Support Worker

SUPPORT WORKER MEDWAY (RIVER DRIVE)

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, and 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