Jobs for the Disability sector

Job Title: Operations Manager – Osborne Partnership

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (full time equivalent).

Salary: £53,508 dependent on qualifications

Responsible to: Chief Executive - Senior Management Team (SMT)

Responsible for: 4 x Senior Service Managers

3 x Service Managers

Responsible for the safe delivery and environment of the Osborne Centre (both Partners and staff) delivering a range of quality services for our Partners (service users) and ensuring that the management systems are in place and operational.

Qualification(s) Level: Applicants with Level(s) 5 Leadership & Management  Social Care/ Education/ Health (particularly with adults with learning disabilities) or similar qualifications (including degree equivalents or better), are especially welcome however we will consider applicants with alternative qualifications and experience subject to expressly agreeing to upskill on the job and provided there is an evidentiary trail that can show evidence of a caring mentality and empathy with our service user group and or in a home care environment or other learning type institution.

Overall purpose:

To manage all aspects of the ‘Operations’ of Osborne Partnership and supporting the strategic development of the organisation alongside the Chief Executive to ensure a  fully functional and operational service for the overall benefit of our Partners (service users) day learning and support development as per the Charities aims and objectives of Education, Skills Attainment, and Employability Skills for adults with learning disabilities.  

To actively train and support Partners to gain independence skills, life skills, and other skills through a ‘mixed ability’ support service that includes supporting the training of Partners through formal qualifications (Entry level NVQ teaching & support), on the job training, and internal qualifications and benchmarks.

To ensure that the service is:

- Properly monitored and utilising an internal database for the recording of information (Storii);

- Delivered on the basis of an agreed organisational and service Scheme of Works/ Service Plan as well as Partner Individual Learning Plans (ILPs);

- Reviewing Partner progress on a quarterly basis showing ‘distance travelled’ by individual Partners;

- Serviced by managed, trained and motivated staff;

- Delivered under the highest standards of health & safety and safeguarding welfare for our Partners.

Role:

To develop, support and deliver the day to day operations of the Osborne Partnership, in partnership with other senior Managers, and Service Managers, with a particular focus on the quality agenda as it relates to Partner services, service development, benchmarking, and external accreditations. The role will ensure that Partner services are engaged in a cycle of continuous review and improvements and providing Service Managers with the tools and support to deliver the highest standards of service through building confidence and expertise, and identifying service and personal development training where appropriate.

Main Duties:

1. To support the development and best practice of all Osborne Partnership service areas to ensure relevant, meaningful, and objective focused delivery for Partners.

2. To work with the relevant Service Managers and Project Supoort Officers (PSOs) to review current service delivery and to provide an objective, supportive, but challenging voice in the development of services.

3. To benchmark Osborne Partnership services and delivery against similar services in the borough and wider afield.

4. Working with other senior managers, identify and action new service areas of delivery commensurate with the Osborne Partnership Memorandum and Articles of Association and subject to Partners consultation and approval.

5. To identify, research, and action plan frontline external accreditations that will provide a objectifiable list of outcomes that will support and benefit Partners; staff development; and the professional standing of the Osborne Partnership.

6. To support senior managers in the development and implementation of new policies and procedures as they may relate to updated legislation; new service provision; Partners welfare, safety and development; staff development and benefits; or any other relevant area of service.

7. To line manage (including appraisals) relevant Service Managers as leaders of services ensuring that they understand the concept of continuous improvement and are supporting Project Support Officers (PSOs) to do likewise.

8. To ensure that Service Managers have identified and developed service schemes of work, annual development training plans for Service Managers and their PSOs in line with continuous improvement principles and to ensure best practice activities for Partners.

9. To work with senior managers to identify and action activities/ services/ initiatives/ documents/ plans that will support the on-going professionalisation and modernisation agenda of the Osborne Partnership

10. To actively support other senior managers in the day to day delivery of the Osborne Centre service provision ensuring health and safety at work principles are adhered to; safeguarding of Partners is paramount; that staff are adequately prepped and prepared for delivery of their services; and that a professional service approach is adhered to at all times.

11. To be the primary development Officer of the Storri database as it relates to Osborne Partnership, information gathering (and mindful of GDPR), and Partmner journeys travelled in the service.

12. To identify personal development opportunities and requirements as dictated by the role.

13. Any other reasonable task as defined as a management role and directed from time to time by the Chief Executive. 

14. To undergo training necessary in relation to the requirements of the post.

15. To undertake any other duties consistent with the overall purpose of the post within the competence of the post holder.

N.B.   As the Osborne Partnership works with and supports vulnerable adults, all posts require post holders to be in possession of a current DBS clearance (formerly Criminal Records Bureau – (CRB).

Job Title:  Operations Manager

The following skills, experience and qualities are required for the position of Operations Manager:

ESSENTIAL

1. Demonstrable evidence of having caring qualities and empathy for our service users group either through direct employment experience or on a personal carers basis.

