Team Leader – Autism & Complex Needs Supported Living
Location: Hampden Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Pay: £15.25 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Shift Pattern: Rolling rota, Monday to Sunday
Help Shape a Brand-New Specialist Service
Are you an experienced Senior Support Worker ready to step into a Team Leader role, or an established Team Leader looking for your next challenge?
SDR is recruiting an experienced and compassionate Team Leader to help launch a new specialist supported living service in Hampden Park, Eastbourne. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in developing a new service that supports a young Individual with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and complex needs to live a fulfilling and independent life.
Working alongside a supportive management team, you'll help create a calm, structured and person-centred environment while leading and developing a small team of dedicated Support Workers.
About the Role
This is a hands-on leadership position where you'll combine direct support with dedicated leadership responsibilities.
Your working week will include:
- 30 hours of direct support.
- 8 hours of protected supernumerary leadership time.
- Participation in the on-call rota.
You'll work closely with the Registered Manager to ensure the service delivers outstanding, person-centred care while promoting positive outcomes and independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and support a small team of Support Workers.
- Deliver high-quality, person-centred support.
- Support daily routines, community activities and meaningful engagement.
- Promote Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches.
- Coach, mentor and develop team members.
- Ensure care plans, risk assessments and support plans are followed.
- Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety and quality.
- Work collaboratively with families, professionals and the wider multidisciplinary team.
- Help develop and shape a brand-new specialist service.
About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs.
- Has previous experience as a Senior Support Worker or Team Leader.
- Is confident supporting behaviours of concern using positive and proactive approaches.
- Has knowledge or experience of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
- Is calm, resilient and able to lead by example.
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Holds a full UK driving licence.
What We Offer
- £15.25 per hour.
- Permanent full-time contract (37 hours per week).
- 215 hours annual leave (pro rata), including Bank Holidays.
- Structured induction and comprehensive training.
- Ongoing learning and career development opportunities.
- Supportive management team and regular supervision.
- Pension scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Company Sick Pay (following successful probation).
- Life Insurance (following successful probation).
- Employee Referral Bonus Scheme.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by our values: Kindness | Dignity & Respect | Calmness | Creativity | Responsibility
These values shape the way we support the people who use our services and the way we work together as a team.
Apply Today
If you're ready to help build an exciting new service and progress your leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send your CV to [email protected] or contact our Recruitment Team on 07484 482896 for an informal discussion.
We are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK.
An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.
Closing Date: 27th July 2026
We encourage early applications and reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date if suitable candidates are appointed.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £15.25 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Eastbourne, East Sussex: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Team Leader (Within Support Services): 1 year (required)
- Supporting individuals with dysregulated behaviours: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
