At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with autism in daily living, education, and leisure activities.
- Company: Join Autism Initiatives, a charity dedicated to empowering people with autism.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and perks like birthday leave and a cash prize draw.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive, values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in care/support, flexibility for shifts, and a full UK driving license required.
- Other info: Positions subject to enhanced Access NI check; training and development opportunities provided.
Support Workers, West Belfast – Autism Initiatives
Salary: £12.48 per hour (Increasing to £12.70 as of 1st December 2025)
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Job reference number: NI-SW-GR0123
Job location: N. Ireland – West Belfast
Closing date: 30th November 2025
About This Role
We are seeking Support Workers to join our team. You will work alongside people who use our services, supporting in a range of activities, including developing independence in daily living, accessing work/education and leisure activities.
At Autism Initiatives we work alongside people with autism, providing specialist services tailored to each individual. Our values—Autism‑Focused, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, Collaboration, Commitment to Change and Rights‑based—underpin every aspect of the organisation\’s culture and activities in NI.
Shifts
- Long days (7:00 am–10:00 pm)
- AM shifts (7:00 am–11:00 am / 7:00 am–3:00 pm)
- PM shifts (3:00 pm–10:00 pm)
- Weekend shifts (Saturday/Sunday)
- Night duty (9:00 pm–7:00 am)
- Sleepover (10:007:00 am)
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Employer pension scheme
- Enhanced company sick pay
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Access NI paid
- NISCC fee paid after two years of service
- Generous paid annual leave, with incremental increases
- Paid bank and public holidays
- Birthday leave
- Option to buy and sell annual leave
- Long service awards
- Monthly staff cash prize draw
- Blue‑light discount card
- Employee Refer a Friend initiative
- Free autism‑specific training
- Comprehensive induction training
- On‑the‑job learning
- Buddy/mentor for new staff
- Funded QCF development opportunities
- Continuous learning & development opportunities
- Line management support structure
- Regular 1:1 meetings
- Annual performance review
- Culture of recognition
- 24/7 employee assistance programme (confidential counselling helpline) from day one
- Medicash health scheme, subject to eligibility
- Menopause support line as part of Medicash scheme
- Career break policy
- Cycle to work scheme
- Compassionate & bereavement leave
- Wagestream financial planning and support app
Essential Criteria
- Working, voluntary or personal knowledge of providing care and/or support
- Flexible to work on a rota basis that includes unsocial hours and weekends
- Registered with NISCC or willing to apply to register on appointment
Desirable Criteria
- Full UK Driving Licence for a manual vehicle held for at least one year
- Ability to drive a manual vehicle to transport people we support in their own vehicles
Other Information
Autism Initiatives is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery.
Registered Charity No: XR72211, NIC 104641.
Currently we are unable to provide sponsorship or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
To be considered for this role, apply through our careers page.
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Support Workers, West Belfast employer: Autism Initiatives
Contact Detail:
Autism Initiatives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Workers, West Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the values of Autism Initiatives, such as respect and empowerment. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, emphasize how your personal experiences align with these values.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in providing care or support, even if it's voluntary or personal. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work with individuals who have autism.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Since the role requires working unsocial hours and weekends, showing your willingness to adapt will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have a manual driving license, mention it! This is a key requirement for the role, and demonstrating your ability to drive the people you support can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Workers, West Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the responsibilities and the values of Autism Initiatives, such as respect, empowerment, and collaboration. This will help you tailor your application to align with their mission.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any working, voluntary, or personal experience you have in providing care and support. Be specific about your roles and how they relate to supporting individuals with autism.
State Your Availability: Clearly mention your availability and preferred shifts in your application form. This shows that you are flexible and willing to work according to the needs of the organization.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, make sure to proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Initiatives
✨Show Your Passion for Support Work
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting individuals with autism. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires working on a rota basis, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work unsocial hours, weekends, and various shifts. Highlight any previous experience you have with flexible working.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any working, voluntary, or personal experiences you have in providing care and support. Be specific about your roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Support Worker.
✨Emphasize Team Collaboration
Autism Initiatives values collaboration, so be ready to talk about your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles to achieve common goals.