2. Experience of working with people with learning difficulties or in a wider social care setting or in a home environment (carer), or in a learning institution

3. Demonstrable experience of leading operational team(s), motivating colleagues, and communicating a service vision and an ability to facilitate the development of individuals and groups in a work context.

4. A flexible approach to the work situation sufficient to cope with a variety of tasks and situations.

5. A good general education, sufficient to communicate verbally in a clear manner, and to complete monitoring forms and write reports in a clear and concise manner.

DESIRABLE

1. Qualification in Leadership & Management at Level 5 (or above) and willingness to train in other areas relevant to working with vulnerable adults (see below).

2. Ability to break down tasks into achievable steps for an individual with learning difficulties.

3. Training/ qualification in areas relevant to working with vulnerable adults, e.g. Safeguarding, Lifting & Handling, more general Health & Safety, etc.

4. Knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Act, etc.

5. IT skills.

6. Full driving license.

In Work Support Worker
Salary: £15 p/h
Place of work: Various London locations
Contract Period: Various hours as needed – Zero hours contract (Bank Staff)

About the Organisation

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).  As we believe in the Social Model of Disability, our values and principles embrace inclusive and accessible ways of working, seeking co-production and co-design from our Disabled members and encouraging and respecting diversity.

AoD is a medium sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 24 staff, a strong pool of casual staff and volunteers, including many with lived experience of disability – all of whom are passionate about removing the barriers faced by Disabled people.

AoD provides four key services: Youth, Employment, Welfare Benefits, and Independent Living.

AoD’s Employment Service

The Action on Disability Employment Service is setting the agenda for disability employment across London with great results. We are at the forefront of setting up and delivering supported internships for Disabled young people. We provide an holistic service from management and employer engagement to hands-on, supervised support work across all sites.

Our Employment Service welcomes external referrals and offers support for Disabled people via our in-work support service.

We are looking to recruit several support workers to expand our pool.

The Post

The purpose of the job is to provide face to face support work and guidance to Disabled people within their workplaces. The post holder will provide the necessary support and encouragement to enable them to be successful, which will lead, eventually, to independence. The post holder will also work closely with, and take guidance from, their supervisor within AoD. They will work closely with the employer of the Disabled person to ensure the employer has the skills and confidence to manage and train their intern/employee.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To work face-to-face with individual Disabled people, under the guidance of their AoD Supervisor, in accordance with their personalised support plans
• To be fully cognitive of the workplace of the Disabled person to identify the requirements of key tasks
• To follow bespoke Support Plans plans which will enable the Disabled person to fulfil their role to meet the requirements of the employer
• To provide weekly feedback to their AoD Supervisor to ensure continued progression, identifying new areas in need of support, and advising on the amendment of support plans accordingly
• Together with their Supervisor, to plan, discuss and implement a timely reduction of support as and when the Disabled individual becomes familiar and competent with their role
• To negotiate note disability-related reasonable adjustments required for individuals and feedback to their AoD Supervisor
• To liaise with managers to discuss individual progress, respond to issues and implement next steps

Organisational responsibilities

• To work in accordance with Action on Disability’s Aims, Objectives and Values
• To comply with all organisational and departmental procedures
• To ensure safe, fair and responsible working practices, specifically AoD’s Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and Confidentiality policies
• To promote the work of AoD and the Social Model of Disability
• To keep accurate records and provide monitoring statistics and evaluation information as required for internal and external purposes
• To participate in, and actively contribute to, individual Supervision, training, team and organisational meetings
• To work flexibly, being prepared to perform other duties commensurate with the role, which may include new areas of operation
• Any other task as directed by AoD management

Person Specification

Successful applicants must be:

• Professional
• Positive
• Motivated
• Dependable
• Flexible
• Patient
• Empathetic

Essential

Successful applicants must have:

• Experience of disability
• Experience of training, education or employment support delivery
• Maths and English to GCSE Grade C or equivalent
• Be willing and able to undertake any specific training required for the role
• An understanding of the needs of employers and ability to articulate the benefits of having a diverse workforce in businesses
• An understanding of the Social Model of Disability and its practical application
• Ability and willingness to learn and carry out a variety of employment tasks to support the Disabled person
• Evidenced experience of success in building strong and positive relationships with a variety of people and organisations
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills and experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a diverse population
• Good organisational skills with an ability to keep accurate records
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint and the internet
• Be willing and able to travel easily within London
• To be available for work at unsocial hours according to the demands of the work (occasionally)

Desirable

• Support Work qualification or equivalent is preferred but not mandatory
• An understanding of pan disability and employment

Deadline: Ongoing. We recruit for this role on a rolling basis with regular interview days.

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

We welcome applicants from all walks of life.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from Disabled people and people with long term health and mental conditions. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme in that we will guarantee an interview to all Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in a cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme.

