At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with autism and complex needs while leading a dedicated team.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at 8 The Cedars in Sunderland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and continuous training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in care and support, with leadership skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25642 - 25642 € per year.
We are looking to recruit a Senior Support Worker to join the established team in our beautiful residential service at 8 The Cedars, in Sunderland. We support 6 individuals in a wide age range, from early 20’s to mid-60’s.
It is desirable that applicants have experience in delivering outstanding care and support to adults with autism, learning disability and complex needs, and the ability to model best practice in all aspects of your work is essential. Experience of shift leading and supervising a team would be beneficial, as is a proactive approach to all matters relating to the delivery of an efficient and responsive service.
Contract: Full Time 37.5 hours per week | Salary: £25,642.50 | Annual Leave: 6 weeks (including bank holidays) increasing to 8 weeks.
Applications are welcomed from colleagues currently working as a Support Worker, or a Senior Support who may be interested in professional development in a different unit. You must have a positive, mature, and compassionate attitude, be an excellent role model and be willing to work in a supervisory capacity with colleagues.
You will have a defined role within the team, assisting the Registered Manager, Assistant Manager and Senior Support in managing all aspects of the running of a busy and vibrant house. You will have experience of working as part of a team and have confidence to work independently and on your own initiative at times.
Confidence in working in and supporting the staff team, to work within protocols and guidelines which are known to be effective for each individual, is essential. The successful candidate will be expected to be part of a senior on‑call rota for the service. You will be required to deputise for the manager and others in the senior team, in their absence.
Candidate should have good verbal, written and IT skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will need to be flexible, to suit the needs of the people you will be supporting. A qualification relevant to the role, or the willingness to work towards achieving one is required.
It will be necessary for you to demonstrate or develop an understanding of the role of CQC and the need for quality in our residential service.
ESPA offers all staff an excellent employment package which includes:
- Company Pension Scheme/Life Assurance
- Company sick pay scheme up to 3 months full pay
- Intensive Induction with continuous training and development
For more information please contact: Tracy Porter, Registered Manager, 0191 5679753 or email tracy.porter@espa.org.uk. Closing date for completed applications Friday 10th April 2026.
Senior Support Worker in Sunderland employer: Espa
At ESPA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment at our beautiful residential service in Sunderland. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our intensive induction programme and continuous training opportunities, ensuring that you can develop your skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with autism and complex needs. With generous benefits including a company pension scheme, life assurance, and an attractive annual leave package, joining our team means becoming part of a compassionate community dedicated to delivering outstanding care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at 8 The Cedars. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of autism and complex needs. We want you to show that you’re not just a great support worker but also someone who understands the unique challenges faced by the individuals we support.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you've led shifts or supervised teams before, be ready to share specific examples during your interview. We love hearing about how you’ve made a positive impact in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at 8 The Cedars.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with adults who have autism and complex needs. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Show Off Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a Senior Support Worker position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your shift leading and supervisory experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a team or led a project in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your written communication reflects your good verbal and IT skills. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Espa
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of the individuals you'll be supporting. Brush up on autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in providing outstanding care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a team, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in shift leading or team management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or handled challenging situations, demonstrating your proactive approach and ability to model best practices.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you would support your colleagues and ensure everyone is working within established protocols and guidelines.
✨Be Flexible and Positive
The job requires a flexible attitude, so be ready to discuss how you adapt to changing situations. Highlight your positive, mature, and compassionate approach to care, as these qualities are essential for the role. A good attitude can make a huge difference in the interview!
