At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower individuals with autism through practical and emotional support in a homely environment.
- Company: Join Kent Autistic Trust, a highly-rated organisation dedicated to dignity and choice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime opportunities, 28 days holiday, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with regular catch-ups and strong connections.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling role.
- Qualifications: Full UK manual driving licence and a passion for inclusion and support.
The predicted salary is between 26540 - 30000 £ per year.
You'll need a full UK manual driving licence to drive the people we support in their mobility vehicles.
Contract: Fixed term until Oct 2026 or until the post holder returns
Hours: 35 per week (average across a 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.
Curlew Crescent is a residential service, currently supporting 6 male adults with autism. Curlew has a real homely feel with a large, shared area that the guys enjoy socialising together in. They also have their own rooms which are personalised to their own needs. Our residents participate in a wide range of activities, they enjoy group activities such as visiting theme parks, dinners out and even an evening out at a local nightclub. They also enjoy their own activities such as visiting local garden centres and going on walks in the local area.
The specialist staff team in situ are looking forward to welcoming a new colleague and have suggested we let you know that they are a lovely welcoming bunch of individuals who really enjoy each other's company which makes for a great team atmosphere.
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, and 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 £26,540 per year based on 35 hours per week including one sleep-in, 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
- 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
- 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.
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.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found or experiencing a high volume of applications.
Support Worker Fixed term in Strood employer: Kent Autistic Trust
At Kent Autistic Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of autistic adults and those with neurodevelopmental conditions. Our supportive team culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of employee benefits including staff discounts and an employee assistance programme. Located in Medway, our welcoming environment encourages meaningful connections and provides opportunities for engaging activities, ensuring that every day is rewarding and fulfilling for both our staff and the individuals we support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker Fixed term in Strood
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Kent Autistic Trust, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker Fixed term in Strood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Kent Autistic Trust. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Kent Autistic Trust. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Autistic Trust
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Kent Autistic Trust.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Support Worker Fixed term role at Kent Autistic Trust, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Kent Autistic Trust that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
