At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with autism in daily activities and promote independence.
- Company: Join Autism Initiatives, a charity dedicated to empowering people with autism.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Part-time weekend shifts available; training provided and enhanced sick pay offered.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in care/support is preferred; must be NISCC registered or willing to register.
We are seeking Part-Time Weekend 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, shown below, underpin every aspect of the organisation's culture and activities in NI:
- Autism-Focused
- Respect
- Excellence
- Empowerment
- Collaboration
- Commitment to Change
- Rights-based
Given the nature of the role, these positions are subject to an enhanced Access NI check for the successful applicants. The cost of which will be met by the organisation.
We have the following shifts available in our Dunmurry & Lambeg services:
- AM shifts: 07am – 14.30pm
- PM shifts: 14.30pm – 22.00pm
We have the following contracts available:
- 7.5 hours
- 10 hours
- 15 hours
Please state your availability and shift preference(s) on your application form.
You will enjoy an enhanced range of benefits designed to reward the outstanding support that staff provide. Some of these benefits start immediately, whilst others are awarded at later dates in recognition of loyalty, dedication and long service:
- Enhanced company sick pay.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
- Access NI paid.
- NISCC fee paid after two years service.
- Generous paid annual leave.
- Incremental increases to annual leave.
- Paid bank and public holidays.
- Birthday leave.
- Option to buy and sell annual leave.
- Long service awards.
- Monthly staff cash prize draw.
- Employee Refer a Friend initiative.
- Free Autism specific training.
- On the job learning.
- Buddy/mentor for new staff.
- Funded QCF development opportunities.
- Continuous learning & development opportunities.
- Line management support structure.
- Annual Performance review.
- Culture of recognition.
- 24/7 employee assistance programme (confidential counselling helpline) available from day one of employment.
- Offering free support from experts on a wide range of subjects from childcare and probate, to managing money and work life balance.
- Medicash health scheme, subject to eligibility.
- Menopause support line as part of Medicash scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Compassionate & Bereavement leave.
- Wagestream financial planning and support App – enables you to access money earned before pay day, set up savings and more.
Working, voluntary or personal knowledge of providing care and/or support.
NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment.
Be available for mandatory training at our Belfast Head Office, which takes place from Monday to Saturday.
Full UK Driving Licence for a manual vehicle held for at least one year.
Must be available to attend mandatory training on the following dates (if the candidate has no availability during the week):
- Keeping Adults Safe 26.07.25 10am-4pm
- Medication 29.07.25 6pm-9pm
- Epilepsy 12.08.25 6pm-9pm
Autism Initiatives are an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in employment and service delivery.
Currently we are unable to provide Sponsorship or take over Sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Thinking of joining Autism Initiatives? Read why our amazing staff teams are #ProudtoworkHere.
Weekend Support Workers, Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Autism Initiatives Group
At Autism Initiatives, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and empowering work culture that values respect, collaboration, and commitment to change. Our Newcastle location provides part-time Weekend Support Workers with generous benefits, including enhanced sick pay, paid training, and opportunities for continuous professional development, ensuring that our staff feel valued and supported in their roles. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with autism while enjoying a rewarding career with a focus on employee well-being and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Support Workers, Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Autism Initiatives Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Autism Initiatives Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Autism Initiatives Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Autism Initiatives Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Support Workers, Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Autism Initiatives Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Autism Initiatives Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Initiatives Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