AoD is a Living Wage Foundation registered employer and all of our employees, casual workers and contractors are paid above the London Living Wage.

No agencies please.

Do you want to develop and facilitate a new youth development programme at Share? We are looking for a passionate and creative team member to join as our new Youth Development Facilitator. 

Share is a registered charity and a centre for training and wellbeing. We provide a range of programmes helping adults with learning disabilities, autism and other support needs become more happy, healthy and independent. Our vision is a world where disabled people are fully included in society, living the life they choose, and we need talented people to help us make that happen. 

You’ll help people build the life skills they need to make positive long-term changes. You’ll develop and facilitate our new programme at Share, delivering session both at our training centres and out in the community. You’ll help our students achieve their personal objectives and keep learning in an engaging, fun and stimulating way. 

Main responsibilities

• You’ll think creatively when planning and facilitating the programme and use a range of methods to support the students learning goal

• You’ll support progression pathways for young people with a learning disability and/or are autistic, many of whom have recently left college

• You’ll work with each young person to understand their individuals' preferences and strengths to develop an accessible action plan

• You’ll work to strengthen our local community and youth networks, developing partnerships with external organisations

Who we’re looking for

• You’ll have experience of working with young people and will be passionate about delivering quality services

• You’ll have a good understanding of the challenges faced by adults with learning disabilities and a strong commitment to the inclusion of disabled people in all aspect of life

• You’ll have excellent planning and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and targets

• You’ll be able to take a collaborative and empowering approach, working with our students, partners and volunteers to plan and deliver person centred services

• Most importantly, you share our strong commitment to the inclusion of disabled people in society, you believe in equality for all

Why work for us?

Share is committed to empowering disabled people. You’ll make a difference every day, helping people to live as independently as possible.

Our values drive us forward. They provide the framework for everything we do, including who we hire. We believe everyone has something to offer others, and we build on people's individual talents, interests and abilities. We think happy employees are successful employees.

We won employer of the year at the Wandsworth Business Awards in 2019 and we hold gold Investors in People accreditation. This means we truly understand the value of people: we focus on what people can do, not what holds them back. And we have robust policies in place so that every single person working at Share takes ownership for making our programmes come to life.

We’ve been praised for our supportive working environment where everyone has a voice and is valued. You’ll be surrounded by people who support you, challenge you, and inspire you. 

How to apply

We actively encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic communities and with lived experience of a learning disability and/or autism. This is because we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of our student body wherever possible in order to provide the best possible service. 

Please send us your CV and a cover letter. In your letter, please tell us:

1. What are three qualities that make you an excellent Youth Development Facilitator? 

2. What relevant experience do you have of planning and facilitating skills development programmes for young adults (preferable with those with a learning disability or autistic young adults)? 

3. How would you develop the Youth Development programme at Share? 

If you would like to have chat about the role or visit us prior to applying, please contact a member of the HR team.

We focus on ability and believe people work best when they feel valued, safe and happy. We do all that we can to make sure that Share is friendly and welcoming to everyone. All CVs and applications are sanitised to ensure unbiased recruitment. 

This job is subject to two satisfactory references, evidence of qualifications, an enhanced DBS check and providing evidence of the right to work in the UK. If you are disabled and would like to discuss other ways of submitting your application, please contact us.

We look forward to receiving your application. 

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Training and Support Worker to deliver our Propel programme across Yorkshire, building partnerships and championing neuroinclusion. 

As the Training and Support Worker, you'll engage with schools, colleges, community settings and employers, delivering training, supporting implementation, and empowering neurodivergent young people into sustainable employment. You'll play a key role in developing the programme through partner insight and keeping up with best practice in workplace neuroinclusion. 

You will be required to travel regularly to deliver face-to-face training within schools, colleges, community settings and workplaces across Yorkshire. 

What We're Looking For 

• A passionate advocate for neurodivergent young people with experience in SEND, employability, or community engagement 

• Strong facilitator who can deliver engaging, impactful training to diverse audiences 

• Excellent communicator who builds genuine relationships across education, community and employer sectors 

• Self-motivated with a 'make it happen' attitude and ability to work independently 

• Team player who understands the importance of collaboration 

• Driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)

Why Join Us 

In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values-driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people. You'll have the flexibility of remote working, opportunities to shape the programme in Yorkshire, and the chance to be part of a supportive team where everyone's contributions matter. 

For more information about The Mason Foundation and our work please visit our website. 

The Mason Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We positively encourage applications from candidates regardless of sex, race or ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or belief, marital or civil partnership status, parental or carer status, education, socioeconomic background, pregnancy or maternity, or any other characteristic protected under equality legislation.

We are especially keen to encourage and welcome applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, these include but are not limited to those from the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, and candidates who are Black or People of Colour. Those with disabilities meeting the minimum requirements for the post will be shortlisted and reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure they are not disadvantaged during the interview process.