At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic children and young adults in community activities and build their confidence.
- Company: Freedom Care Group, a growing specialist support provider.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, ongoing training, and additional hours available.
- Other info: Join us in becoming the best support provider in the South of England!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Calm, patient individuals with a willingness to learn and a good understanding of autism.
The predicted salary is between 27255 - 31022 £ per year.
Support Workers / Mentors Needed – Autism, SEND & Community-Based Support in Portsmouth, Gosport, Havant, Fareham and surrounding areas.
Freedom Care Group is growing our specialist Autism, Learning Differences and SEND support teams. We are looking for caring, confident and reliable people who want to make a real difference to children, young people and families. This is varied, community-based work supporting autistic children, young people and young adults to build confidence, enjoy activities, develop independence and give families much-needed respite.
We currently have several new packages of work available, with more coming through. Current opportunities include:
- Fareham – 15-year-old autistic boy: Support for around six hours every other Saturday. His long-term foster carers are looking for respite support from someone who can build a positive relationship with him, take him out into the community and ideally enjoy activities such as fishing, outdoor time and other structured activities.
- Portsmouth / Gosport area – 19-year-old autistic young man living independently: Support for a 19-year-old who would benefit from mentoring and practical support around healthy eating, going to the gym, keeping on top of tasks and building confidence with everyday routines. Hours are currently Mondays, 5.30pm – 8.30pm and every other Wednesday, 5.30pm – 8.30pm.
- Havant – 19-year-old autistic young man with high support needs: Support for a young man who loves trains, buses, transport and structured outings. The role will involve planning and supporting short, predictable journeys and community activities before returning home. This package is flexible, likely to involve one or more sessions across Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, usually around 12.00pm – 5.00pm.
- Portsmouth – 9-year-old autistic/ADHD girl: Build a relationship with a 9-year-old girl after school, supporting her with fun community activities and helping her family work towards occasional overnight respite in the future. Initial hours are Monday, 3.25pm – 6.00pm and one other weekday, 3.25pm – 6.00pm.
- Portsmouth area – 9-year-old autistic/PDA boy: Mentor/education support worker for a 9-year-old boy with PDA traits. The package is for two sessions per week, around two hours per session, with flexible timings. This will involve relationship-based mentoring, support with engagement and gentle educational or developmental activities at the child’s pace.
About the role: This work would suit people who are calm, patient, emotionally resilient and able to build trusting relationships with children and young people who may need time, consistency and understanding. You may be supporting young people to access the community, develop independence, enjoy hobbies, regulate emotionally, build confidence, follow routines or give their families essential respite. A good understanding of autism, ADHD, PDA, learning differences, trauma-informed practice or SEND would be helpful, but the right values, attitude and willingness to learn are equally important.
About You:
- Be able to drive and have access to a car
- Have an Enhanced DBS, preferably on the Update Service
- Be reliable, consistent and committed
- Be confident working in the community
- Be able to follow care plans, behaviour support plans and risk assessments
- Be calm, nurturing and boundaried
- Understand the importance of safeguarding
- Be available for some evenings, weekends or after-school sessions, depending on the package
Why Join Freedom Care?
- Flexible working around existing commitments
- Meaningful and rewarding work
- Additional hours available across services
- Ongoing training and support
- Opportunity to work across multiple cases
We are ambitious about becoming the best support, care and education provider in the South of England— and we are looking for people who want to be part of that journey. If this is the role for you, please apply.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Support & Mentor - Flexible community roles in Portsmouth
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Freedomcaregroup, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Freedomcaregroup. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Freedomcaregroup's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Autism Support & Mentor - Flexible community roles in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Freedomcaregroup. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Freedomcaregroup.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedomcaregroup
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Freedomcaregroup.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Autism Support & Mentor - Flexible community roles at Freedomcaregroup.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Freedomcaregroup that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Autism Support & Mentor - Flexible community roles role.
