At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in daily living, education, and leisure activities.
- Company: Join Autism Initiatives, a charity dedicated to empowering autistic people.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, health schemes, and employee support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in care/support and flexibility for varied shifts.
- Other info: Enjoy a culture of recognition and continuous learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
Salary: £13.11 per hour
Contract Type: Temporary
Hours: Relief
Job Reference Number: NI-RSW-DB230525
Job Location: N. Ireland
Job Area: Dundonald & Bangor Area
Closing Date: 30th April 2026
About This Role
We are seeking Relief 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 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.
- Wagestream financial planning and support App - enables you to access money earned before pay day, set up savings and more.
Essential Criteria:
- Working, voluntary 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.
Desirable Criteria:
- Must be able to drive a manual vehicle as there is a requirement to drive the people we support in their own vehicles.
*Please note that all interviews for this position will be conducted in person at our head office - Office 1 & 2, Linden House, Beechill Business Park, 96 Beechill Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 7QN*
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.
Benefits of working with us
In addition to excellent rates of pay, a contributory pension and generous holiday entitlements, 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. Full details of all staff benefits are available on our intranet once you start working with us as benefits may vary from role to role, but here’s a brief run-down of a few of them:
- Monthly staff cash prize draw
- Your birthday off work every year
- Medicash health scheme, providing cash towards medical costs, gym discounts and more
- Employee Assistance Programme - free support from experts on a wide range of subjects from childcare and probate, to managing money and work life balance.
- Additional paid holidays after 2 years' service
- Extra paid holidays in milestone service years
- Refer a friend scheme with cash rewards for helping us to find more great team members
- Cycle to Work scheme
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Continue to Application or Login/Register to apply button below.
Relief Support Workers, Dundonald & Bangor Area in Newtownabbey employer: Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Support Workers, Dundonald & Bangor Area in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Research Autism Initiatives and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews to show how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to support work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Relief Support Worker. We can help you with mock interviews if you need it!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Support Workers, Dundonald & Bangor Area in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting autistic individuals shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in care or support roles. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the specific needs of the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
✨Know the Values
Familiarise yourself with Autism Initiatives' core values: Autism-Focused, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, Collaboration, Commitment to Change, and Rights-based. Be ready to discuss how these values resonate with your own experiences and how you can embody them in your role as a Relief Support Worker.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work, voluntary roles, or personal experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide care and support. Highlight situations where you've helped others develop independence or access opportunities, as this aligns perfectly with the job requirements.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires working on a rota basis, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work unsocial hours and weekends. Show that you're adaptable and ready to take on various responsibilities within the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively. You might ask about the training opportunities or how the team collaborates to support individuals.