Support Worker

Support Worker

Strood Full-Time 25812 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Kent Autistic Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Empower individuals with autism through practical and emotional support in a welcoming environment.
  • Company: Join Kent Autistic Trust, a highly-rated organisation dedicated to dignity and choice.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime opportunities, specialist training, and 28 days holiday.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive team culture.
  • Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and a passion for inclusion and support.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts with a friendly team that values connection and mutual support.

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 (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.

River Drive is a unique, purpose‑built service set across two floors, currently supporting four autistic adults. One individual lives independently within a supported living flat, while the other residents have their own rooms and share welcoming communal spaces. The people we support lead rich, active lives and enjoy a wide range of experiences including theatre trips, swimming at local pools, visits to wildlife parks to feed the ducks, and scenic drives to the coast to enjoy a cup of tea by the sea. We are passionate about supporting people to live meaningful, fulfilling lives filled with choice, enjoyment and independence.

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
  • 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 to 4pm, late shifts from 4pm to 10pm, and long days from 7am to 10pm. You could earn £25,812 per year based on 35 hours per week including one sleep‑in. By working 41 hours per week, you can earn around £29,844 per year, 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
  • Specialist training & development, including Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
  • 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
  • Long days: 7:00am – 10:00pm

Support Worker employer: The Kent Autistic Trust

Kent Autistic Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and empowerment of both its staff and the individuals they support. With a strong focus on teamwork, professional development, and a supportive culture, employees enjoy competitive salaries, specialist training, and a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances and employee assistance programmes. Located in Medway, the unique River Drive service offers a fulfilling work environment where Support Workers can make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic adults, fostering independence and joy in their daily activities.
The Kent Autistic Trust

Contact Detail:

The Kent Autistic Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Support Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Kent Autistic Trust and understand their values. When you show genuine interest in their mission during interviews, it’ll really set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! As a Support Worker, you'll need to connect with individuals who may have complex communication needs. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team culture, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at River Drive and making a difference in people’s lives.

We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker

Full UK manual driving licence
Emotional support
Personal care assistance
Medication management
Daily routine support
Choice empowerment
Activity facilitation
Domestic task support
Calm communication
Person-centred approach
Adaptability
Teamwork
Patience
Crisis management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting others shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this rewarding field. We want to see that you truly care about making a difference!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Support Worker. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, like your ability to support individuals with complex needs. This shows us you’ve done your homework!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so we can quickly see how you fit into our team.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so give it a go!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Kent Autistic Trust

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Support Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, like providing emotional support and helping individuals with personal care. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.

✨Showcase Your Empathy

During the interview, share examples of how you've supported others in challenging situations. Highlight your calmness under pressure and your ability to communicate effectively with individuals who may have complex needs. This is crucial for a role that focuses on dignity and inclusion.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some questions that reflect your interest in the team and the people you'll be supporting. For instance, ask about the types of activities the residents enjoy or how the team fosters a supportive environment. This shows you're keen to be part of their community.

✨Be Yourself

Authenticity goes a long way! Let your personality shine through during the interview. The team values kindness and patience, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for empowering others and making a difference in their lives.

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