Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader) - OrkneyFull Time | 37 Hours per WeekFixed-Term Contract | 1 YearSalary: Starting from £37,041, rising after probation, with progression opportunities up to £39,464 (inclusive of Island Allowance)Defour Partnership is proud to be supporting a specialist care provider with the recruitment of a Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader) in Orkney.Take the Next Step Into Management In One of the Most Unique Places to Live in the UKAre you ready to move into a junior management role where you can lead, inspire, and make a meaningful difference every day?Do you have experience in social care and want to progress into a position that gives you more responsibility, leadership exposure, and the opportunity to shape high-quality support services?If so, this could be the ideal next step in your career.This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, or aspiring Deputy-level professional to take on a first-step management role within a specialist autism service in Orkney.Alongside the career opportunity, this role also offers the chance to enjoy a completely different pace of life in one of Scotlands most beautiful and distinctive island communities.Why Orkney?For the right person, this role offers more than just career progression.Orkney provides an incredible lifestyle opportunity with stunning coastlines, a strong sense of community, open space, and a slower, more balanced way of living. Whether you're looking for a fresh start, a better work-life balance, or the chance to build a rewarding career in a truly unique setting, this role could be the perfect move.If youve ever thought about relocating to an island community while continuing to grow your social care career, this is a rare opportunity to do both.About the RoleAs Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader), youll play a key role in supporting the successful day-to-day delivery of the service while developing your experience in leadership and management.This is a junior management position, ideal for someone ready to take the next step beyond frontline senior support work into a role with greater responsibility, leadership, and influence.Youll lead and support a team of Autism Practitioners, helping to create a positive, person-centred, and high-performing environment where both colleagues and the people supported can thrive.What Youll Be DoingLeading and supporting a team to deliver high-quality, person-centred supportCoaching, mentoring, and developing staff in their day-to-day practiceSupporting the implementation and review of individual support plansWorking collaboratively with families, agencies, and multidisciplinary teamsTaking on increasing responsibility as part of your management development journeySupporting rota planning, service coordination, and team organisationPlaying an active role in recruitment, induction, and staff developmentHelping to maintain a service culture built around quality, inclusion, and positive outcomesWho This Role Would SuitThis role would be ideal for someone who is:Currently working as a Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, or in a similar senior care roleReady to take a step into managementPassionate about supporting autistic people in a person-centred and strengths-based wayKeen to build leadership experience within a supportive specialist serviceLooking for a new challenge, lifestyle change, or potential relocation opportunityEssential RequirementsExperience in a supervisory and/or leadership role within care or support servicesA relevant Health & Social Care qualification, or willingness to work towards SVQ Level 4 / Leadership & Management for Care ServicesStrong IT skills, including Microsoft Word and ExcelExperience of rota planning and team coordinationA genuine commitment to high-quality, person-centred supportWhats on OfferThis is an excellent opportunity to join a service that values difference, development, inclusion, and high-quality support.Benefits include:32 days annual leave (increasing with service)Life assuranceEmployer pension contribution matched up to 9%Employee discount platformEmployee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to excellent training and professional development opportunitiesA genuine opportunity to progress your leadership careerThis role also includes occasional on-call and weekend work.Additional InformationLocation: OrkneyContract: Fixed term for 1 yearHours: 37 hours per weekPlease note: Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this roleInterested?If youre looking for a role that offers both career progression and a unique lifestyle opportunity, wed love to hear from you.Defour Partnership is supporting this recruitment process on behalf of our client.For a confidential conversation or to express your interest, please get in touch.JBRP1_UKTJ