KO-NEKT provides 1:1 support within the community for children and young people (aged 5-25) with Additional Support Needs (ASN). We fully support the integration and independence of our service users by championing their rights and helping them be the best they can be. Our mission is to support children and young people to live, work and stay in the mainstream of their communities.

Based in our Coatbridge office, you will oversee a team of ASN Support Practitioners and manage a significant caseload of children and young people.

This is a key leadership role, offering an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people, helping them to live full, meaningful and inclusive lives. We’re looking for someone who has the vision, passion and skills to drive our services forward and deliver high-quality support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of ASN Support Practitioners
• Prepare monthly staff rotas, ensuring optimal coverage that meets the needs of service users
• Oversee the delivery of services to children and young people with ASN
• Ensure all service user information (eg, support plans, reviews and outcomes) are accurately entered and regularly updated in our bespoke online system
• Maintain high standards of data integrity and confidentiality
• Build and maintain strong relationships with your team, colleagues, families, social care and all key stakeholders
• Ensure that services meet regulatory standards and continue to improve in quality
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of the Self-Directed Support Act and apply its principles
• Support the business strategy locally and promote the growth of KO-NEKT's services in North Lanarkshire

About You:

• Considerable experience in Social Care, ideally with a background in social work and/or in a senior position within ASN/ASD/Disability service.
• Proven experience with Care Inspectorate values and requirements
• Proven experience in managing teams and driving culture change
• Strong commitment to inclusion for children and young people with ASN
• SSSC Care at Home registered (or willingness to register)
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills
• Proficient in the use of IT such as Microsoft Office and databases to support daily operations
• Ability to lead strategically at a local level, supporting service expansion
• Full driving license and access to your own vehicle for business use

This role is essential to achieving our mission. If you're a dedicated leader who is ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

About Us:

KO-NEKT is a dynamic and growing organization that provides one-to-one and group support for children and young people (ages 5-25) with Additional Support Needs (ASN). Our tailored support services aim to help young people integrate into their communities, encourage independence and achieve their full potential. We champion their rights and promote a positive, inclusive approach in all that we do.

About the Role:

We are looking for a compassionate and committed ASN Support Practitioner (driver essential) to join our team in North Lanarkshire (Wishaw area). You will provide 1:1 and 2:1 support to children and young people with ASN in their communities. Your role will be vital in helping them grow, develop skills and thrive in a supportive environment. You will be working to achieve SHANARRI outcomes (Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included) while supporting the well-being of each service user.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide personalized support based on individual support plans tailored to the needs and goals of each young person.
• Deliver engaging activities that promote skill development, play and personal growth.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate progress using the SHANARRI framework, ensuring all records are up to date using our online outcome recording system (CORS).
• Advocate for the rights of young people, promoting a nurturing, safe and inclusive environment.
• Maintain accurate timesheets and expenses and adhere to company procedures.
• Participate in professional development, attending meetings and training to stay informed of best practices.
• Work closely with the Service Manager to report and discuss any challenges or concerns.
• Ensure health and safety protocols are followed, promoting the well-being of the children and young people in your care.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• HNC in Social Services or SVQ Level 6 Social Services and Health Care.
• Experience in health and social care or related fields.
• Flexibility in your approach to work, incl availability for evenings and weekends.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to equality and inclusion.
• Physically active and able to engage in play, standing, walking and assisting young people with physical activities.
• Self-motivated, patient, enthusiastic and fun
• Proficient in IT with the ability to record and manage care plans using our online CORS system.
• Driving License and access to a car essential. This role involves travel within the community. Business Insurance required on personal vehicle.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive and inclusive team culture.
• Competitive hourly pay, including holiday allowance.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• Flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle.
• Travel expenses reimbursement 45p per mile
• Health Benefits

Two-Week Working Cycle:

Week 1:

Monday: 10am – 2pm (admin)

Tuesday & Wednesday: 1:30 pm – 8:30 pm (centre hours)

Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (centre hours)

Week 2:

Monday: 10am – 2pm (admin)

Wednesday & Thursday: 1:30 pm – 8:30 pm (centre hours)

Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (centre hours)

Role Overview:

The Centre Coordinator will oversee the daily operations of the KO-NEKT Skills & Play Centre in Ardrossan. You will supervise and support a team of ASN Support Practitioners and service users’ caseload, ensuring that the activities provided promote the social, emotional and behavioural development of children and young people (ages 5-25) with additional support needs (ASN). This is a dynamic role where you will play an active part in group sessions while also ensuring that the centre runs smoothly.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervision:

• Lead and supervise the centre team, ensuring that adequate staffing levels are maintained and that team members are equipped and supported in their roles.

Activity Planning and Coordination:

• Plan, organize, and oversee engaging activities that support skill development, social interaction and personal growth for children and young people attending the centre.
• Work directly within groups such as KIDS CAVE, Teen Club and KO-NEKT KREW, promoting positive behaviour and ensuring the safety and well-being of participants.

Effective Rota Management

• Balance staff availability and the diverse requirements of service users. Anticipate potential staffing challenges and adjust rota to ensure continuity of care without overburdening the team.

Caseload Management:

• Oversee a significant caseload of children and young people, ensuring their needs are met and they are supported to live inclusive lives.

Centre Operations:

• Ensure that the centre is well-equipped with supplies, and that activities run smoothly. Address any operational challenges as they arise.

Compliance:

• Ensure that the centre operates in compliance with Care Inspectorate standards, following all relevant regulations and best practices.

Team Development:

• Support the professional development of your team, promoting a positive working environment and culture of inclusion.

Record Keeping:

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date maintenance of records related to working practices, including the use of CORS (online outcome recording system).

Experience:

Leadership & Supervision:

• Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role, particularly in a social care, educational or support setting.
• Organizing staff rotas and providing mentorship or support for team development.

Experience Working with ASN:

• Strong background in working with children and young people (ages 5 to 25) with Additional Support Needs (ASN) or similar vulnerable groups.
• Experience in planning and delivering activities that promote personal growth, confidence, and social inclusion for neurodiverse individuals.

Centre or Programme Coordination:

• Experience in coordinating or managing a centre, youth club or similar programs.
• Familiarity with day-to-day operations such as scheduling activities, managing supplies, and addressing operational challenges

Caseload Management:

• Experience managing a caseload of service users, tracking their progress, and ensuring their development needs are met, ideally through person-centred approaches.

Compliance Knowledge:

• Understanding of Care Inspectorate standards and regulatory compliance within the social care sector.

Qualifications:

Relevant Educational Background:

• A qualification in social care, childcare, community development, education, or a related field (SVQ Level 5 or equivalent is desirable).
• Any training or certifications related to working with individuals with ASN or disabilities is a plus.

First Aid & Child Protection:

• Relevant qualifications in First Aid and Child Protection, or a willingness to obtain these upon appointment.

3SDS (Self-Directed Support) Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Self-Directed Support (SDS) and experience in working with individuals and families using SDS packages is advantageous.

Driving License:

• Driving license would be beneficial, but not essential