Support Worker – Autism & Learning Disabilities Support
Hourly Pay: £14.70 (Days) | £15.10 (Evenings & Weekends after 20:00)
Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Shift Patterns:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 17:00 - 20:30
Tuesday, Thursday Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 - 20:30
About the Role
We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Support Worker to assist a wonderful client with Autism and Learning Disabilities (LD) in their own home. Experience with Learning Disabilities is required, but prior experience in complex care is not essential. You will be part of a supportive care team and have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a client who loves to engage, be active, and enjoy new experiences.
The client experiences emotional dysregulation, particularly linked to environmental factors such as noise and high activity levels. Our client communicates through non-verbal cues and the use of PECs (Picture Exchange Communication System) boards, so experience or willingness to work with these communication tools is important. The client is lively, loving, and responds positively to therapeutic engagement.
As a Support Worker, you will play a key role in creating a safe and engaging environment for the client, ensuring she has the opportunity to thrive and experience new activities in a way that is meaningful to her.
Key Responsibilities:
* Engage with the client in day-to-day activities, supporting her to participate in a range of tasks and events, both at home and in the community.
* Assist with creating and following activity plans that promote her emotional and physical well-being.
* Foster positive connections with the client, encouraging interaction, participation, and growth in confidence.
* Work closely with the family, particularly the client’s mum, who lives next door and provides additional support.
* Support the client in managing emotional dysregulation linked to environmental factors like noise levels and high activity.
* Ensure the client’s safety and well-being, particularly during high-activity moments or emotional outbursts.
* Help with daily living tasks as needed, ensuring the client has a fulfilling, active, and meaningful day.
* Be comfortable with the family dog being present at times, as part of the client’s home environment.
What We’re Looking For:
* Experience in supporting individuals with Autism and Learning Disabilities is essential.
* Previous complex care experience is not required, but an open, flexible attitude and the ability to learn new skills is a must.
* Initiative and the ability to plan and lead activities that engage the client and enhance her daily life.
* A bubbly, empathetic, and patient personality, with the ability to build rapport and trust with both the client and her family.
* Ability to communicate using PECs or willingness to learn how to use them effectively.
* Comfortable working as part of a team, with two staff members present at all times to support the client’s needs.
What We Offer:
* Full Training: Access to online and in-person training, including courses on positive behaviour support (PBS) and other key areas of complex care.
* Supportive Team Environment: You will have a Care Co-ordinator or Nurse Manager to support you daily.
* Flexible Shifts: We offer flexible work hours to suit your needs, whether full-time, part-time, or specific shifts (day or night).
* Career Development: Opportunity to study for a relevant NVQ qualification in health and social care.
* Employee Benefits: Access to a comprehensive benefits package, including a referral program and employee assistance for your well-being.
* Inclusive and Diverse Workplace: We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every employee is valued.
We are open to all
We’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that diversity in our workforce drives excellence, and we work hard to create an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and, where possible, we’ll provide accommodations for those applicants with disabilities.
Given the personal nature of intimate care, our clients are entitled to select their caregivers in these situations. The preferences of our clients do not represent the views of our organisation, which is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We offer a diverse range of other positions.
Ready to join our team?
Apply now! If you’re excited about what a career in care can offer and believe you are a great fit for this role, we want to hear from you! Click the "Apply Now" button below to submit your application. If you require any adjustments to be considered throughout the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to providing the necessary accommodations to ensure a fair and equitable hiring experience.
#sonderwell
We are Sonderwell
At Sonderwell, we’re a UK-wide care provider, dedicated to giving our clients the best possible care, so they can live their own unique lives. To achieve that, we believe in caring for our carers, so they deliver better care for our clients. You’ll find a place where you can learn, develop and grow into the role that best suits you. And you’ll join a close-knit, supportive team who are always looking out for each other. So, whatever path you choose, you’re never on your own – there’s always someone you can reach out to for help and advice.