Job Description

A Complex Care Team Leader provides leadership and oversight across learning disability services supporting individuals with complex needs, including autism, behaviours that challenge, sensory needs, communication differences, and additional health or mental health conditions.

The role ensures the delivery of high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence, choice, inclusion, and a positive quality of life. You will supervise staff, coordinate support plans, ensure compliance with CQC standards, and model best practice in supporting people with learning disabilities.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Staff Support

Provide clear, compassionate leadership to Support Workers within learning disability services. Deliver regular supervisions, appraisals, team meetings, and competency assessments. Coach staff in person-centred practice, autism awareness, and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). Support recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development of team members.

Care Planning & Coordination

Lead on the creation and review of person-centred support plans, communication profiles, sensory plans, and risk assessments. Work closely with families, advocates, and MDT professionals (e.g., SALT, OT, PBS practitioners, learning disability nurses). Ensure documentation meets CQC and organisational standards and reflects the individual's goals, strengths, and preferences.

Client Support & Safeguarding

Maintain a small caseload and provide hands-on support where needed, particularly for individuals with high or complex needs. Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met, following local authority and organisational procedures. Support staff to manage behaviours that challenge using trauma-informed approaches, PBS strategies, and safe de-escalation techniques. Promote communication support, including use of visual aids, communication passports, and alternative communication methods.

Promoting Independence & Inclusion

Support individuals to develop life skills such as meal preparation, personal care, travel training, budgeting, and social skills. Encourage community participation, social inclusion, and engagement in meaningful activities tailored to each person's interests. Empower individuals to make choices, express their wishes, and lead their own support wherever possible.

Operational Duties

Manage staff rotas, ensuring safe staffing and compliance with care plans. Oversee medication management and health-related tasks according to individual needs. Carry out audits, health and safety checks, and quality monitoring. Participate in on-call duties and respond to emergencies or staffing challenges.

Essential Requirements

Experience supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism in a senior or team leader role. Strong understanding of PBS, communication strategies, sensory regulation, and behaviours that challenge. Knowledge of safeguarding, CQC requirements, and person-centred planning. Confident leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide staff. Effective communication skills, including adapting communication to meet individual needs. NVQ/QCF Level 3 or 4 in Health and Social Care (Learning Disabilities pathway preferred). Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and on-call rotation.

Desirable Qualifications

Training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), autism awareness, Makaton/communication aids, or mental health in LD services. Experience working within CQC-regulated learning disability or supported living environments. Full UK driving licence (if required for the service).

Personal Qualities

Empathetic, patient, and passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Positive, proactive, and solution-focused approach. Commitment to inclusion, equality, and human rights. Ability to build trusting relationships with individuals, families, and partner professionals.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 28,080.00 per year

Work Location: In person