At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic adults by assisting with personal care and encouraging enjoyable activities.
- Company: Join the National Autistic Society, dedicated to improving lives for autistic individuals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and discounts on shopping.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great career growth, and a chance to inspire others.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A caring attitude; experience with autism is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.
Join Us as a Support Worker
The National Autistic Society helps create a world that works for autistic people, and we have a rewarding opportunity for a Night Support Worker at Merlewood. If you share our values and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Service
Merlewood House in Great Harwood Lancashire, is a specialist residential service for autistic adults and additional learning disabilities or other complex needs. The people who live here receive expert support from our staff to enable them to live happy and fulfilled lives, to develop the skills that are most important to them and to access what they most enjoy in their local community.
About the Role
We are looking for caring and reliable Support Workers. Your role is to help people live their best lives by following their support plans and daily routines.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with personal care (bathing, dressing, eating)
- Encourage activities they enjoy (swimming, hiking, arts & crafts)
What We’re Looking For
- For you to inspire others with a positive attitude towards supporting vulnerable people
- Experience with autistic people is helpful but not essential
- Personal experience or a passion for helping others is welcome
This advert is for a part time position at 33.25 Hours per week. Your working pattern in this role will require flexibility to meet the needs of the people supported and their families and will include evening and weekend working. Possession of a driving licence (minimum one year) is preferred.
What we can offer you
- Pension – Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
- Annual Leave – 33 days (including public holidays). You can buy or sell leave each year.
- Training – Great induction and training, including autism training.
- Discounts – Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
- Healthcare – Cash plan for permanent staff.
- Life Assurance – 2x your base salary.
- Flexible Benefits – Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
- Support – 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
- Mindfulness – Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
- Blue Light Card – Eligibility for discounts.
- Extra Pay – Enhanced overtime, plus payments for sleep-in and on-call (if applicable to the role).
- Refer a Friend – Get £200 when you refer someone.
About our application process
When you write your supporting statement: Look at the job description and person specification. Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
We might close this job advert early if we get lots of suitable applications. To protect our autistic adults at the National Autistic Society, all staff are required to have a criminal background check. Possession of an Enhanced DBS Check either on the Update Service or conducted within the last 12 months would be preferable but not essential.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism. We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme. Agencies need not apply. Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas. The National Autistic Society may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist our recruitment team with reviewing applications for this role. All application decisions are made by people and are not determined automatically by AI.
Support worker- NIGHTS in Great Harwood employer: Autism
The National Autistic Society is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the individuals they serve. Located in Cardiff, this role provides meaningful opportunities for personal growth and development while making a real difference in the lives of autistic adults. With flexible part-time hours and a commitment to professional training, you will be empowered to thrive in your career while contributing to a vital cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support worker- NIGHTS in Great Harwood
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 Support worker- NIGHTS in Great Harwood
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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Autism! 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
✨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.
