Support worker FAQs
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You don’t always need previous experience in social care to apply. We look for people who share our values, compassion, patience, and willingness to learn. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.
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Every day is different depending on the people you support and the service you work in. You may support autistic adults with daily living tasks, personal care, finances, communication, going out, hobbies, attending appointments, cooking, or building independence and confidence.
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Shift patterns vary between services and roles as we operate supported living, residential and day services. They may include days, evenings, weekends, sleep-ins, waking nights or bank holidays. Specific shift patterns may be shown on the job advert or can be discussed at interview.
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Most roles involve working as part of a supportive team, although some shifts may involve lone working depending on the service and level of support required. Full guidance and support are always provided.
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Some people we support lead active lifestyles and enjoy getting out. Whether that’s walks, day trips, or pursuing their interests. Other people we support may need assistance with their mobility and daily tasks. You’ll be there to support them in what matters to them. Training and support are provided to help staff work safely and confidently.
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You will attend our Adult Services induction which includes sessions catered specifically towards supporting autistic adults and the framework of support we use, mandatory training, regular one to one sessions and ongoing support throughout your career with us from managers and colleagues. We want all staff to feel confident and supported in their role from day one.
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Yes. Many of our staff progress into senior support worker, specialist, management, training, or business support roles. We encourage continuous learning and development to help our people reach their full potential.
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Some roles require a driving licence, particularly if supporting people to go out, while others do not. Please check the individual job advert for requirements.
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Yes. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced criminal record check before starting employment, in line with safer recruitment practices.
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A good support worker takes a genuinely person-centred approach. Actively listening, building meaningful relationships, and helping the people we support to live the lives they choose. They focus on understanding each person’s needs, communicating in ways that work for the people we support, and encouraging independence at the right pace. They are thoughtful, proactive, and team-oriented, bringing ideas to improve everyday life while also being confident making decisions when needed. Above all, a good support worker combines compassion, strong communication, and a commitment to high-quality, respectful support.
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Alongside mandatory training, staff receive autism-specific training to help them better understand autistic people’s needs, communication styles, sensory differences, and support approaches.
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Benefits may include additional training and development opportunities in line with internal advancement and personal development, employee assistance support, life wellbeing resources, flexible benefit options such as enhanced pension, dental, holiday trading etc, online retail discounts blue light card and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.
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Many services offer a range of contracts including full-time, part-time, bank, and flexible working opportunities depending on the needs of the service and the people we support.
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A sleep-in shift involves sleeping overnight in the home of the person we support to provide help and assistance if needed. Details of sleep-in payments and expectations can be discussed at interview.
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This depends on successful completion of the pre-employment checks in line with Safer Recruitment guidelines such as references and criminal record check clearance, but we aim to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.
