At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with autism in daily living and leisure activities.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to empowering autistic people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and unique perks like birthday leave.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Six months experience supporting individuals with autism and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 14.17 - 14.17 £ per hour.
Salary: £14.17 per hour
Hours: Full Time
Job Reference Number: B 1603317CooSSW
Job Location: Cookstown, Cookstown, United Kingdom
Closing Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
About This Role
We are seeking a Senior Support Worker to join our team. You will work alongside people who use our services, supporting in a range of activities, including developing independence in daily living, accessing work/education and leisure activities. At Autism Initiatives we work alongside autistic people, providing specialist services tailored to each individual.
Our Values underpin every aspect of the organisation's culture and activities in NI: Autism-Focused, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, Collaboration, Commitment to Change and Rights-based.
Given the nature of the role, these positions are subject to an enhanced Access NI check for the successful applicants. The cost of which will be met by the organisation.
You will enjoy an enhanced range of benefits designed to reward the outstanding support that staff provide. Some of these benefits start immediately, whilst others are awarded at later dates in recognition of loyalty, dedication and long service:
- Competitive salary
- Employer pension scheme
- Enhanced company sick pay
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Access NI paid
- NISCC fee paid after two years service
- Generous paid annual leave
- Incremental increases to annual leave
- Paid bank and public holidays
- Birthday leave
- Option to buy and sell annual leave
- Long service awards
- Monthly staff cash prize draw
- Blue light discount card
- Employee Refer a Friend initiative
- Free Autism specific training
- Comprehensive induction training
- On the job learning
- Buddy/mentor for new staff
- Funded QCF development opportunities
- Continuous learning & development opportunities
- Line management support structure
- Regular 121 meetings
- Annual Performance review
- Culture of recognition
- 24/7 employee assistance programme (confidential counselling helpline) available from day one of employment
- Medicash health scheme, subject to eligibility
- Menopause support line as part of Medicash scheme
- Career break policy
- Cycle to work scheme
- Compassionate & Bereavement leave
- Wagestream financial planning and support App - enables you to access money earned before pay day, set up savings and more
Essential Criteria:
- Six months experience supporting people with Autism, learning disabilities and associated conditions
- Be flexible to work according to the needs of our services
- NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment
- A full UK driving licence
Please note that all interviews for this position will be conducted in person at our head office on Thursdays - Office 1 & 2, Linden House, Beechill Business Park, 96 Beechill Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 7QN.
Autism Initiatives are an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in employment and service delivery.
Currently we are unable to provide Sponsorship or take over Sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Benefits of working with us:
In addition to competitive pay rates, a contributory pension, and generous holiday entitlements, you'll have access to a range of additional benefits designed to recognise and reward the exceptional support our staff provide. Some benefits are available immediately, while others are awarded over time to recognise loyalty, dedication, and long service. Please note that benefits may vary by role, location, and length of service. Full details of your benefits package will be available once you join.
Below is an overview of some of the benefits you may be eligible for:
- Monthly staff cash prize draw
- Your birthday off work every year
- Medicash health scheme (including reimbursement for medical costs, gym discounts, and more)
- Employee Assistance Programme - free expert support on childcare, probate, money management, and work-life balance
- Additional paid holidays after 1, 2, and 3 years of service
- Extra paid holidays for milestone service years
- Financial wellbeing programme offering flexible access to pay
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Career break scheme
- Wagestream financial planning and support app - access earnings before payday, set up savings, and manage your finances
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page.
Senior Support Worker TLNT1_NI in Cookstown employer: IrishJobs
At Autism Initiatives, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and empowering work culture that prioritises the well-being of both our staff and the individuals we serve. Located in Cookstown, our team enjoys a competitive salary, generous benefits including enhanced sick pay and maternity leave, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while working in an environment that values respect, collaboration, and commitment to change. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic individuals while benefiting from a culture of recognition and continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker TLNT1_NI in Cookstown
✨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 IrishJobs.
✨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 IrishJobs!
✨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 IrishJobs, 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 IrishJobs 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 TLNT1_NI in Cookstown
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 IrishJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to IrishJobs! 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 IrishJobs
✨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.
