At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with autism in daily living and leisure activities.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to empowering autistic people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and unique perks like birthday off.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting individuals with autism and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 29300 - 29300 £ per year.
Salary: £14.17
Hours: Full Time
Job Reference Number: B 1548994DunSSW
Job Location: Dunmurry, Lisburn, United Kingdom
Closing Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
About This Role
We are seeking a Senior Support Worker 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
- 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:
- Six months experience supporting people with Autism, learning disabilities and associated conditions
- Be flexible to work according to the needs of our services
- NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment
- A full UK driving license for a manual vehicle, held for a minimum of one year
*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 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.
Below is an overview of some of the benefits you may be eligible for:
- Monthly staff cash prize draw
- Your birthday off work every year
- Medicash health scheme (including reimbursement for medical costs, gym discounts, and more)
- Employee Assistance Programme - free expert support on childcare, probate, money management, and work-life balance
- Additional paid holidays after 1, 2, and 3 years of service
- Extra paid holidays for milestone service years
- Financial wellbeing programme offering flexible access to pay
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Career break scheme
- Wagestream financial planning and support app - access earnings before payday, set up savings, and manage your finances
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.
Senior Support Worker employer: Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker
✨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 supporting individuals with autism. Think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and commitment to empowerment and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the role and the interview process, plus it shows your genuine interest in joining the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of the Autism Initiatives family.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with autism and supporting individuals. We want to see how your skills align with our values like empowerment and collaboration.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your past jobs; share specific examples of how you've made a difference in someone's life. We love hearing about real-life situations where you’ve demonstrated excellence in support work.
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 see why you’re a great fit for the Senior Support Worker role.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
✨Know Your Values
Familiarise yourself with the core values of Autism Initiatives, such as Respect and Empowerment. Be ready to discuss how these values resonate with your own experiences and how you can embody them in your role as a Senior Support Worker.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience supporting individuals with Autism and learning disabilities. Highlight situations where you've helped someone develop their independence or access education and leisure activities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle various situations that may arise while working with autistic individuals. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the support structure in place. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.