At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in daily living, education, and leisure activities during waking night shifts.
- Company: Join Autism Initiatives, a charity dedicated to empowering autistic individuals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health schemes, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a culture of recognition and continuous learning with excellent career growth potential.
- 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 flexibility for varied shift patterns required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 € per year.
Salary: £13.11
Hours: Full Time
Job Reference Number: B NewSWWN
Job Location: Newcastle, County Down, United Kingdom
Closing Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
About This Role
We are seeking a Full-Time Waking Night Support Worker (37.5hrs) 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:
- Full UK Driving Licence for a manual vehicle held for at least one year.
- *due to the rural location of some Lisburn services, access to reliable transport is essential, as there is no public transport links*
Waking Night Shift Time: 8.30pm - 8am
*Please note that all interviews for this position will be conducted in person at our head office on Tuesdays - 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.
Support Worker - Waking Nights JBLE1_NI employer: Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
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 a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic individuals while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a strong emphasis on employee well-being. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that celebrates diversity and fosters continuous growth.
Contact Detail:
Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Waking Nights JBLE1_NI
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Autism Initiatives' values and think about how your experiences align with them. This will help you show that you're not just a good fit for the role, but also for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how you can demonstrate your experience in providing care and support, especially in a waking night setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! Even though it’s a support worker role, looking smart and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you’re serious about the position and respect the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Waking Nights JBLE1_NI
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 submit your application via our careers page! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role.
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 Support Worker.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work, voluntary, or personal experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide care and support. Highlight situations where you've helped someone develop independence or access education and leisure activities, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires working on a rota basis, including unsocial hours, be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility. Share any previous experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or worked during unconventional hours, as this will illustrate your commitment to the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the training opportunities available, the support structure for new staff, or how the team collaborates to empower individuals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
