Hub Lead / Team Leader (SEND & Day Opportunities)
Organisation: Down Syndrome Development Trust (DSDT)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Working pattern: Typically Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm, with occasional weekend working to meet service needs (planned in advance where possible). Weekend working managed via TOIL and/or additional pay in line with organisational policy.
Location: Unit 1b, Sussex Innovation Centre, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9SB, plus University of Sussex campus and local community locations.
Job Summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional and experienced SEND practitioner to lead our Social and Learning Day Opportunity provision based at the Sussex Innovation Centre (University of Sussex, Brighton).
The provision supports young people aged 16–25 with Down syndrome and other disabilities, who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). We provide a holistic social and learning environment that strengthens life skills, work-related skills, communication, social development and independence.
This is a rewarding opportunity for a forward-thinking, values-led leader to develop and maintain a safe, inclusive and ambitious programme that combines functional skills learning, enrichment, and differentiated work experience opportunities, delivered through a person-centred approach. You will lead a team of Support Workers (and volunteers where applicable), ensuring high standards and positive outcomes for the people who attend the Hub.
Key Responsibilities
1) Leadership, culture and quality
Lead day-to-day delivery of the Hub, ensuring a safe, structured and stimulating environment.
Line manage staff (and volunteers where applicable): induction, supervision, coaching and performance support.
Build a positive team culture grounded in safeguarding, dignity, inclusion, respect and high expectations.
Maintain clear routines, standards and consistent practice across the programme.
2) Learning, activities and work experience
Deliver teaching/support to individuals and small groups in the Hub and/or community settings, adapting approaches and resources to a wide range of needs.
Design, coordinate and continuously improve an activities programme aligned to EHCP outcomes and individual goals.
Create and manage work experience opportunities, including functional skills and employability development, matched to strengths and support needs.
Prepare/adapt resources to support progress (including differentiated materials).
3) Community learning and partnerships
Organise community learning: visits, outings, sporting events and partner-led opportunities.
Build strong relationships with parents/guardians, university partners, local organisations and relevant professionals.
Represent the provision professionally in meetings and partnership settings.
4) Assessment, planning and reporting
Support assessment and planning processes; contribute to person-centred plans, targets and reviews.
Maintain accurate records (digital and/or paper), including progress updates and evidence of outcomes.
Prepare written reports for local authorities, funders and other stakeholders as required.
Contribute to planning and budgeting for projects, enrichment, work experience and community outreach.
5) Safeguarding, health & safety and compliance
Uphold safeguarding at all times and respond to concerns in line with policy and procedure.
Complete/maintain risk assessments and support plans for activities, community learning and individual needs.
Support personal care and/or medical needs where required, in line with training and agreed plans.
Ensure consistent adherence to policies (including data protection/confidentiality).
6) Flexible working approach
Work flexibly to meet organisational needs, including occasional weekend working to support events, trips, work experience and service delivery requirements.
Person Specification
Essential qualifications/experience
3–5+ years’ leadership experience in a relevant setting (SEND, education, disability services, social care, day opportunities, supported employment, youth provision).
Degree-level qualification in social care or closely related field (e.g., Health & Social Care, Social Science, Education, Psychology) or equivalent experience demonstrating graduate-level practice.
Strong SEND/disability experience supporting young people/young adults with additional needs.
Experience managing a small team (or substantial senior/lead responsibility), coordinating work and maintaining standards.
Excellent written communication skills, including confident report writing.
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities safely and effectively.
Essential skills and attributes
Values-led approach: kindness, respect, inclusion, safeguarding and high expectations.
Confident decision-making, initiative and problem-solving.
Adaptable and responsive to young people’s needs; able to adjust plans appropriately.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with young people and families.
Calm under pressure; able to manage competing demands.
Willingness/ability to work flexibly, including occasional weekend working.
Desirable
Experience in regulated or governance-heavy environments; understanding of quality standards/audits.
Knowledge of safeguarding best practice.
Basic social media/marketing awareness to support programme visibility (within safeguarding/consent requirements).
Safeguarding and pre-employment checks
Enhanced DBS required (including Update Service registration).
Full UK driving licence required.
Must have the right to work in the UK.
Applications: Closing date 30th June 2026.
Please email a CV and short supporting statement
Candidates may be shortlisted and interviewed as applications are received.