At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in daily activities, promoting independence and access to work/education.
- Company: Join a leading charity focused on empowering autistic individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and unique perks like birthday leave and cash prize draws.
- Other info: Flexible hours, ongoing training, and a culture of recognition await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in care/support and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
We are seeking Full-time & Part-time Support Workers to join our team in Community Services Belfast (Primarily supporting Outreach services however working across Community Services also). 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 autistic people, 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 and 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. 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:
- Competitive salary.
- Employer pension scheme.
- 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.
- 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 121 meetings.
- Annual Performance review.
- Culture of recognition.
- 24/7 employee assistance programme (confidential counselling helpline) available from day one of employment.
- Medicash health scheme, subject to eligibility.
- Menopause support line as part of Medicash scheme.
- Career break policy.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Compassionate & Bereavement leave.
Essential Criteria:
- Working, voluntary and or personal knowledge of providing care and/or support.
- Be flexible to work on a rota basis that includes job rotation in various services, unsocial hours and weekends.
- NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment.
- Full UK Driving Licence for a manual vehicle held for at least one year.
- Must be able to drive a manual vehicle as there is a requirement to drive the people we support in their own vehicles.
- An interest in outdoor/indoor Activities is essential, as Activities will include Long Walks, including Nature Walks and occasional up-hill walks: Up to three times per week. Up to a maximum distance of 12 Kilometres per walk (the distance may vary depending on the Person supported). The successful applicant would be expected to keep pace.
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. Please ensure that you have the right to work in the UK or a valid working permit. Your previous employment: we will require confirmation of the past five years of your employment history. Relevant qualifications to the role (for some roles qualifications are not essential as full training will be given. Please check the essential criteria). A minimum of two reference contact details, one of which must be your current/most recent employer.
In addition to competitive pay rates, a contributory pension, and generous holiday entitlements, you'll have access to a range of additional benefits designed to recognise and reward the exceptional support our staff provide. Some benefits are available immediately, while others are awarded over time to recognise loyalty, dedication, and long service. Please note that benefits may vary by role, location, and length of service. Full details of your benefits package will be available once you join.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
Full-time & Part-time Support Workers in Lisburn employer: Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
At Autism Initiatives, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and empowering work culture that prioritises the well-being of both our staff and the individuals we serve. Located in Cookstown, our team enjoys competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a range of benefits that recognise dedication and long service, all while working in an environment that values respect, collaboration, and commitment to change. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic individuals while advancing your career in a rewarding and fulfilling role.
Contact Details:
Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Full-time & Part-time Support Workers in Lisburn
✨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 Northern Ireland.
✨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 Northern Ireland!
✨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 Northern Ireland, 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 Northern Ireland 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 Full-time & Part-time Support Workers in Lisburn
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 Northern Ireland:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland! 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 Northern Ireland
✨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.
