Support Worker

Role overview

The National Autistic Society is recruiting a Support Worker for Park View in Burnham-on-Sea. This is a residential setting supporting four autistic adults, including one self-contained flat and a shared main house for three people when fully occupied. The aim of the service is to help people gain the skills and confidence needed to live more independently, supported by trained staff.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding children and adults who use its services. Any successful applicant will need to complete the required safeguarding and background checks.

What the role involves

You will work closely with autistic adults to help them follow their support plans and daily routines, while encouraging a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling to them.

• Provide personal care support such as bathing, dressing and help with eating.
• Motivate people to take part in activities they enjoy, including swimming, hiking, and arts and crafts.
• Support everyday living and independence skills such as budgeting, shopping and meal preparation.

What the organisation is looking for

The ideal candidate will bring warmth, reliability and a positive approach to supporting vulnerable people. Previous experience with autistic people is useful but not required. A genuine interest in helping others, or personal experience in this area, will also be welcomed.

This position is part-time for 22.5 hours per week. Working hours are flexible and will depend on the needs of the people supported and their families; evening and weekend shifts are included. A driving licence held for at least one year is preferred.

Benefits and support

• Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
• 33 days of annual leave, including public holidays, with the option to buy or sell leave each year.
• Comprehensive induction and training, including autism-specific training.
• Access to an employee discount platform covering shopping, cycling, technology and more, including brands such as Asda, Tesco, Nike and Apple.
• Cash plan healthcare cover for permanent employees.
• Life assurance worth two times base salary.
• Flexible benefits such as private health cover, dental insurance, holiday trading and enhanced pension options.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support.
• Free Headspace access for the employee plus up to three family members or friends.
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card discount scheme.
• Enhanced overtime pay, along with sleep-in and on-call payments where relevant to the role.
• £200 referral payment for successful friend referrals.

Application guidance

Applicants should use their supporting statement to show how their experience and skills match the role, referring to the job description and person specification and giving examples where possible. The employer may close the vacancy early if a large number of suitable applications is received.

Important notes

All staff must complete a criminal background check, and an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or one carried out within the last 12 months would be preferable, though it is not essential. Applications are welcome from suitably qualified and experienced candidates, with particular encouragement for autistic applicants. The employer is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident Employer. Recruitment agencies should not apply. Visa sponsorship is not available. The recruitment team may use AI to help review applications, but all hiring decisions are made by people.