SEAS Programme Manager
Hours: 37 hours per week
Area: Kent & Medway
Location: Hybrid (Some homeworking with travel across Kent and Medway)
Office-Base: Swanley
Salary: £35,882.60 per annum
Fixed term contract until 31st of March 2027, with possibility of extension.
Summary
The SEAS Programme Manager is responsible for coordinating both one-to-one and group support for autistic adults as part of the South East Autism Support (SEAS) Programme. Working across Kent and Medway, you will support staff and volunteers to excel in their roles through facilitating the operational and strategic progress of the programme. You will oversee triage of new members, implementation of outcome measures, report-writing, and stakeholder management.
About Our Client and the SEAS Programme
Our client is a locally rooted advocacy organisation with a strong history, which exists to give people a voice through one-to-one advocacy and self-advocacy groups. They believe that Bigger Voices Better Lives. Their approach is person-centred, empowering and rights focussed.
The SEAS Programme is built on the principles of self-advocacy. Their role is to support autistic adults (our client’s Members) to develop their confidence, understand their rights, and speak up for themselves. They do not offer advice or speak on behalf of individuals. Instead, they create safe, supportive spaces where people can access information, explore options, and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Geographical Responsibilities
This service covers the whole of Kent and Medway. As Programme Manager, regular travel within this area is required to support staff, Members and to provide cover to deliver services. Occasional travel outside this region may also be needed to attend meetings and conferences.
You will be responsible for ensuring that the service offer is maintained at a high standard in all areas, as well as providing parity for Members regardless of their postcode.
Their goal is to run at least two monthly groups in each of the 14 boroughs of Kent and Medway. Travel expenses, beyond the equivalent return trip to your base office in Swanley, will be reimbursed.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
As SEAS Programme Manager, your role will be varied and people focused. While no two days are the same, your responsibilities will broadly fall into the following areas:
Strategic Development and Planning:
1. Collaborate with the team and senior leadership to develop and expand the SEAS Programme.
2. Use data and Member feedback to guide planning and identify service gaps.
3. Support funding bids and contribute to long-term strategy.
Programme Delivery Oversight:
4. Ensure groups and one-to-one support are well-staffed, promoted, and delivered consistently.
5. Allocate caseloads effectively based on geography, skillset, and Member needs.
6. Provide cover when required and maintain accurate records of activity and outcomes.
Risk Management and Policy:
7. Conduct triage calls to confirm eligibility and outline support pathways.
8. Uphold safeguarding procedures, providing guidance and escalating concerns appropriately.
9. Contribute to regional and organisational best practice for supporting autistic adults.
Staff and Volunteer Management:
10. Line manage a small team of Advocates and Peer Supporters through supervision and team meetings.
11. Support recruitment, induction, and ongoing development of staff and volunteers.
Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement:
12. Act as main contact for the SEAS Programme with Members and professionals.
13. Monitor outcomes, maintain KPIs, and prepare reports for commissioners and stakeholders.
14. Represent our client at external meetings and manage programme budgets in partnership with Finance.
Person Specification
Suitability for the role will be assessed through CV and at interview against the following criteria:
Qualifications and Training:
15. Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
16. Full UK driving licence and business-use insurance.
17. Commitment to ongoing professional development.
18. Level 5 qualification or degree (Desirable).
Knowledge and Experience:
19. Minimum three years’ experience supporting or advocating with autistic adults.
20. Understanding of autism, adult safeguarding, and inclusive practice.
21. Experience managing staff or volunteers and maintaining accurate records.
22. Confident working independently and across multiple sites.
23. Experience delivering advocacy specifically for autistic adults or personal lived experience of autism (Desirable).
Skills and Abilities:
24. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
25. Person-centred, non-judgemental approach.
26. Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and problem-solve.
27. Confident using Microsoft Office, Zoom, and other digital platforms.
28. Skilled at building partnerships and representing the organisation professionally.
29. Ability to produce newsletters or promotional materials (Desirable).
Personal Attributes:
30. Adaptable, organised, and motivated.
31. Willing to work flexibly, including some evenings or weekends.
32. Commitment to our client’s values and empowering autistic adults.
Please note: This role is only open to applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. Our client is unable to offer sponsorship or assist with visa applications.
This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Interviews will be held in the week commencing 3rd of November 2025.