AL1 | SEN Support Worker

Snap Care; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A support care organization is seeking a compassionate and resilient Support Worker to assist a young man with mental health challenges in Hatching Green, UK. This rewarding part-time role focuses on supporting independence through trust-building and structured activities. The ideal candidate will have driving skills, empathy, and the ability to foster a supportive environment. Offering £22/hour, this role includes flexible hours and potential for additional contact time.

Qualifications

• Experience as a support worker with young adults.
• Confident driver, preferably with own vehicle.
• Knowledge of mental health and autistic spectrum conditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to Sam in his own home.
• Assist with daily dog walks and pet care.
• Manage Sam's appointments and payroll.

Skills

Confident supporting individuals with mental health challenges

Driving skills

Empathy

Calm and proactive

Job description

Support Worker in St Albans, AL1. A fantastic part‑time position available for an experienced SEN professional to support a bright young man with a great sense of humour who has a diagnosis of PDA, Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and ADHD. £22.00 Gross Per Hour

• Nearest Station: St Albans City station is a 5 min walk
• Salary/Wage: £22.00 Gross Per Hour
• Driving Requirements: Yes – automatic car can be provided, or mileage paid if using own car on duty
  Essential: Confident supporting a young adult with mental health challenges and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). A confident driver who is happy to drive long distances. Desirable: Mental health training and knowledge of PDA
  *This role is open to female applicants only
• Start Date: ASAP
• Days & Hours: 15 hours a week, which would ideally include
  Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.00pm to 8.00pm. Plus 5 hours of flexible additional contact time or admin support per week.
  Additional hours might be available, but this is TBC and optional, e.g. to cover main support workers holidays or medical appointments.
• Pets in Home: Miniature poodle & two indoor cats
• Recruiter Contact: Rachael [e-mail]

About the Client/Child

Sam (18) is a bright, articulate, and talented young man with a passion for wildlife photography, nature, Lego, and animals. Sam has been living on his own for the 2 years, enjoying his own space and autonomy, with some support in place to help him maintain his independence. He has a great sense of humour but also experiences intense emotions and periods of low mood. Diagnosed with PDA, ASC, and ADHD, his biggest challenges stem from anxiety, depression, and difficulties managing demands. Sam is hypersensitive and finds it hard when he feels a lack of control. He likes to be busy but also needs quiet time. The same struggles to self‑occupy and so coming up with ideas for activities to get him out of the house is key.

The Role at a Glance

As Sam’s Support Worker, you will provide 1:1 support to him in his own home, just a 10-minute drive from his family. This role focuses on reducing anxiety and supporting Sam’s sense of control through collaborative, low‑demand approaches. Clear, thoughtful communication is key; Sam is highly sensitive and easily affected by tone and phrasing. A proud pet owner, Sam has a dog and two cats he adores—support with daily dog walks will be part of your role, always ensuring Sam stays in charge of their care. As part of the role, you will also assist with some admin duties related to Sam, such as managing payroll, carer leave and organizing diary and medical appointments.

This Job Would Suit

We’re looking for a confident, resilient, and dedicated Support Worker who excels at building strong, trusting relationships. This role is ideal for someone empathetic, calm, and proactive, someone who can bring consistency and stability to Sam’s life. You’ll become attuned to Sam’s emotional world, able to recognise when he needs space, and confident enough to communicate with him gently and respectfully. Trust is at the heart of this role; the more secure Sam feels, the more he’ll open up, gradually building independence and reducing his reliance on his parents. A balance of enthusiasm for outdoor adventures and comfort with quiet time at home is key. As photography is one of Sam’s greatest passions, you must be a confident driver, happy to accompany him on longer trips to explore new locations and capture the perfect shot.

Why You’ll Love This Role

This is a rewarding role with the opportunity to support Sam’s independence while easing some pressure on his parents. With plenty of chances to explore new places, it offers variety and adventure. The family is happy for Support Staff to use their Range Rover on duty, if preferred.

Recruitment Process

This vacancy is being managed through Snap Care’s Shortlist Service. We will review all applications and verify the essential criteria are met before passing suitable CVs and contact details to our client/case manager, who will continue the recruitment process directly. By applying, you consent to your details being shared with our client.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for any of our vacancies.

If a specific gender is required, this is a genuine occupational requirement under paragraph 1, schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.