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- Tasks: Support a vibrant young woman with complex needs in daily living and emotional support.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Unicare, focused on transformative care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the potential for personal growth and impactful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism, mental health, and strong boundary-setting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
We are looking for a confident, emotionally resilient and proactive Support Worker to support a young woman (Candice, known as Candy) with complex needs in a supported living setting. Candy is a vibrant and engaging individual who enjoys:
- Music, TikTok, and self-expression
- Shopping trips and planning her meals
- Community activities including animal visits and outings
- Building her independence and life skills
However, this is not a passive support role. You will be working with a client who presents with:
- Autism, ADHD, and borderline learning disability
- Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity
- History of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and behavioural escalation
- Periods of aggression, including physical violence towards staff
- Inappropriate sexualised behaviours and boundary-testing
This role requires someone who can balance compassion with firm boundaries and remain calm under pressure.
What You'll Be Doing
You will provide 1:1 structured support, focusing on:
- Behaviour & Emotional Support
- Using de-escalation and distraction techniques during incidents
- Supporting Candy through emotional distress and dysregulation
- Maintaining clear, consistent boundaries at all times
- Recognising early signs of escalation and acting proactively
- Daily Living & Independence
- Supporting with personal care (prompting, supervision)
- Cooking and meal planning
- Laundry and household tasks
- Encouraging independence through step-by-step guidance
- Community & Social Engagement
- Supporting safe access to the community (Candy cannot travel independently)
- Accompanying her to activities, shopping, and outings
- Building her confidence in public settings
- Risk Management
- Managing risks including self-harm (ligatures, head banging, scratching)
- Aggression towards staff
- Inappropriate sexual behaviours
- Poor risk awareness when excited or distracted
- Following safeguarding and escalation protocols at all times
Who This Role Is REALLY For
Let's be honest this role is not for everyone. You will thrive if you are:
- Emotionally tough - you don't take behaviour personally
- Calm under pressure - even when faced with aggression or distress
- Consistent - you don't bend boundaries to keep the peace
- Observant - you notice subtle changes in mood or behaviour
- Structured - you can guide routines and maintain stability
You will struggle if you:
- Avoid confrontation or difficult situations
- Take verbal or physical behaviour personally
- Prefer low-risk, routine care environments
Essential Requirements
- Female staff (service user preference and risk profile)
- Experience with Autism / Learning Disabilities
- Mental Health / EUPD / challenging behaviour
- Strong understanding of Safeguarding
- Behaviour support / PBS approaches
- Ability to remain professional and boundaried at all times
Desirable (But Not Essential)
- Experience with high-risk behaviours (self-harm, aggression)
- Training in de-escalation / PMVA / CPI
- Experience in supported living or complex care
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate + enhanced pay for complex packages
- Structured rota and consistent placement
- Ongoing specialist training (PBS, mental health, risk management)
- Strong clinical and management support
- Clear progression pathways within Unicare
Why This Role Matters
This isn't just about care it's about:
- Helping someone build independence safely
- Reducing crisis behaviours through the right support approach
- Creating stability where there has been disruption
Handled well, this placement becomes transformational. Handled poorly, it becomes high-risk very quickly.
If you believe you have the resilience, structure, and mindset required, we want to hear from you. Please email your CV or alternatively call 02082396877 and select the option for recruitment.
Support Worker Complex Needs (Female Only) in Caterham employer: Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
Contact Detail:
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker Complex Needs (Female Only) in Caterham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the organisation. Check out their website and social media to see how they interact with their community. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on your answers and body language.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples that highlight your ability to handle challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker Complex Needs (Female Only) in Caterham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting individuals with complex needs shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, especially with someone like Candy.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Tailor your application by highlighting specific skills and experiences that relate directly to the role. Mention your understanding of autism, ADHD, and emotional support techniques, as these are crucial for working effectively with Candy.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While it's important to maintain a professional tone, don’t shy away from being personable. Use examples that reflect your ability to balance compassion with firm boundaries, as this is key in supporting someone with Candy's needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
✨Know Your Client
Before the interview, take some time to understand Candy's needs and interests. Familiarise yourself with autism, ADHD, and emotional dysregulation. This will show your potential employer that you’re genuinely interested in providing tailored support.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenging situations. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you remained calm under pressure or successfully managed aggressive behaviour. This will highlight your emotional toughness and ability to maintain boundaries.
✨Showcase Your Structured Approach
Talk about your strategies for maintaining routines and stability. Discuss how you would implement step-by-step guidance for daily living tasks and how you plan to encourage independence while ensuring safety. This will demonstrate your structured mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the support strategies used. Inquire about the training provided for managing high-risk behaviours and how the team collaborates during challenging situations. This shows your commitment to professional development and teamwork.