Part-time post with the M.R. Trust, a small team that manages a local authority direct payment to support one autistic man with a mild learning disability. Core work is social and emotional support on countryside walks, plus planning home activities such as cooking and gardening, with calm support during distress. The role includes 2:1 community support, a weekly sleep-in, some evening and weekend hours and a yearly holiday. Candidates need a full driving licence, their own vehicle and good physical fitness.
What the job involves
- Provide social, emotional and practical support on countryside walks and community outings, advocating for him and applying Mental Capacity Act and positive risk principles
- Drive the client and his support practitioner to activities, or navigate on car journeys, and use OS maps on walks
- Listen to and empathise with the client, supporting him to express his thoughts, feelings, needs and preferences
- Plan and run meaningful home activities such as cooking, gardening, literacy, computer use and home maintenance, building his independence
- Provide calm emotional support and trained physical intervention during distress, following M.R. Trust policy and risk plans
- Support him to manage anxiety using strategies from his Positive Behaviour Support Plan
- Provide 2:1 support in the community and 2:1 or 1:1 at home, according to assessed need and ongoing risk assessment, including the annual 7-night holiday
- Prepare individually tailored learning materials such as literacy worksheets and easy read recipes
- Plan weekly activities and outings with the client, family and team so his days are structured
- Offer new activities and social situations, using social stories and visual aids to build confidence
- Work with his family, care team and other professionals, following care plans to ensure consistent support
- Record and share important information across the team, attend training and supervision, and protect the confidentiality of the client and his family
What’s required
Experience
- At least 1 year's professional experience supporting or teaching people with autism, learning disabilities, brain injury or mental health conditions
- Experience supporting adults with behaviours of concern, including physically aggressive behaviours
- Knowledge and understanding of autism
Skills & knowledge
- Highly empathetic and emotionally aware
- Calm, sound judgement under pressure, including exposure to mild to moderate physical aggression
- Good organisation and forward planning
- Good listening, communication and team working skills
- Able to plan and run learning sessions in literacy, basic IT, carpentry, gardening or home maintenance
- Confident cooking and able to support new recipes
Checks & eligibility
- Full driving licence and access to own vehicle, willing to drive in towns and on motorways
Other
- Commitment to the values and aims of the M.R. Trust
- Willing to follow care plans and confidentiality procedures
- Willing to work regular hours including some evenings, weekends and a weekly sleep-in
- Physically fit to walk up to 4 miles at a brisk pace over hills and muddy ground
- Own smartphone, PC and email
- Intention to remain in post for at least two years
Nice to have
- Basic counselling skills
- Basic knowledge of data protection and safe information sharing
- Map reading and navigation skills, or ability to develop them
- Experience teaching or helping adults with learning disabilities
- Experience supporting people with autism
- Understanding of how emotional regulation and environmental factors contribute to distress
- Experience of providing emotional support
- RQF Level 3 qualification or above, ideally in Autism, PBS, Psychology, Teaching, Counselling or Social Care
What’s offered
- Extensive training
- Professional and wellbeing support
- Opportunities for professional development
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
