Job Description

Learning Skills Coordinator

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Learning Skills Coordinator will support people with learning disabilities in the Southampton Mencap Day Service programme by delivering engaging, person-centred learning opportunities that foster transferable skills, independence, and personal growth. The role involves planning, coordinating, and leading activities, taking primary responsibility for the programme on designated days, while also mentoring and supporting group leaders throughout the week to ensure activities are consistently high-quality, safe, and responsive to individual needs.

Working closely with the Operational Manager, the Learning Skills Coordinator will help design and evaluate the programme, empowering participants to make choices, develop confidence, and gain practical skills that enhance their independence and quality of life, while supporting the professional development of the wider team.

KEY AIMS OF POST

Support the Operational Manager in monitoring, reviewing, and evaluating the programme to ensure it promotes learning, creativity, and personal growth. Ensure each day of the programme is planned, well-organised, and responsive to individual needs, while remaining sustainable and achievable. Enable and support the team--including group leaders, support workers and volunteers--through advance planning and guidance to deliver person-centred activities that develop participants' skills, confidence, and independence. Delegate responsibilities and empower staff, providing mentorship and support to enhance their confidence and skills. Promote a culture of collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement, ensuring the programme remains dynamic, inclusive, and effective. Work directly with participants where necessary.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Delivery and Leadership Lead the Day Service programme on Tuesdays and Thursdays, ensuring activities are engaging, person-centred, and meet individual learning needs. Work directly with people with learning disabilities to support skill development, independence, and personal goals.

Team Collaboration and Development

Support the Operational Manager by

Contributing to service development. Supporting confidence amongst the team in the effective delivery of activities. Sharing best practice to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across the programme.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

Support group leaders To plan, assess, and evaluate activities, ensuring accessibility and safety. To develop and implement robust risk assessments and safety measures. Ensuring that all activities comply with organisational policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.

Inclusion and Person-Centred Practice

Champion inclusion, equality, and diversity. Promote participant choice, control, and independence. Support group leaders to consistently apply person-centred approaches.

Activities and Programme Management

Risk assessment and evaluation:

Assess and record all activities across the weekly programme, both on-site and off-site, paying particular attention to safety measures and sharing findings with the Operational Manager.

Approval process:

Submit all planned activities in good time for review and approval by relevant Mencap staff.

Reviews:

Conduct progress reviews with participants and their families/carers.

Campaign integration:

Incorporate relevant national and local campaigns into the programme (e.g., health services, transport, culture).

Service development:

Support the development of practical, skill-based services and identify suitable participants based on their skills and interests (e.g., Gardening, Bakery, Craft).

Community links:

Develop connections in the community to raise participants' awareness of their purpose (e.g., retailers, PCSOs, Fire Department, Libraries) and create achievable project work.

Inclusive practice:

Maintain awareness of participants' health and mobility needs, adjusting activities to ensure accessibility for all.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

Relevant qualification in Health & Social Care, Education, or Community Development (Level 3 or above).

(Essential)*
Additional training in adult learning, supported employment, or related areas.

(Desirable)*

Experience of

Working directly with adults with learning disabilities, supporting their skill development/independence/well-being.

(Essential)*
Planning, delivering, and evaluating person-centred activities or learning programmes.

(Essential)*
Conducting risk assessments and ensuring compliance with health & safety procedures.

(Essential)*
Monitoring and reviewing outcomes for participants.

(Desirable)*
Developing community partnerships or integrating external projects into programmes.

(Desirable)*
Leading or coordinating teams, including mentoring colleagues or volunteers.

(Desirable)*

Knowledge & Skills

Strong understanding of person-centred approaches, inclusion, safeguarding, and equality principles.

(Essential)*
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

(Essential)*
Good organisational, planning, and time management skills.

(Essential)*
Competence with IT systems (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, databases).

(Essential)*
Knowledge of current best practice in adult learning or supported employment.

(Desirable)*

Personal Attributes

Empathy, patience, and understanding of participants' needs.

(Essential)*
Creativity and initiative in designing engaging activities.

(Essential)*
Flexibility and adaptability

(Essential)*
Leadership and mentoring skills to support colleagues.

(Essential)*
Collaborative & team-oriented focus.

(Essential)*
Commitment to inclusion, equality, and person-centred practice.

(Essential)*
Problem-solving skills and resilience.

(Essential)*

ABOUT US

Southampton Mencap is a local charity for children, young people and adults with a learning disability and those who provide their care. Find out more about us and the services we provide by visiting our web page www.southamptonmencap.org

Please include a covering letter with your CV stating why you are interested, and the skills you will bring to the role, otherwise your application may not be considered.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 31,200.00 per year

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person