Buddy/Support Worker BRR8777

Independent Lives; Crawley; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Independent Lives in Crawley is seeking a part-time Buddy/Support Worker to assist a 15-year-old boy with autism. You will accompany him on social activities, provide companionship and transportation, and support daily routines in a home and community setting.

The role requires on-site work, a male candidate, and a willingness to travel by car when needed. Hours are term time 4 hours/week and school holidays 8 hours/week, at £15 per hour.

Qualifications

• Experience of Autism
• Patience and rapport-building skills
• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Able to speak/read English to a reasonable standard

Responsibilities

• Transportation
• Companionship
• Support with toileting occasionally
• Support with social activities

Skills

Autism experience

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Timekeeping

English proficiency

Job description

Buddy/Support Worker BRR8777

Company: Independent Lives

Salary: from £15 an hour

Hours: Part-time

Location: Crawley

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 27 Oct 2026

Closing date: 26 Nov 2026

Summary

Buddy/Support Worker

Ref: BRR8777

Location: Crawley

Details

This role is to support a Child

The candidate should be a man*

Drivers licence required: Preferred

Employment status:

Employed

Hours per week:

Term time - 4 hours per week on 2:1 basis

School holidays - 8 hours per week on 2:1 basis

Hourly pay rate:

£15 per hour

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I am a 15 year old boy with Autism and learning difficulties living with my family near Tilgate Park, Crawley.

I am a very friendly, smiley and engaging young person, I love talking to people and I love being busy. I also love my food.

I need a male Support Worker to support me with social activities e.g. going to the park, playing football, swimming at the leisure centre. Occasional help with toileting may be required. Activities at home may be required if weather is bad.

I can sometimes become hyper and you will be required to calm me down so experience of Autism is essential.

You must also be patient, understanding and able to build a trusting relationship and positive rapport.

Driver with own car would be useful but not essential.

-

Duties include:

• Transportation
• Companionship
• Support with toileting occasionally
• Support with social activities

Candidate qualities:

• Respectful of the employer's privacy and confidentiality
• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Able to both follow instructions and work on own initiative
• Hygienic, tidy and well organised
• Fit and healthy to undertake the required duties
• Patient and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Honest and cheerful
• Creative
• Able to speak and read English to a reasonable standard
• Able to always work to high standards of health & safety
• Experience of Autism
• Confident and calm
• Able to build trust and rapport

Additional requirements

• Non-smoker preferred or someone willing to refrain from smoking during working hours

Notes:

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check if required. If the role is offered on a self-employed basis, you will be responsible for the cost of your own DBS check.

If you are successful in your application for this position, you will be either engaged directly or employed by the individual employer and not by Independent Lives. The role may be offered on an employed or self-employed basis, depending on the suitability and agreement with the employer. If the role is employed, you will be entitled to holiday pay and issued an employment contract.

*Exemption for gender is claimed under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9

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About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.