About This Role

We are seeking a pro-active and values-driven Team Leader to lead and develop our Dundonald Service. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow our support service, ensuring they continue to meet the evolving needs of the individuals we support.

At Autism Initiatives we work alongside autistic people, providing specialist services tailored to each individual. Our Values, shown below, underpin every aspect of the organisation’s culture and activities in NI:

Autism-Focused, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, Collaboration, Commitment to Change and Rights-based.

Our services aim to:

• Enrich lives by providing meaningful social opportunities
• Empower individuals to make choices and pursue their own interests
• Build independence and develop practical life skills
• Connect people with opportunities within their local communities

This is an ideal role for a candidate looking to take the next step in their career. Whether you’re ready for your first leadership role or looking to expand your management skills, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact.

JOB CRITERIA – TEAM LEADER

To assist the Service Manager in every aspect of the running of the service as directed and to deputise in the absence of the Service Manager as required.

ESSENTIAL
• Minimum QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification in a related subject.
• Minimum of one year’s experience in a Senior Support role, supporting people with Autism or learning disabilities and associated conditions.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• A full UK driving licence to be held for a minimum of one year.
• Be flexible to work according to the needs of our services.
• NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment.

Given the nature of the role, these positions are subject to an enhanced Access NI check for the successful applicants. The cost of which will be met by the organisation.

You will enjoy an enhanced range of benefits designed to reward the outstanding support that staff provide.  Some of these benefits start immediately, whilst others are awarded at later dates in recognition of loyalty, dedication and long service.

• Competitive salary.
• Employer pension scheme.
• Enhanced company sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity pay.
• Access NI paid.
• NISCC fee paid after two years service.
• Generous paid annual leave.
• Incremental increases to annual leave.
• Paid bank and public holidays.
• Birthday leave.
• Option to buy and sell annual leave.
• Long service awards.
• Monthly staff cash prize draw.
• Blue light discount card.
• Employee Refer a Friend initiative.
• Free Autism specific training.
• Comprehensive induction training.
• On the job learning.
• Buddy/mentor for new staff.
• Funded QCF development opportunities.
• Continuous learning & development opportunities.
• Line management support structure.
• Regular 121 meetings.
• Annual Performance review.
• Culture of recognition.
• 24/7 employee assistance programme (confidential counselling helpline) available from day one of employment. Offering free support from experts on a wide range of subjects from childcare and probate, to managing money and work life balance.
• Medicash health scheme, subject to eligibility.
• Menopause support line as part of Medicash scheme.
• Career break policy.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Compassionate & Bereavement leave.
• Wagestream financial planning and support App – enables you to access money earned before pay day, set up savings and more.

If you’re passionate about person-centred support and motivated to lead with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

*Please note that all interviews for this position will be conducted in person at our head office on Thursdays - Office 1 & 2, Linden House, Beechill Business Park, 96 Beechill Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 7QN*

Autism Initiatives are an Equal Opportunities employer.  We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in employment and service delivery.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants, however, we particularly welcome male applicants and those from a Protestant community background as these cohorts are currently under-represented.

Registered Charity No: XR72211, NIC 104641.

Currently we are unable to provide Sponsorship or take over Sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Benefits of working with us

​In addition to competitive pay rates, a contributory pension, and generous holiday entitlements, you’ll have access to a range of additional benefits designed to recognise and reward the exceptional support our staff provide.

Some benefits are available immediately, while others are awarded over time to recognise loyalty, dedication, and long service. Please note that benefits may vary by role, location, and length of service. Full details of your benefits package will be available once you join.

Below is an overview of some of the benefits you may be eligible for:

• Monthly staff cash prize draw
• Your birthday off work every year
• Medicash health scheme (including reimbursement for medical costs, gym discounts, and more)
• Employee Assistance Programme – free expert support on childcare, probate, money management, and work–life balance
• Additional paid holidays after 1, 2, and 3 years of service
• Extra paid holidays for milestone service years
• Financial wellbeing programme offering flexible access to pay
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Career break scheme

Wagestream financial planning and support app – access earnings before payday, set up savings, and manage your finances

Before you start

Before starting your application, it is recommended that you prepare the following information:

• Your qualification and education history, including any professional memberships
• Details of your current employment and full previous employment history
• Contact details for two referees (the first must be your current employer). Please note that referees will only be contacted after an offer of employment has been accepted and with your permission

You are strongly encouraged to read all supporting documents available in the Document Section, including the Job Description and Person Specification. These resources will help you identify the key skills and experience required for the role.

When completing your application, it is essential that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria. Use your own words to describe your skills, knowledge, and experience, as applications that do not evidence this may not be shortlisted.

While AI tools can be helpful for generating ideas, your application should reflect your own thinking, experience, and values. We are interested in understanding your personal contributions and achievements. Applications that appear to rely heavily on AI-generated content may not be progressed.