Job Description

About the Role

Are you an emotionally intelligent, compassionate practitioner with a heart for holistic support - looking to lead a small, dedicated team with real purpose?

We're offering a rare opportunity to become the

Team Leader or Lead Practitioner

for a highly personalised support team within the Colchester area to lead and support various packages of care within supported living environments to support individuals with complex autism, learning disabilities, mental health co-morbidities and challenging needs.

You'll be at the heart of the individual's support circle - offering emotional safety, consistency, and professional leadership.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Senior Support Practitioner/Team Leader, you will:

Support individuals in the community to live with independence, dignity and confidence Provide personal care, medication administration, household support and daily living assistance Use grounding techniques and trauma-informed strategies to provide psychological safety Encourage them to maintain routines and pursue academic, social and personal goals Act as a calm, consistent presence to help them manage complex emotional and physical needs Support appointments, community activities, and daily planning Maintain clear, accurate digital records (Nourish app) and contribute to reflective practice
In addition, as Team Leader, you will:

Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to the small support team, modelling best practice in trauma-informed and person-centred care Liaise with the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), family, and professionals to ensure cohesive and responsive care Facilitate team debriefs, reflective sessions and support supervisions (with management support) Help coordinate rotas, manage on-shift decisions, and ensure team consistency Monitor care plans, risk protocols and documentation, ensuring they are followed and reviewed in line with the individual's evolving needs Offer mentorship, coaching and emotional support to your peers within the team Play a vital role in shaping the team culture - one rooted in trust, emotional safety, and shared learning

Requirements

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or above. At least 5 years' experience and above in complex care, mental health, or autism support Proven leadership or supervisory experience within health or social care settings Excellent communication, emotional regulation and team collaboration skills A trauma-informed, person-centred approach Confidence supporting behaviours that challenge and managing distress or risk Ability to follow highly tailored care plans and risk management strategies Strong record-keeping, safeguarding knowledge and a reflective mindset Willingness to lead, learn, and support others to grow

Desirable:

NVQ Level 3 or above in Health & Social Care Nursing qualification (preferably mental health or learning disability nursing) PMVA, MAPA or CPI training Full UK driving licence Experience with dissociation, sensory needs or therapeutic approaches Experience supporting eating disorders, trauma, or emotionally unstable personality presentations

What's In It for You?

Competitive pay rate Enhanced training opportunities through our Care Bridge Academy Leadership coaching and specialist team development support Blue Light Card eligibility for retail and travel discounts Mental wellbeing support via Frontline 19 (free confidential sessions with qualified therapists) Career progression in our specialist LDA, mental health and complex care division The opportunity to lead a small team making a genuine, life-changing impact 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) Monthly team recognition awards and "Catch Me at My Best" programme Flexible rotas that support work-life balance A warm, reflective culture that values your voice, wellbeing and leadership Peer support groups, debriefs, and real supervision -- not just paperwork Easy-to-use digital care records and 24/7 on-call support from a management team who know your name
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Zero hours contract

Pay: 18.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 37.5 per week

Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday Night shift Weekend availability
Work Location: On the road

Reference ID: TL - Colchester