Residential Team Manager – Autism Services – AV2022

Location: Newbury, Berkshire
Salary: £18.11 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Full Time, Permanent

About the Service

Avon Search is recruiting for a Residential Team Manager – Autism Services on behalf of a well-established not-for-profit charity providing specialist education and residential care for autistic young people with complex needs.

Based within an extensive 50-acre site in Berkshire, the specialist service supports young people aged 5–25, helping them to develop greater independence, improve their wellbeing and achieve their individual potential.

The organisation provides a supportive, person-centred environment with bespoke facilities and personalised care, enabling young people to access meaningful opportunities and lead fulfilling lives.

The Role

As a Residential Team Manager – Autism Services, you will play a key role in the day-to-day management of a residential home, ensuring the health, wellbeing, safety and individual needs of the young people remain at the heart of everything the team delivers.

You will lead, coach and develop a team of Autism Practitioners, providing clear direction and support while modelling high standards of personalised care.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will combine effective people management with a strong understanding of autism, safeguarding and residential care.

Key responsibilities

• Line manage, coach and mentor a team of Autism Practitioners
• Support the recruitment, induction and ongoing development of new staff
• Manage staff attendance, sickness and other absences
• Conduct regular staff check-ins, reviews and performance discussions
• Support performance improvement plans and complete relevant risk assessments
• Lead by example and promote best practice across the residential home
• Implement autism-friendly strategies that support learning, development and wellbeing
• Ensure personalised support is delivered in line with each young person’s individual care plans
• Support staff to understand and implement each young person’s needs, preferences and communication approaches
• Provide personal care where required, in line with individual support plans
• Promote independence, choice, dignity and positive outcomes
• Maintain a safe, positive and nurturing residential environment
• Ensure safeguarding procedures and responsibilities are consistently followed
• Support young people to achieve meaningful, fulfilling and individualised outcomes

About You

We are looking for a confident, compassionate and motivated leader who is passionate about supporting autistic young people and developing teams to deliver high-quality care.

You will be able to build positive relationships with young people, families and colleagues, while having the confidence to manage staff performance and maintain professional standards.

You will ideally have:

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare
• At least two years’ experience working as a Support Worker or in a similar residential care/support role
• Experience supporting autistic young people and/or individuals with learning disabilities
• Experience of line management, coaching or mentoring a team is desirable
• A strong understanding of autism and the needs of individuals with learning disabilities
• A good working knowledge of safeguarding
• Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills
• A proactive, organised and supportive approach
• The ability to lead by example and develop others
• A full UK Driving Licence and the ability to drive

Working Hours

37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

The role operates across a seven-day residential service and requires flexibility to work as part of a rota.

Salary & Benefits

• £18.11 per hour
• Full-time, permanent position
• 37 hours per week
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunities to develop your leadership and management skills
• Supportive and experienced management team
• Opportunity to lead and develop a dedicated team of Autism Practitioners
• Work within a respected not-for-profit charitable organisation
• The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of autistic young people

To Apply

For more information or to apply, please contact Lauren at Avon Search on 01789 867181 or email Lauren@avonsearch.co.uk.