At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a fun-loving man with autism, promoting his independence and dignity.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a positive difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible shifts, 30 days leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Ongoing training provided, plus perks like discounts and a driving scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying activities like swimming and Disney outings.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring kindness, patience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 41000 £ per year.
Salary: £14.93
Location: Bishops Lydeard, Taunton
Full time 37.5 hours
Full UK Manual drivers licence required
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.
Drivers 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.
We welcome applications from everyone who has the right to work in the UK and value diversity in our workforce. As Disability Confident Leaders, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. As part of our commitment to making reasonable adjustments we can offer support to complete your application. We now have British Sign Language (BSL) translated videos for all of our recruitment communications.
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
Support Worker - Taunton employer: Discovery UK
As a Support Worker in Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, you will join a compassionate and dedicated team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with complex needs. Our supportive work culture prioritises your professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, while our flexible shift patterns and generous benefits, including a 'Learn to Drive' scheme and high street discounts, ensure a rewarding work-life balance. We value diversity and inclusivity, fostering an environment where every employee can thrive and contribute to creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and the role inside out! Research their values and mission, especially how they support individuals with complex needs. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves building trust and understanding unique communication styles, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will boost your confidence and prepare you for real-life situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your personal experiences! Whether it’s volunteering, caring for a family member, or any relevant life experience, these stories can highlight your compassion and commitment to supporting others. We love hearing about what drives you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values right there. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a team that truly makes a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations and why you’re passionate about supporting others.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. Show us that you understand the role and how you can make a positive impact!
Showcase Your Values:We value compassion, patience, and reliability. Use your application to demonstrate these qualities through examples from your life or work experience. This will help us see how you fit into our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy, and we’ll get your application in front of the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Discovery UK
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a Support Worker entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the individual you'll be supporting, such as their communication style and interests. This will help you demonstrate your genuine motivation to make a positive difference.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
During the interview, highlight your patience, empathy, and ability to remain calm in challenging situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built trusting relationships or supported someone in need. This will show that you have the right values for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, especially those involving distress or communication challenges. Think about how you would encourage independence while providing support. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they support staff in building relationships with the individuals they care for. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
