Support Worker

TN United Kingdom; Chatham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading support team in Kent as a Support Worker, providing essential care to autistic adults. This permanent role offers excellent training and opportunities for progression, with a competitive salary based on hours worked and overtime. Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with complex needs.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Company Sick Pay

Death in Service Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail and Leisure Discounts

Qualifications

• Ability to support individuals with challenging behaviors.
• Commitment to continuous personal development.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in daily activities and personal care.
• Drive a mobility vehicle and assist with household management tasks.
• Maintain accurate written records.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Compassion

Independence Promotion

Education

Care Certificate

Job description

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We can not offer sponsorship for this role

Be part of an amazing expanding support team. Immediate interviews available — for new to care and experienced staff in Kent. Supporting autistic adults with their day-to-day needs and a wide range of activities including visiting theme parks, swimming, walking, and shopping.

Excellent specialist training provided.

On average, our starting salary for a support worker is £25,812 per year (based on a 35-hour week and including one sleep-in per week at £60 per night). Working an additional 6 hours per week (41 hours) will increase your annual salary to £29,844 (including holiday allowance). Many experienced workers earn over £30,000 annually by picking up overtime.

Start making a difference and join our KAT family today!

Hours: 35 hours a week

Shifts: Early 7am-4pm, Late 4pm-10pm, Long days 7am-10pm

Location: Newton Close

About the service

Newton Close, opening in March 2025, is The Kent Autistic Trust's newest supported living development in Lordswood. It offers five high-spec, modern flats designed for Autistic adults, with some tenants transitioning from our residential homes to this state-of-the-art accommodation. The site provides a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment.

Newton Close is part of a supported living cluster overseen by an experienced manager. Several staff from our residential services have transitioned here to ensure continuity of care. We are expanding our team to support new tenants, offering an exciting opportunity for compassionate and skilled individuals.

This is a permanent role with a well-established autistic care provider. The role is varied and offers potential for progression.

KAT provides practical and emotional support to enable adults to enjoy active community lives. We support individuals with complex needs, including physical and learning disabilities, on a 1:1 basis.

We pride ourselves on specialist PBS training, coaching, and ongoing support for our staff.

If you are positive, forward-thinking, and compassionate Support Worker (no cooking experience necessary), we would love to hear from you.

Training Provided:

• Care Certificate (transferable evidenced certificate accepted)
• Health and Safety and Compliance Training
• On-the-job observation and assessments

Join us and start making a difference today!

Tasks / Responsibilities of a Support Worker (may include but not limited to):

• Drive a mobility car or service vehicle. Manual license required (ESSENTIAL)
• Support individuals displaying challenging behaviors and mental health issues, including self-harm, aggression, running away, property damage, swearing, shouting.
• Support activities within the community such as bike rides, walks, and shopping.
• Assist with personal care and hygiene.
• Be confident and experienced in lone working.
• Undertake sleep-in shifts in CQC-registered services with an allowance topped up to NLW.
• Household management tasks including cooking and cleaning.
• Uphold privacy, confidentiality, and dignity.
• Handle money for shopping, banking, etc.
• Support individuals with additional needs like epilepsy, pica, learning disabilities.
• Build good working relationships with staff across services.
• Maintain accurate written records.

Qualities of a Support Worker:

• Ability to think on your feet and problem-solve.
• Understanding of individual abilities and support needs.
• Promote independence and choice.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Build good relationships with colleagues.
• Commitment to continuous personal development.

About the Trust:

Supporting over 80 people across Medway and Kent, The Kent Autistic Trust offers services for autism, mental health, learning disabilities, and related needs. Our services include residential homes, supported living, day services, respite, and outreach. We are proud of our high-quality care, rated good or outstanding by CQC.

Benefits We Offer:

• 28 days holiday plus buy extra days (Pro Rata for part-time)
• Company Sick Pay after 12 months
• Death in Service Benefits
• Some meals depending on shifts
• Long Service and Contribution Awards
• Employee Assistance Programme with counselling
• Retail and Leisure Discounts saving approximately £1,000/year
• Financial Well-being Scheme (loans and savings)
• Additional sleep-in shifts at enhanced rates
• Opportunities for voluntary shifts at higher pay
• Recruitment incentives for staff referrals

Our Values and Commitment:

KAT is dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centered support, promoting independence and inclusion, and respecting individual priorities and needs. We work in partnership with individuals and their families, valuing every person’s contribution.

We seek Support Workers who value every person and respect their needs and abilities.

We hope you are one of them!

Applications via agencies are not accepted. A Privacy Notice is available on our website. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found or if applications are high.