At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with diverse needs in daily activities and promote their independence.
- Company: Join The Kent Autistic Trust, a leading provider of support for autistic individuals in Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid training, 28 days holiday, discounts, and opportunities for overtime.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a chance to grow within a caring community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: A manual driving license is essential; compassion and a positive attitude are key.
The predicted salary is between 25812 - 30000 £ per year.
Location
Ashford
Working Hours
35 hours per week (including 28 days per annum, 41 hours option available)
Job Reference
22/6/26BL
Closing Date
20-Jul-26
Support Worker Jobs with a difference
Manual Licence required
On average our starting salary for a support worker is £25,812 per year (based on a 35‑hour week and including one sleep‑in per week at £60 per night). Just working an additional 6 hours per week (41 hours) will allow you to earn £29,844 per year (including holiday allowance). Many of our experienced workers earn more than £30,000 per year with overtime.
The specialist staff team in situ are looking forward to welcoming a new colleague and they are friendly and eager to welcome you to the team. They enjoy team building activities such as the Lock‑in/Panic Room experience together.
If you are a positive, forward‑thinking, compassionate Specialist Support Worker, then we would love to hear from you.
We value every staff member and celebrate achievements through staff engagement opportunities.
Start making a difference and join our KAT family today!
Hours: 35 hours per week
Shift: 3‑week rolling rota including early, late and long days.
Location: Ashford
Training Provided
- Care Certificate (transferable evidenced certificate accepted)
- Company Induction
- KAT Foundation Training Award
- Specialist Pathway Training
- Health and Safety and Compliance Training
- On‑the‑job observation and assessments
Tasks / Responsibilities of a Support Worker
- Drive a mobility car or service vehicle – Manual Licence required (ESSENTIAL)
- Work with individuals who display stressed behaviours, mental health issues, self‑harm or harm to others, running away, throwing things, swearing, shouting and damaging property
- Support individuals within the community in activities such as bike rides, long walks and shopping
- Administer medication
- Assist individuals with personal care and hygiene
- Be confident and experienced in lone working
- Staff in CQC‑registered and Supported Living services are required to undertake sleep‑in shifts and receive an allowance, topped up to NLW
- Household management tasks including cooking and cleaning
- Uphold privacy, confidentiality and dignity
- Handle money for shopping and bank visits
- Work with and support individuals with additional needs such as epilepsy, pica, learning disabilities
- Form good working relationships with other staff across different services
- Ensure written records are correctly maintained
Qualities of a Specialist Support Worker
- Ability to think on your feet and problem‑solve
- Understanding of everyone’s abilities and support needs
- Promoting independence and choice
- Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
- Form good working relationships with other staff
- A commitment to continuous personal development and learning
Benefits We Offer
We offer many benefits, including salary sacrifice arrangements that may depend on a minimum earnings threshold.
- Paid DBS Check
- 28 days holiday, plus the option to buy 5 extra days 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
- Retail and leisure discount scheme that could save staff an average of £1,000 per year
- 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
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 autistic people and people with associated neuro‑developmental conditions. We provide residential homes, supported living accommodation, day resource services, respite and outreach services. With CQC rating all our services good and many outstanding, our care and support is consistently high quality.
Our Values and Commitment
KAT is committed to providing high quality supports designed around individual abilities, needs and choices, promoting independence and inclusion within communities and working in partnership with all relevant parties, especially the individuals themselves.
We seek Support Workers who value every person – the people we support, their families, carers and other staff – by respecting their priorities, needs, abilities and limits.
Support Worker in Ashford employer: Kent Autistic Trust
At the Kent Autistic Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values every staff member's contributions. Located in Ashford, our team enjoys competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and numerous benefits including generous holiday allowances, employee assistance programmes, and opportunities for personal growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with autism while being part of a dedicated family-oriented team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the individuals you will be supporting. Understanding autism and associated neurodevelopmental conditions can give you a significant edge in interviews, showing your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in care or support roles, especially if it involves working with individuals displaying challenging behaviours. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you promote independence and choice for those you support. Sharing specific examples from your past experiences can illustrate your understanding of these important values.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your approach to teamwork and building relationships with colleagues. The ability to collaborate effectively is crucial in this role, so showcasing your interpersonal skills will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Support Worker. Emphasise any previous roles where you supported individuals with additional needs or worked in challenging environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting others. Mention specific qualities that make you a good fit for the role, such as compassion, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to promoting independence.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:If you have any certifications related to care work, such as the Care Certificate or other relevant training, be sure to mention these in your application. This shows your commitment to professional development and readiness for the role.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:In your application, highlight soft skills that are crucial for a Support Worker, such as communication, empathy, and teamwork. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in past experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Autistic Trust
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Support Worker, empathy and compassion are key. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated these qualities, especially in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any previous roles or volunteer work that involved supporting individuals with additional needs. This could include personal care, administering medication, or engaging in community activities.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires quick thinking and the ability to handle stressful behaviours. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you successfully resolved conflicts or managed difficult situations.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Kent Autistic Trust's mission and values. Show how your personal values align with theirs, particularly in promoting independence and inclusion for those you support.
