At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to empower individuals with autism and mental health needs.
- Company: Join Unicare, a leader in person-centred care and support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, specialist training, career progression, and supportive management.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; join a passionate team dedicated to improving lives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism and complex mental health is essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Help Someone Live Life on Their Own Terms. At Unicare Complex Care Specialist, we don't just provide care; we build trusted relationships that empower people to live meaningful, independent lives. We are seeking compassionate, emotionally resilient and highly skilled Specialist Support Workers to join a dedicated team supporting a young adult living independently within the community who presents with complex mental health needs, autism and behaviours of concern. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who values person-centred care and understands that trust, patience and consistency are fundamental to achieving positive outcomes.
About the Role
You will provide 1:1 specialist support to an individual living in their own home, helping them maintain independence while promoting emotional wellbeing, safety and community participation. This is not a traditional support worker role. It requires someone who can:
- Build a genuine therapeutic relationship
- Remain calm during periods of emotional distress
- Understand neurodiversity
- Work in a trauma-informed way
- Support emotional regulation without judgement
- Respect personal choice and autonomy
- Encourage independence rather than dependency
Every day will be different, and your approach must always be compassionate, flexible and person-led.
What You'll Be Doing
Your responsibilities may include:
- Providing specialist one-to-one community support.
- Building a trusting, consistent and positive relationship.
- Supporting emotional wellbeing using calm and therapeutic approaches.
- Using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies.
- Supporting emotional regulation through sensory-based and grounding techniques.
- Promoting independence with daily routines and household tasks.
- Supporting meal planning, healthy eating and hydration.
- Assisting with shopping and community access.
- Supporting attendance at appointments and meaningful activities.
- Encouraging hobbies, creativity and community participation.
- Respecting communication preferences and adapting your communication style accordingly.
- Prompting and supporting medication in line with care plans.
- Completing accurate electronic care records.
- Working collaboratively with clinicians, mental health professionals and the wider multidisciplinary team.
We're Looking For Someone Who Is
- Compassionate
- Calm under pressure
- Emotionally intelligent
- Patient and understanding
- Non-judgemental
- Creative and flexible
- Highly observant
- Consistent and reliable
- Passionate about improving lives
- Able to build trust over time
- Comfortable working independently
- Committed to safeguarding and professional practice
Experience We'd Love You To Have
- Experience supporting people living with:
- Autism Spectrum Condition
- Complex Mental Health
- Emotional Dysregulation
- Trauma
- Self-injurious behaviours
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- Trauma-informed care
- Neurodiversity
- Sensory processing differences
- Anxiety disorders
- Selective or situational mutism
- De-escalation techniques
- Crisis prevention
- Community-based support
- Experience with alternative communication methods, including written communication, visual prompts, gestures or technology-assisted communication, would be highly advantageous.
Personal Qualities
The successful applicant will:
- Respect personal boundaries and individual preferences.
- Be comfortable supporting someone who may communicate in different ways depending on their wellbeing.
- Be patient and adaptable when plans need to change.
- Value collaboration over control.
- Understand that consistency and trust are essential.
- Be able to remain professional during challenging situations.
- Demonstrate excellent observational and recording skills.
Desirable Interests
We are particularly interested in applicants who enjoy one or more of the following:
- Nature and outdoor activities
- Arts and crafts
- Creative projects
- Animal welfare
- Environmental sustainability
These interests may help foster meaningful engagement and shared activities.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate
- Induction
- Specialist training
- Ongoing CPD
- Positive Behaviour Support training
- Trauma-informed care training
- Autism specialist training
- Clinical supervision
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension Scheme
- Career progression opportunities
- Supportive management team
- Reward and recognition programme
- Company events
- Referral bonus scheme
Shift Patterns
We are recruiting across a variety of shifts including:
- Days
- Evenings
- Sleep-in shifts
- Weekends
- Bank
- Flexible working patterns may be available.
Essential Requirements
- Experience supporting people with complex mental health and/or autism.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm in emotionally challenging situations.
- Commitment to safeguarding and person-centred care.
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).
- Right to work in the UK.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential for this role.
Why Join Unicare?
At Unicare, you'll become part of a specialist organisation recognised for delivering high-quality, person-centred support to people with complex needs across Sussex. We invest heavily in our staff because exceptional support starts with exceptional people. You'll receive ongoing training, clinical guidance, regular supervision and the opportunity to develop specialist skills while making a genuine difference in someone's life every single day. If you are passionate about empowering people, believe in dignity, respect and person-centred support, and want to be part of an organisation that values quality above quantity, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Unicare Complex Care Specialist family.
Specialist Autism & Mental Health Support Worker UK Driving License in Surrey employer: Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
Unicare Complex Care Specialist is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Mental Health Support Workers across Sussex. With comprehensive training, flexible shift patterns, and a strong emphasis on employee growth, we empower our team to build meaningful relationships with those they support, ensuring a rewarding career in mental health care. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of individuals while enjoying the benefits of a compassionate and resilient community.
Contact Details:
Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Autism & Mental Health Support Worker UK Driving License in Surrey
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Autism & Mental Health Support Worker UK Driving License in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd:Take some time to research Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Unicare Complex Care Specialist Ltd's values and approach.
