Autism Support Worker

Do you want to make a difference to people’s lives? Then come and join us as an Autism Support Worker!

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: GBP23,241.92 per annum

Location: Retford

This is a job where you really will be making a difference to people’s lives. You’ll be supporting autistic people with a variety of activities that they enjoy and encouraging independent living skills. You’ll find this is a rewarding job, which promises variety as no two days are ever the same. You will be positively supporting people by providing holistic support including personal care, medication administration, integration into the local community and managing their anxieties, which they may communicate through distressing behaviour.

No experience is necessary, so don't worry if you don't think you know enough about how to support adults with autism. Full training is given. We are looking for someone who has the right attitude, who shares our values and who we can work with to develop their skills. If you have experience as a support worker, care assistant, nursery assistant, or personal care assistant or have worked in the NHS, health care or in social care, this position will be suited to you too.

We have full-time, part-time and casual relief positions available in the XXXXX area and is easily commutable by car from the surrounding areas. Our support is 24/7. The working pattern is on a rolling rota and includes a variety of shifts - early, lates, sleep-ins, weekends, bank holidays and flexible shift patterns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To ensure high standards of professional care and practice for service users are established and maintained, including providing appropriate attention to independent living, physical, cultural, social, learning, vocational aspiration, recreational and emotional needs.
• To ensure high standards of cleanliness across the setting, being mindful of IPC measures in the service you work.
• Adhere to developing positive working relationships with service users, families and team members, including the ability to know your own limitations and seek support when required.
• To familiarise with Autism East Midlands systems and processes in delivering high standards of care and support.
• To ensure all records that you maintain are up to date and are kept secure and confidential, adhering to general data protection regulations (GDPR).
• To liaise with families, the clinical team and external agencies in a professional manner and record appropriately within the bounds of confidentiality.
• To further develop an understanding of autism and implement in practice.
• To further develop an understanding of CALM and Positive Behaviour Support and embed within the service.
• To complete all elements of the Care Certificate and mandatory training.
• To access internal IT systems regularly and to log incidents on reporting systems.
• To ensure compliance with the service finance procedures.
• To work flexibly as required by the rota and the terms of your contract, and as directed by your manager.
• To effectively communicate within the team to ensure continuity of care is maintained.
• To develop an understanding of communication methods of those supported in the service.
• To work in a safe way, following individual support plans and risk assessments as well as company policies and procedures.
• To support service users with personal care when required.
• To provide support and assistance in line with individual support plans.
• To adhere to the Autism East Midlands Code of Conduct.

Please be aware, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who have restricted hours, and we are unable to offer sponsorships.

What we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (33 days)
• Occupational sick pay
• Extensive induction with autism specialist training
• Fully paid for Care Certificate, which is essential for those wanting to pursue a career in health and social care
• Paid job-related qualifications during employment
• Free initial DBS Check
• Employer pension scheme
• Friendly and supportive work environment
• Refer a friend scheme worth GBP500
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid maternity/paternity/adoption leave

We reserve the right to close the advert once sufficient applications have been received, therefore, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. Autism East Midlands is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from anyone interested in working with people with autism. We are also a Disability Confident Employer. If you meet the person specification criteria and are eligible for the Disability Confident scheme, we will guarantee you an interview just let us know in your covering letter or in your email when you send us your application form. Either way, don’t forget to tell us if you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme.

Autism East Midlands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. If you’re a successful applicant you will need an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check; this cost will be met by Autism East Midlands. The successful applicant will need to sign up to the annual DBS Update Service at a current cost of GBP13 per year. We require evidence to show your Right to Work in the UK (if applicable).