Assistant Manager – Enhanced Autism Support Team

Autism West Midlands is a leading charity in the West Midlands for Autistic adults, children as well as offering families support and guidance. We use our expertise to enrich the lives of autistic people and those who love and care for them. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, by providing personalised support.

Where will you be working?

Autism West Midlands have been selected to be included within an exciting new project in partnership with NHS Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust. The Enhanced Autism Support Team (EAST) offers a multi-disciplinary approach to deliver a dynamic service for autistic adults who are at risk of admission to inpatient services or who require additional support to enable quicker discharge from hospital. The team will be made up of a variety of professionals including mental health nurses, social workers and Occupational Therapists and psychotherapists.

Autism West Midlands have been commissioned to provide Autism Specialist Advisors (ASAs) to compliment this offer. We are seeking an Assistant Manager to provide the day-to-day supervision of 3 ASAs. The role will also include some direct support delivery.

The team will support understanding and implementation of best practice around support for autistic adults within mental health services. The Assistant Manager & Autism Specialist Advisors will add additional autism related focus and influence improved approaches to care and support.

The project uses intensive, direct interventions with the aim of supporting neurodiverse people to remain living at home, in the community, preventing avoidable admissions to inpatient mental health services.

The Assistant Manager will offer direct line management and support to a small team of ASAs. The role will involve overseeing the activity of ASAs through delegation of tasks, maintaining safe working practices, quality checks and ensuring adequate training has been provided for the role. The ideal candidate would have some experience in supervising teams and relevant experience in previous roles around supporting adults with mental health/autism related needs.

The post holder will need flexibility to work as part of a small team including the need to offer support out of office hours.

A full driving license and access to a car is essential for this role.

This is a Monday to Friday role with some flexibility for work out of office hours.

Key aspects of the Assistant Manager (EAST):

• Keep oversight of staff workloads, allocating, reducing or redistributing work as required.
• Provide case load support for Autism Specialist Advisors, including coordinating case review meetings, preparing for / debriefing after difficult sessions, assisting with complex cases as required.
• Provide regular supervision and appraisals for direct reports.
• Managing staff sickness and annual leave.
• Ensure team meetings take place on a regular basis and any issues are addressed and actioned in a timely manner.
• Oversee the quality-of-service delivery and provide updates and reports to senior managers.
• Deliver advice/support sessions for autistic adults in collaboration with other EAST health professionals.
• Offering impartial advice and guidance in key areas relating to autism.
• Advising and support on the implementation of autism strategies.
• Developing and preparing materials and resources for support sessions.
• Help and support in developing supporting information such as hospital passports, communication plans and sensory profiles. Sharing information, with consent, where appropriate.
• Liaison with other professionals/organisations, signposting and completing appropriate referrals.
• Advocating the needs and preferences of autistic adults.
• Accompanying the individual to appointments and advocating for the individual where necessary.

What we are looking for from you as an Assistant Manager (EAST):

• Experience of managing a small team.
• The ability to support and motivate others in your team.
• Experience of working with autistic adults and or adults affected by mental health difficulties.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Experience of providing advice, information and support.
• Experience in setting and supporting individuals to achieve their goals.
• Knowledge of how autism and mental health challenges may interplay.
• A passion and interest in promoting good practice around supporting autistic adults.
• Knowledge of inpatient and community services
• A good understanding of a variety of mental health issues and how difficulties can affect people.
• Have a genuine desire to improve the lives of autistic adults.
• Good listening skills.
• The ability to communicate with people who have a range of different needs.
• IT literate, with practical experience of using Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel and the internet.

In return we can offer you:

• £26,427.80 per annum
• A supportive management team
• Development/career prospects
• 28 days annual leave to increase yearly to 33 days over 5 years
• Free DBS check paid for by Autism West Midlands
• Free Medicash Healthcare cash back scheme
• Employee assistance scheme providing support to you and your family
• Specialist autism training you are paid to attend and travel to
• All staff are provided with a Life assurance policy
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Refer a friend scheme – £200 for each referral

** If you would like to apply for this post, please provide a supporting statement to be considered – any application without a supporting statement will not be shortlisted for interview**

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