Support Lead

Make a real difference in people's lives - and let us make a real difference to your life and career. City of Chelmsford Mencap is an independent charity that supports people affected by learning disability across mid-Essex. It provides lifelong learning, social opportunities, work experience, advocacy and information.

Summary of the Role

The Support Lead plays a key hands-on role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support within the Outreach Academy, CCM s lifelong learning service. They help coordinate daily activities, promote independence and wellbeing, and ensure service users experience meaningful learning in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment.

The Support Lead works closely with the Senior Support Leads to implement care plans, support learning sessions, uphold safeguarding responsibilities, and model best practice based on key social care values. They guide and assist specialist support workers, tutors, volunteers, and work placement students during sessions, helping to create a positive and enriched learning experience for all participants.

Key Social Care Values and Approaches Required

The Support Lead must demonstrate understanding and use of:

• Person-centred thinking, planning and co-production
• Strengths-based and outcomes-focused practice
• Active Support approaches
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Making Safeguarding Personal
• Supported decision-making and the relevant legislation
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Accessible communication methods (e.g., visual supports, Makaton, easy-read)
• Dignity in Care and principles of respect, choice, independence and inclusion

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting Daily Operations
• Direct Support and Person-Centred Practice
• Guiding and Supporting Staff, Students & Volunteers
• Communication and Partnership Working
• Safeguarding, Safety and Risk Management
• Record-Keeping and Administration
• Quality, Reflection and Development