At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic adults with daily activities and emotional care in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join Kent Autistic Trust, a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, specialist training, 28 days holiday, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while enjoying diverse and rewarding experiences.
- Qualifications: Empathy, adaptability, and a calm communication style are essential for this role.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for overtime and career development.
The predicted salary is between 25812 - 28912 £ per year.
Overview
SUPPORT WORKER JOBS WITH A DIFFERENCE – WE CAN NOT OFFER SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE.
Be part of an amazing expanding support team. Immediate interviews available for new to care and experienced staff in Kent. Supporting autistic adults with their day to day needs and a wide range of activities including visiting theme parks, swimming, walking and shopping.
Excellent specialist training provided.
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, i.e., 41 hours, will allow you to earn £29,844 per year (including holiday allowance). Indeed, our Support Workers can earn significantly higher salaries by picking up overtime, with many of our experienced workers earning more than £30,000 per year.
Start making a difference and join our KAT family today!
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
- Early shifts: 7:00am – 4:00pm
- Late shifts: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
- Long days: 7:00am – 10:00pm
- Sleep‑ins: Required as part of the rota (paid at £60 per night)
- Weekend working is also required on a rotational basis
Hours & Location
HOURS: 35 hours a week
SHIFTS: Early 7am‑4pm, Late 4pm‑10pm, Long days 7am‑10pm.
LOCATION: Newton Close.
About the Service
Welcome to Newton Close, The Kent Autistic Trust\’s newest supported living development. Nestled in a prime location in Lordswood, this beautifully redeveloped site offers easy access to local amenities. Newton Close features five high‑spec, modern flats designed to meet the unique needs of autistic adults.
Newton Close is part of a supported living cluster that includes another site in Chatham. This cluster is overseen by an experienced and dedicated manager from The Kent Autistic Trust (KAT). Several residential staff members who have previously supported our tenants have transitioned to this new development.
This is a permanent position working for a very well‑established autistic care provider. Very interesting and varied role with a scope for progression.
KAT provides practical and emotional support to ensure the adults we care for enjoy active lives in the community. We support individuals on a 1:1 basis with complex needs, including physical and learning disabilities.
Training Provided
- Care Certificate (can accept transferable evidenced certificate)
- Company Induction
- KAT Foundation Training Award
- Specialist Pathway Training
- Health and Safety and Compliance Training
- On‑the‑job observation and assessments
Benefits Offered
- 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
- Paid DBS Check
- Company Sick Pay after 12 months service
- Death in Service Benefits
- Some meals provided, depending on shifts
- Long Service and Contribution Recognition Awards
- Pension (after 3 months)
- Employee Assistance Programme, with counselling services
- Significant Retail and Leisure Discount Scheme that could save staff an average of £1,000 pa
- 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
- Regulated Care Qualification Sponsorship
- Recruitment Incentive for Staff Introductions
Values and Commitment
KAT is committed to providing high quality supports designed around individual abilities, needs and choices. KAT is committed to promoting independence and inclusion within communities. KAT believes everyone is able to make their own individual contribution. KAT seeks to work in partnership with all relevant parties but in particular with the individual themselves.
We hope you are one of them!
Application Process
We do not accept applications made via agencies for Support Workers.
Please find attached a copy of our Privacy Notice. Or a copy can be found on our website.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found or experiencing a high volume of applications.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Support Worker employer: 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 culture! Before your interview, check out Kent Autistic Trust's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your experiences align with the role of a Support Worker. Use examples that highlight your compassion, adaptability, and ability to handle challenging situations—these are key traits they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is right for you. Ask about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they support staff wellbeing—it’s all about finding the right fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting others shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of autistic adults and those with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in support work or similar roles. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission, so don’t be shy about sharing specific examples of your skills and experiences.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since you'll need to adapt your style to meet the needs of individuals with complex communication profiles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kent Autistic Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of autistic adults and how to provide emotional and practical support. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, highlight your caring nature and ability to remain calm under pressure. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals in distress or helped them navigate challenging situations. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to person-centred care. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing anxiety or communication difficulties. Practising these responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team culture, training opportunities, or the types of activities you'll be involved in. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.