At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower individuals with autism through practical and emotional support in a vibrant community.
- Company: Join Kent Autistic Trust, a leading organisation dedicated to inclusion and dignity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime opportunities, 28 days holiday, and specialist training.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, regular team catch-ups, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and a passion for supporting individuals with diverse needs.
The predicted salary is between 25812 - 30000 £ per year.
You will need a full UK manual driving licence to drive the people we support in their mobility vehicles.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 per week (3-week rota)
Are you looking for a genuinely rewarding role where your work truly matters? Join Kent Autistic Trust, an organisation with services rated Good or Outstanding, and be part of a team that puts people, choice, and dignity first. Our Support Workers don’t just support; they empower.
River Drive is a unique, purpose-built service set across two floors, currently supporting four autistic adults. One individual lives independently within a supported living flat, while the other residents have their own rooms and share welcoming communal spaces. The people we support lead rich, active lives and enjoy a wide range of experiences including theatre trips, swimming at local pools, visits to wildlife parks to feed the ducks, and scenic drives to the coast to enjoy a cup of tea by the sea.
We are passionate about supporting people to live meaningful, fulfilling lives filled with choice, enjoyment, and independence. We are looking for a Specialist Support Worker who truly believes that everyone has the right to be involved in all aspects of their own life. In this role, you will:
- Provide practical and emotional support tailored to each individual
- Support with personal care, medication, and daily routines
- Encourage and empower people to make choices and take an active role in their lives
- Support individuals to access activities they enjoy
- Help maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming home through shared domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning
Some individuals may communicate through behaviour, particularly during times of anxiety or sensory overload, and you will use calm, consistent, person-centred approaches to understand and respond compassionately to each person's needs.
You will work on a rota basis which includes early shifts from 7am-4pm, late shifts from 4pm-10pm, and long days from 7am-10pm. You could earn £25,812 per year based on 35 hours per week including one sleep-in. By working 41 hours per week, you can earn around £29,844 per year, and many experienced Support Workers earn over £30,000 per year through overtime.
You will be joining an experienced and welcoming specialist staff team who value teamwork, mutual support, and strong connections. The team enjoy regular coffee catch-ups to reflect, unwind, and support one another, and are looking forward to welcoming a new colleague.
If you are kind, patient, calm under pressure, and passionate about inclusion, dignity, and choice, and you believe everyone deserves a life full of connection, purpose, and joy, we would love to hear from you.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary with overtime opportunities
- Specialist training & development, including Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- 28 days holiday plus the option to buy more
- Pension, sick pay, staff discounts, employee assistance programme
- Friendly, supportive team culture
- Refer a friend scheme
- Fully paid enhanced DBS
Key Requirements:
- Manual UK driving licence essential; confident driving mobility vehicles/people carriers
- Right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
- Ability to confidently and consistently support individuals who may experience emotional distress, heightened anxiety, or difficulty regulating their behaviour
- Clear, calm, and adaptable communication style to meet the needs of individuals with complex communication profiles
Working Pattern:
This role includes all shift types as part of a 3-week Rota, including:
- Early shifts: 7:00am — 4:00pm
- Late shifts: 4:00pm — 10:00pm
- Long days: 7:00am — 10:00pm
- Sleep-ins: Required as part of the Rota (paid at £60 per night)
- Weekend working is also required on a rotational basis
About the Trust:
Supporting over 80 people in Medway and across Kent, The Kent Autistic Trust provides a wide range of services designed to meet diverse needs of the people we support with autism, mental health issues, learning disabilities and related difficulties. We provide residential homes, supported living accommodation, day resource services, respite, and outreach services. Ensuring the voice of those we support is actively listened to, working for us often means that no two days are the same, but the care and support we give is of consistently high quality, with CQC rating all our services good, and many outstanding.
Benefits We Offer you as a Support Worker:
- Paid DBS Check
- 28 days holiday, plus option to buy 5 extra days pa (Pro Rata for Part Time Positions)
- Company Sick Pay after 12 months service
- Death in Service Benefits
- Some meals provided, depending on shifts
- Long Service and Contribution Recognition Awards
- Pension (after 3 months)
- Employee Assistance Programme, with counselling services
- Significant Retail and Leisure Discount Scheme that could save staff an average of £1,000 pa
- Discounted Gym Membership
- Financial Well-being Scheme (loans and savings)
- Additional Sleep In Shifts may be available
- Opportunities to pick up additional voluntary casual shifts at enhanced rates
- Superb paid training
- Regulated Care Qualification Sponsorship
- Recruitment Incentive for Staff Introductions
Our Values and Commitment:
KAT is committed to providing high quality supports designed around individual abilities, needs and choices. KAT is committed to promoting independence and inclusion within communities. KAT believes everyone is able to make their own individual contribution. KAT seeks to work in partnership with all relevant parties but in particular with the individual themselves. We seek Support Workers who really value every person, whether it’s the people we support, their families, carers, or other staff by respecting their priorities, needs, abilities and limits. We hope you are one of them!
We do not accept applications made via agencies for Support Workers.
Support Worker in Strood employer: Kent Autistic Trust
Kent Autistic Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while providing meaningful support to individuals with autism. With a strong focus on teamwork, professional growth through specialist training, and a supportive work culture, employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of benefits that enhance their work-life balance. Located in Medway, the Trust fosters a community-oriented environment where every team member is valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of those they support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Strood
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Kent Autistic Trust and understand their values. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Support Worker, you'll need to adapt your style to meet the needs of individuals. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence in handling different situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the role and the team culture. They might share valuable insights that can help you stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our amazing team at River Drive and supporting those we care for.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Strood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting others shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives, especially those with autism and other needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Support Worker. Mention specific examples of how you've empowered individuals or supported them through challenging times.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget 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 helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Autistic Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Support Worker and the specific needs of the individuals you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with the values of Kent Autistic Trust, especially their commitment to dignity, choice, and empowerment.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, share examples from your past experiences that highlight your patience and ability to handle emotional distress. Use specific situations where you successfully supported someone in need, demonstrating your calm and adaptable communication style.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would respond to challenging behaviours or situations. Prepare by thinking through various scenarios and how you would apply person-centred approaches to support individuals effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team culture, training opportunities, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
