At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic adults in daily activities like shopping, swimming, and outings.
- Company: Join The Kent Autistic Trust, a leading provider of care for autistic individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, company sick pay, and discounts on retail and leisure.
- Other info: Immediate interviews available; flexible shifts and opportunities for overtime.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your compassion and a manual driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 25812 - 30000 £ per year.
You'll need a full UK manual driving licence to drive the people we support in their mobility vehicles.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 per week (average across a 3-week rota)
Fixed Rota
Earlies: 7am-4pm
Lates:4pm-10pm
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.
Newton Close is our newest residential service, currently supporting 5 male adults with autism. It is a detached building set over two levels with gardens surrounded by woodlands. The individuals participate in a wide range of activities within the community including swimming, bowling and rambles. In the service they love to take part in arts and crafts, cookery, and enjoy arranging special events.
The specialist staff team in situ are looking forward to welcoming a new colleague to their team and has suggested we let you know they love to socialize together at concerts and enjoy the odd panic room experience!
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.
You could earn £26,540 per year based on 35 hours per week including one sleep-in. 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.
Benefits We Offer you as a Support Worker:
We offer many benefits, which include some salary sacrifice arrangements, although some benefits are dependent on a minimum earnings threshold:
- 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
- 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.
Please find attached a copy of our Privacy Notice. Or a copy can be found on our website.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found or experiencing a high volume of applications.
Support Worker in Chatham employer: Kent Autistic Trust
Join The Kent Autistic Trust as a Support Worker and become part of a compassionate team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of autistic adults. Located in the vibrant community of Lordswood, our Newton Close facility offers a supportive work environment with excellent training opportunities, competitive salaries, and a strong commitment to employee well-being and development. With a focus on promoting independence and inclusion, we provide a fulfilling career path where no two days are the same, ensuring that you can grow both personally and professionally while enjoying a range of benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of autistic adults. Understanding their unique challenges and how to support them effectively will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in care or support roles during your interview. Even if it's informal, sharing personal stories can demonstrate your passion and suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenging behaviours. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully managed difficult situations, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for continuous learning and development. Mention any training or courses you've completed that relate to care work, as this aligns with KAT's commitment to ongoing staff development.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Support Worker. Emphasise any previous work with individuals with autism or similar needs, as well as your ability to handle challenging behaviours.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting autistic adults. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your compassion, problem-solving skills, and commitment to promoting independence and inclusion.
Highlight Relevant Training:If you have completed any training related to care, such as the Care Certificate or other relevant courses, be sure to mention these in your application. This shows your commitment to professional development and readiness for the role.
Showcase Soft Skills:In your application, highlight soft skills that are crucial for a Support Worker, such as empathy, patience, and communication. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles or situations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Autistic Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting autistic adults. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a career in care, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've had to think on your feet or handle challenging behaviours. Highlight your ability to remain calm and find effective solutions in difficult situations.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks of a Support Worker, such as assisting with personal care and promoting independence. This knowledge will show that you're serious about the position and understand what it entails.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the support provided to staff. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and grow within the role, which is highly valued by employers.
