AL1 | SEN Support Worker (Maternity Cover)

Snap Care; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated care provider is seeking a Senior Support Worker for maternity cover in St Albans, supporting a bright young man with Autism Spectrum Condition and ADHD. This role requires a confident driver and offers £21 per hour with a 38-hour workweek. The candidate should be empathetic and skilled in building trusting relationships. This rewarding position allows you to help enhance Sam's independence while enjoying various activities, including wildlife photography and outdoor adventures.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with Autism or other mental health conditions.
• Strong driving skills with a willingness to use the family car.
• Ability to engage in activities that reduce anxiety.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to Sam in his own home.
• Assist in managing Sam's activities and medical appointments.
• Support dog walks and care with Sam's pets.

Skills

Confident supporting young adults with mental health challenges

Building trusting relationships

Driving skills

Empathy

Calm demeanor

Job description

Senior Support Worker (Maternity Cover) in St Albans, AL1. A fantastic 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.

£21.00 Gross Per Hour

• Nearest Station: St Albans City station is a 5 min walk
• Salary/Wage: £41,496.00 gross per annum (pro rata for 9 months – £31,122.00| £21.00 gross per hour)
• Driving Requirements: Yes – an 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. *This role is open to female applicants only
• Desirable: Mental health training and knowledge of PDA
• Start Date: March 2026 (Maternity cover, minimum 9-month contract offered)
• Days & Hours: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 3:00pm, plus 3 additional hours per week for picking up and dropping off the family car from South Harpenden to client’s home. (approx. 10–15-minute drive each way).
• 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. Sam struggles to occupy himself 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 in his own home, just a 10-minute drive from his family’s home. 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 organising diary and medical appointments.

This Job Would Suit We’re looking for a confident, resilient, and dedicated *female Senior 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 from 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.