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Care First Recruitment Ltd. are currently recruiting for a very experienced SERVICE MANAGER, to manage an ‘Adults Complex Autism Team’. This is a very good opportunity to work for a very good client, a London Local Authority, at a small, well-established service/unit, and with a good team. The role is in West London, W12.

Please note that for this role you MUST have experience of managing an Autism Service or similar related service for a minimum of 2 years or more.

Role Title: Service Manager – Adults Complex Autism Team

Department: In-House (provided) Services, Adult Social Care

Reports to: Head of In-House (provided) Services

Responsible For Managing: The Deputy Manager and Independent Living Workers

Purpose of the role:

** To lead and effectively manage the Adult Complex Autism Service (A CAT), our in-house day opportunities service for young people transitioning from education

** To grow and develop the pilot A CAT and in doing so move from current co-located site at Ashchurch Day Opportunities to a new building which will accommodate up to 20 adults and as many staff (Independent Living Workers)

** To ensure that policies, procedures and protocols are in place to inform the safe and efficient delivery of the Adult Complex Autism Service, both building based and in the community

** To lead and co-produce the development of the service with young people, families and other key stakeholders

** To be responsible for the management of a delegated budget and ensure accurate systems of financial control are maintained and regularly reported

** To promote service delivery focused on the needs of the young adults with complex autism, including individual choice, dignity, respect, equal access and quality standards at all times

** To engage in the wider development of services for adults with autism in Hammersmith & Fulham and engage positively with council colleagues, and stakeholders including residents, parents and carers, and external partners

** To ensure the service is truly person centred and genuinely engages directly with the young adults, their families and friends around their rights, needs, and what they want to achieve

** To promote the rights, responsibilities and diversity of residents, carers, and staff. Achieve best outcomes for residents with the resources available

** To ensure that residents’ welfare is paramount, that protocols are always adhered to (including safeguarding, risk assessments and health and safety)

** To ensure the service complies with standards, implements new guidance and legislation, and operates an ethos of continuous improvement

About the role:

You will need to:

** Ensure the overall efficient and smooth running of the Adult Complex Autism Service by maintaining the quality of support delivered, by co-ordinating the work of the service and ensuring it meets the highest possible quality standards through effective management of staffing and resources

** Ensure a key worker system is in place to support individual needs, undertake any responsibilities in the management of key work and resident record systems

** Co-ordinate the work of the service, ensuring resident’s needs are understood and that support is delivered to the highest possible standards to meet individual needs

** Lead on the production and implement of a high-quality programme of structured and stimulating activities that includes skills for independent living, life-long learning, leisure and work opportunities. Secure suitable resources for both building and community-based activities. Monitor, evaluate and review the delivery and outcomes of the programme to ensure it is safe and meets resident’s individual needs

** In liaison with Adult Social Care colleagues, residents, and their families, ensure that care and support plans and risk management plans are reviewed and up to date

** Be responsible for monitoring and controlling the cost centre budget in accordance with policies, procedures and practices determined by Adult Social Care Finance

** To ensure resilience, continuity, and consistency of the service at all times through effective communication and staff support. Ensure all staff are up to date with national legislation, and that effective communication with all immediate stakeholders is maintained

** Be fully familiar with the Council’s Safety Policy, Codes of Practice and guidance relating to the area of work and ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with them

** Be aware of, and work in accordance with, the Council’s Safeguarding policies and procedures to safeguard and promote the welfare of residents. To raise any concerns relating to such procedures which may be noted while on duty. Be required to have a valid Enhanced DBS disclosure and be re-checked every 3 years as per Council Policy

** Promote the rights, responsibilities and diversity of residents’, parents / carers, and staff, to achieve best outcomes with the resources available

** Ensure that policies and procedures are adequately documented and available to ensure conformity with high standards of service delivery

** Lead and effectively manage a new staff team, including recruitment. Supervise and appraise staff, actively identify training and development needs either in terms of enhancing individual skills and practice or in response to changes in policy and legislation

** Build partnerships with Council colleagues, in Health, local voluntary agencies, to actively develop the service

** Ensure that accurate and professional records are maintained and managed in accordance with Data Protection policies

** Ensure that robust management information is returned monthly to monitor service activity and outcomes, and that information for departmental planning requirements are met

** Actively promote an anti-discriminatory ethos and ensure effective implementation of the council’s Equal Opportunities policies in relation to all duties

** Be responsible to the Head of Services for the operational management and continuous development of the service, and to participate in the development of new service requirements created by legislative, strategic or customer led changes

** Ensure the values and quality of the service and the approach to customer care comply with the standards for the service

** Effectively implement the Council’s Human Resource policies and procedures including recruitment, assessment, disciplinary, sickness absence monitoring and joint consultative procedures that deliver accurate monthly reporting information

** During audits, to be able to demonstrate compliance with policies by the production of satisfactory supporting evidence

About You:

Knowledge & Skills:

1. Proven management experience in an autism specific service or a related support and/or care setting

2. A sound understanding of the needs of residents with complex autism, including knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, Depravation of Liberty guidelines, Safeguarding and the Care Act. A knowledge of national guidelines and policy regarding complex autism

3. Understanding and ability to co-produce the development of the service with families and key stakeholders

4. Proven ability to lead a team comprising of a Deputy Manager and Independent Living Workers, including H&S, lone working and performance management

5. Finance and planning skills including ability to effectively manage a cost centre budget, produce management data, and plan and prioritise own/team workload

6. A good understanding of the principles of social inclusion and community-based support. A clear ability to be able to lead on doing things with (not for) residents to achieve maximum independence. To represent the service effectively with external partners and stakeholders

7. A working knowledge of the principles of self-directed support, person centred support plans, risk assessments and the ability to lead and implement this to a high standard

8. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the Council policies in relation to Equality Diversity & Inclusion, Customer Care and service delivery, and the ability to implement these in the workplace

9. Desirable: NVQ Level 4 or higher in Health and Social Care

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

Our client, a Local Authority, will consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements, and they guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Our client is committed to be one of the most inclusive borough’s in the country; a place where everyone feels valued, included and has equitable access to opportunities. As an inclusive employer it welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

They strive to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, working to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class.

Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday to Friday, approx. 9am to 5pm)

Work Location: On site, in person

Pay: £27 per hour (plus you will be accruing holiday pay for every hour you work)

Expected Duration: 12 week-long placement as a temp worker, as a probational period, after which your term would potentially be extended

Candidates MUST have an Enhanced DBS Certificate, uploaded to the Update Service.

Candidates MUST have experience previous experience as Service Managers, at an Autism Service or similar related service for a minimum of 2 years or more

Ideally the ideal candidate should have an NVQ Level 4 or higher in Health and Social Care