Job Description

Job Title:

Project Lead - Links

Location:

Billericay (with regular travel across Essex)

Reports to:

Head of Community

Salary:

36,000

Job Type:

Full-Time, Permanent

About Us:

Hamelin exists to reimagine life for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, enabling limitless possibilities. Our mission is to build inclusive, caring, and compassionate communities for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities. By empowering and supporting these individuals, we strive to enable them to live the lives they choose.

Your New Role

This role supports individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people to identify and work towards their personal goals, overcome barriers to community participation, and connect with others through befriending, mentoring, and peer-led initiatives--all underpinned by the support of our dedicated volunteers.

We're looking for a dynamic, values-led Project Lead to grow and develop our expanding Links project. You'll take ownership of day-to-day delivery, strategic development, and relationship building, ensuring the programme delivers meaningful, measurable outcomes and reflects the needs of the people we support.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery and Development

Lead the day-to-day operations of the Links project in line with Hamelin's values and mission. Work with individuals to shape the programme around their goals, ensuring it remains person-led and responsive. Develop and deliver plans to expand the project's reach and increase community impact. Create and manage project budgets, ensuring financial accountability and value for money. Manage logistics such as events, volunteer matching, promotional campaigns, training sessions, and internal communications. Deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders, raising awareness and celebrating success.

Direct Support and Engagement

Build strong, trusting relationships with project participants through regular 1:1 and group interactions. Support individuals to set meaningful, achievable goals related to friendship, confidence, community involvement and personal development. Identify and address barriers to participation, advocating for inclusive opportunities and working creatively to overcome challenges. Match individuals with volunteers, mentors or peer supporters, ensuring compatibility and supporting both sides of the relationship to flourish. Regularly review progress with participants, celebrating successes and adjusting support as needed.

Volunteer Coordination (with the Volunteer Manager)

Ensure the project is resourced by confident, competent volunteers who are well-trained and supported. Provide clear direction and guidance to volunteers, and foster a positive, inclusive volunteering experience.

Team Leadership

As the project grows, recruit, induct and manage a high-performing team that aligns with Hamelin's values. Monitor performance and provide regular feedback, support, and development opportunities. Role model positive leadership and team culture, supporting wellbeing and collaboration.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain effective relationships with individuals, families, professionals, commissioners, and wider community groups. Represent Hamelin at events, forums, and strategic meetings to advocate for the needs of the people we support. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a joined-up approach to care and support.

Business Development

Identify new opportunities for growth, including funding, partnership working, and innovative delivery models. Work with the senior leadership team to develop and present business cases for programme development. Promote the project widely to raise its profile and encourage participation.

Quality, Compliance, and Learning

Ensure all delivery aligns with Hamelin's policies, procedures, and relevant regulations. Implement and review quality assurance mechanisms, using participant and volunteer feedback to drive improvement. Maintain accurate records and contribute to internal and external reporting. Commit to personal and professional development to stay current with best practice.

Other Requirements

Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or bank holidays as needed. Willingness to travel regularly across Essex. Completion of mandatory training (e-learning and in-person). Adherence to all Hamelin policies, procedures, and standards.

Our Values in Action

We Think Differently

You're committed to reshaping how services for individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism are delivered. You champion innovation and positive risk-taking, keeping individuals at the centre of everything. You foster a culture of optimism and possibility.

We Enhance Lives

You make bold, meaningful decisions to improve the lives of individuals and support their success. You develop your team and help them grow. You celebrate achievements and create opportunities for others to thrive.

We Are Community

You build inclusive, respectful environments. You encourage listening, learning, and continuous improvement. You create a culture of collaboration, care, and shared purpose.

About You

Essential

Minimum 2 years' experience managing services for autistic people and/or individuals with learning disabilities. Proven ability to manage people, projects, and partnerships. Confident communicator with the ability to inspire and influence others. Strong organisational, time-management, and problem-solving skills. Full driving licence and access to a vehicle. Flexible to travel and work across Essex as required.

Desirable

Experience working in the charity or voluntary sector. Familiarity with local communities and relevant stakeholders across Essex.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Billericay CM12: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

managing services for individuals with learning disabilities: 2 years (required) managing people, projects, and partnerships: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/05/2025