use the service independence and having control over their care.
- Be a team player with energy and enthusiasm to lead and motivate staff.
- Build trust with partners and family members to promote positive work, whilst offering realistic outcomes for people accessing the service.
About The Laurels
The Laurels was refurbished in 2021, it has a variety of areas supporting people to build skills in various ways.
* Accessible training kitchen which supports people with retaining independence and developing new skills
* Sensory suite providing opportunity to stimulate and engage people\’s different senses
* Themed sessions celebrating traditions and cultures across the world
* Quiz and games to support and stimulate people\’s mental and physical health
* Computer suite supporting people to learn new skills in a safe environment
* Café and relaxing lounge area to maintain and develop independence skills such as preparing drinks and socialising with others
Why not have a look at our dedicated Careers in adults\’ residential services, day opportunities and shared lives webpage to learn more about the difference you can make!
Reward and benefits
Our values and support for one another is intrinsic to everything we do and will be a key priority within the assessment for this post. We care hugely about wellbeing, allowing time for a good laugh, and developing our team to be the best they can be. Alongside this, we also offer the below benefits.
- Generous annual leave + bank holidays with the ability to buy additional leave annually.
- Access to a generous, defined benefit pension scheme.
- Eligible for the Blue Light Card.
- Maternity, paternity, dependency and adoption leave.
- Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring.
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres.
- A range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives.
For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.
Key Skills
- Understand the needs of the people you will be supporting. You will be a champion of coproduction and strength-based approaches in social care.
- Demonstrate compassion for the person\’s situation and be able to identify, develop and apply practical solutions.
- You will embed \’ordinary life\’ principles in daily practice and help and support staff, people accessing Day Opportunities.
- Be a champion and lead in designated areas of daily practice, for example support planning, risk assessment and positive risk taking etc.
- Communicate clearly with the people accessing the service and participate in conversations with all stakeholders. You will be able to adapt language appropriately as required.
- Negotiate and manage priorities, expectations and responses to ensure that people\’s needs are met.
- You will have some knowledge of local and national resources and be able to direct people to specific agencies and professionals.
- Competent with your IT skills and a willingness to incorporate technology into service delivery.
Qualifications and/or experience
- Minimum of 4 GCSE\’s including English Language and Maths/equivalent qualification.
- Demonstrable experience in a social care setting or similar service
- Lead Practitioner in Care or equivalent – Level 4 is desirable. If you do not have this qualification, you will begin this within the first 6 months in role.
- Post holder will hold a UK full driving license – Desirable
For a full detailed list of the Skills and experience required for this role please refer to the Job Description.
Further Information
The reference number for this role is CAFHE05875.
For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Tania Reynolds (Registered Manager) at tania.reynolds@westsussex.gov.uk for an informal conversation regarding the application process, please contact Rachael Doolan (Resourcing Advisor) at
How to Apply
Upload your CV and complete the application explaining the key skills listed on the Job Description and experience you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
Internal candidates wishing to apply for this role will be considered for a secondment position. Please can you therefore discuss and agree this with your manager before applying for this position.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.
West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.
For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran\’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page.
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Day Opportunity Co-Ordinator employer: West Sussex County Council
Contact Detail:
West Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Day Opportunity Co-Ordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of 'ordinary life' and how they apply to social care. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to demonstrate your commitment to these values during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Think about the unique skills or passions you can bring to the team, whether it's a hobby or a professional skill. Be ready to share how these can enhance the experiences of the individuals you’ll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or professionals in the field. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the culture at The Laurels and help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and working collaboratively. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully motivated others or led initiatives that align with the role's responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Day Opportunity Co-Ordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Day Opportunity Co-ordinator position. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the key skills mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your experience in social care settings and any relevant qualifications, ensuring that you demonstrate your ability to support individuals effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting individuals and your understanding of 'ordinary life' principles. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you can contribute to the team at The Laurels.
Address Employment Gaps: If you have any gaps in your employment history, be sure to address them in your CV. Briefly explain what you were doing during those periods, whether it was furthering your education, volunteering, or personal development.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Community Support
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting individuals in the community. Share any relevant experiences or skills you have that could inspire those you will be working with, whether it's a hobby or a unique talent.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of 'Ordinary Life' Principles
Be prepared to discuss how you would implement 'ordinary life' principles in your daily practice. Think of specific examples where you've helped others maintain their independence and dignity.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Show that you can adapt your communication style to suit different audiences, including individuals accessing the service and their families.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may involve real-life scenarios you could face in the role. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as managing staff dynamics or addressing the needs of individuals with diverse backgrounds.