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
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Special People.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Special People!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Special People, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Special People or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Special People:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Special People! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Special People
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
