At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate care and support to children with learning disabilities in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Autonomy Plus, a leader in high-quality care for children and young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension plans, training opportunities, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and long-service rewards await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with additional needs and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23850 - 29150 £ per year.
About Autonomy Plus
Autonomy Plus is dedicated to providing high-quality care and support for children and young people with learning disabilities. Our residential homes provide a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can thrive, develop independence, and reach their full potential. We are committed to delivering person-centred, trauma-informed care, ensuring that every child's experiences and needs are understood, respected, and supported in a compassionate way.
A valid UK driving license is required for this role. Due to regulatory requirements, we are unable to accept applications from people under the age of 20. (Exempt under the Equalities Act 2010, Schedule 9 part 1)
Join us at Autonomy Plus and contribute to a team that values your expertise and passion for care. We offer rewarding opportunities to grow while making a real difference in people's lives.
Hours
We operate a shift-based rota including weekdays, weekends, school holidays, and night shifts. Shift Times: 7:00am – 11:00pm Sleep in where necessary 40 hour contract.
We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Senior Support Worker to join our team in a children's residential home near Chippenham, supporting children and young people with learning disabilities. Our home uses trauma-informed care, ensuring that all children feel safe, understood, and supported in an environment that acknowledges and responds to their past experiences. The children may display behaviours that challenge, and you will be trained and supported to respond in a positive, safe, and constructive way.
This role involves providing high-quality care in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can develop independence, confidence, and life skills. In this role, you will help oversee the day-to-day running of the home, provide high-quality care, and support the development of the wider staff team using trauma-informed approaches to create a safe and supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality care and support tailored to the individual needs of each child or young person, using trauma-informed practices.
- Support the implementation of person-centred care plans and behaviour support strategies.
- Act as a positive role model for support workers and assist with mentoring and supervising staff, promoting trauma-aware approaches in daily practice.
- Support the management team with the day-to-day operations of the home.
- Promote independence, life skills, and positive outcomes for the children and young people.
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation in line with company policies and regulatory standards.
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are always followed and that the welfare of the children remains the highest priority.
- Work collaboratively with families, social workers, and other professionals to deliver trauma-informed care.
- Support children with daily routines, activities, education, and community engagement in a safe, understanding, and responsive manner.
Requirements
- Experience working with children or young people with learning disabilities, autism, or additional needs.
- Previous experience in a residential care setting is desirable.
- Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce / Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it).
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm and resilient in challenging situations.
- A genuine passion for supporting children and helping them achieve positive outcomes through trauma-informed care.
- Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins.
Enjoy hassle-free parking at our premises with no additional cost. Join our team and secure your future with our solid company pension plan to support your long-term goals. Grow with us and explore career opportunities that align with your ambitions. Continue to develop your skills with worthwhile training opportunities that help you shine. Employee welfare and wellbeing initiatives. Employee referral bonus where you can earn up to £300 when you recommend someone who joins the team. Opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives — a truly meaningful role. Access to Blue Light Card discounts, giving you savings on shopping, travel, entertainment and more. Confidential 24/7 Support Line — Access professional advice and emotional support whenever you need it. ‘Good' grading OFSTED bonus £125 per inspection. £250 for an ‘Outstanding' rating. Comprehensive induction programme including face-to-face training, online modules, shadowing, and local induction period. Long-service rewards to celebrate your commitment: 5 Years: £100, 10 Years: £250, 15 Years: £500, 20 Years: £1000.
Safeguarding Statement
Autonomy Care Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities and want to be part of a supportive, trauma-aware team, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Support Worker employer: Autonomy Care Group Limited
Autonomy Care Group Limited is an attractive employer due to its commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture. Employees can engage in meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of residents with complex needs. The company fosters a collaborative environment where staff are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles.
Contact Details:
Autonomy Care Group Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker
✨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 Autonomy Care Group Limited.
✨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 Autonomy Care Group Limited!
✨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 Autonomy Care Group Limited, 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 Autonomy Care Group Limited 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 Senior Support Worker
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 Autonomy Care Group Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Autonomy Care Group Limited! 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 Autonomy Care Group Limited
✨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.