At a Glance
- Tasks: Support an active man with autism, promoting independence and encouraging his interests.
- Company: Join Discovery, a leading not-for-profit supporting autistic individuals across Somerset and Cornwall.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible shifts, 30 days annual leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Ongoing training provided, plus perks like high street discounts and a learn-to-drive scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, reliable, and motivated individuals; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: Bishops Lydeard, Taunton
Full time 37.5 hours
Full UK Manual Drivers licence required
About Discovery
Discovery supports autistic people and people with learning disabilities across Somerset and Cornwall, empowering individuals to live the life they choose. Rooted in the values of ambition, courage, integrity, partnership and respect, we focus on delivering high-quality, person-centred support that puts people and their families at the heart of every decision. As part of Dimensions—one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit providers with over 40 years of sector-leading experience—we champion greater choice, control and opportunity. Our vision is for people to live in safe, comfortable homes, shape their day-to-day routines, and access meaningful opportunities within their communities. We also support people to develop skills, gain confidence, and move into employment that suits their strengths and aspirations. From training to workplace coaching, we’re committed to helping every person thrive. Together, we’re building inclusive communities where everyone is valued, supported and empowered to live their best life.
About the role
This role is supporting a man in his 30s who lives with autism and complex needs. He is an active, fun-loving individual who communicates using flash cards and benefits from calm, confident support that promotes independence and dignity. He can display behaviours of distress at times, so you’ll need to be confident, patient and able to recognise what he is communicating beyond words. Support is about prompting rather than doing for him. For example, he will get himself into the shower but may need gentle encouragement and reassurance at different points throughout his routine. Building trust, understanding his communication style and being consistent are key to helping him feel safe and supported. He has a real love of being active and enjoys swimming, walking and potentially trampolining. Thursdays might see you heading out to Compass Disco, and Disney is a huge passion — from Mary Poppins to The Jungle Book, anything Disney brings him joy and connection. You’ll play a big role in helping him access these interests and live a full, meaningful life. Family is important to him, particularly his dad and brother, and maintaining these relationships is a valued part of his support.
Shift patterns: Long days 7am – 10pm, and alternate weekends.
Driver licence: Essential Manual drivers licence required.
About you
To thrive as a Support Worker in this home, you’ll be compassionate, reliable and genuinely motivated to make a positive difference. You don’t need previous social care experience – what matters most is having the right values, the confidence to learn, and a commitment to supporting people to live the life they choose. You’ll have strong communication skills and be able to build trusting relationships with the people you support, their families and your colleagues. Patience, empathy and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations are essential. You’ll also be proactive and observant, encouraging independence and supporting people to try new experiences at their own pace. Basic IT skills are important, as you’ll use digital systems for recording, training and team communication. We’ll support your development with ongoing training so you feel confident in your role. Above all, you’ll bring kindness, positivity and respect to every interaction, helping create a safe and supportive environment.
Rewards that make a difference
- A competitive payrate with uplift for overtime you chose to work
- Flexible shift patterns to suit your needs
- 30 days paid Annual Leave (including public holidays – pro rata)
- Opportunities for career progression
- Supported “Learn to Drive” scheme (up to 30 driving lessons, 1 theory/practical test – all paid for by us)
- We offer a salary advance scheme where you can access up to 50% of the money you’ve earned before payday.
- High Street Discounts – Retail and Entertainment (supermarkets, hospitality, pubs, cinema etc.)
- Life Assurance and Company Pension
- Industry leading training
- Enhanced DBS paid for by us
EEO statement
We welcome applications from everyone who has the right to work in the UK, and value diversity in our workforce.
Support Worker - Taunton employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
At Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering our staff and the individuals we support. Located in Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, we offer a vibrant work culture that values ambition, integrity, and respect, alongside comprehensive training and career progression opportunities. With competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a commitment to employee well-being, including a supported 'Learn to Drive' scheme and generous annual leave, we ensure our team members thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Taunton
✨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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd.
✨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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd!
✨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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd, 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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd 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 - Taunton
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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd! 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 Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨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.
