At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to a young person with autism in their home and community.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and career progression in a friendly environment.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with ongoing support from a committed leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while respecting cultural practices and supporting independence.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism and understanding of Jewish customs is essential.
The predicted salary is between 15.5 - 15.5 £ per hour.
We are looking for a calm, reliable and experienced Support Worker to provide 1:1 support to a young person with autism, global developmental delay and ADHD. The role involves providing support within the family home and local community. We are particularly interested in applicants who have previous experience working with children or young people with autism and behavioural support needs, as well as experience supporting individuals or families within the Jewish community. An understanding of Orthodox Jewish customs, kosher dietary requirements and the importance of respecting family and religious practices is important for this placement.
Location: NW11, London
Shifts: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30pm–9:30pm, occasional weekend support
Pay/Rate: £14.80 – £15.50 per hour (varies by assignment and experience)
Key Responsibilities
- Provide consistent 1:1 support within the family home and local community
- Maintain close supervision and support the young person to remain safe
- Build a trusting and positive relationship using a calm, patient and unpressured approach
- Support communication using gestures, Makaton, visual supports and picture/symbol communication tools
- Recognise signs of anxiety, distress or frustration and use appropriate de-escalation and redirection techniques
- Use preferred activities, particularly music and sensory activities, to encourage engagement and emotional regulation
- Support community access and activities while maintaining appropriate safety awareness
- Provide support with personal care, including dressing, bathing and toileting
- Encourage independence with everyday routines at the young person's own pace
- Follow the family's kosher dietary requirements and household practices
- Work closely with parents and follow agreed care plans, risk assessments and family guidance
- Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding standards
- Record and report any concerns, incidents or changes appropriately
Benefits
- Enhanced bank holiday rate
- Full training and development opportunities
- Ongoing support from a friendly, committed leadership team
- Professional development and industry-leading training
- Supportive and inclusive team environment
- Career progression opportunities
- Pension scheme
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience supporting children or young people with autism and/or learning disabilities
- Experience supporting individuals with behaviours that may challenge
- Previous experience working with individuals or families within the Jewish community
- Good understanding of Jewish customs and the ability to respect Orthodox Jewish household practices
- Understanding of kosher dietary requirements, or willingness to follow clear family guidance
- Ability to provide relevant professional references relating to previous care/support experience
- Calm, patient and emotionally aware approach
- Ability to work in a relationship-led and person-centred way
- Confidence supporting a young person who communicates primarily through non-verbal communication, gestures and visual supports
- Ability to recognise distress and use calm redirection and de-escalation strategies
- Comfortable providing personal care
- Reliable, consistent and able to build trust gradually
- Good safeguarding awareness and professional boundaries
- Ability to work independently while following care plans and risk assessments
Desirable
- Experience using Makaton or other visual communication systems
- Experience supporting young people with limited danger awareness
- Experience supporting community activities and developing independence
- Knowledge of sensory needs and sensory-based activities
All offers are subject to Enhanced DBS checking, satisfactory references, right-to-work checks and completion of the required recruitment and training process. Special People Ltd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Support Worker - Autism & Jewish Community Experience in London employer: Special People
At Special People Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both our clients and staff. Our commitment to professional development is evident through comprehensive training opportunities and ongoing support from a dedicated leadership team, ensuring that you can grow in your role as a Care & Support Worker. Located in West London, this position not only provides competitive pay but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while working flexible hours that fit around your life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Autism & Jewish Community Experience in London
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Special People, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Special People. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Special People's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Autism & Jewish Community Experience in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Special People. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Special People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Special People
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Special People.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Support Worker - Autism & Jewish Community Experience at Special People.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Special People that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker - Autism & Jewish Community Experience role.
