Portland Avenue – Senior Support Worker

Espa; Seaham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holiday

Pension scheme

Meals on shift

Sick pay

Induction & Training

Family policies

Job summary

Espa in Seaham is seeking a Senior Support Worker to join a small team at Portland Avenue, supporting three autistic individuals and others with learning disabilities and complex needs. The role focuses on person-centred care and leading by example.

You should have at least two years’ experience as a Support Worker, and ideally some supervisory experience, with strong communication and a willingness to develop further. A clean driving licence is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting autistic people or related conditions.
• Minimum of two years’ experience as a Support Worker, preferably with some supervisory exposure.
• Confident, compassionate, and committed to high-quality care.
• Ability to lead by example and support colleagues in a team setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft systems (Word, Outlook, Teams).
• Ability to manage and respond to behaviours that challenge.
• Organised, proactive, and able to take initiative.
• Willingness to work toward a relevant qualification.
• A clean driving licence is advantageous (not essential).

Responsibilities

• Lead by example, support colleagues, and help create a positive environment where everyone can thrive.
• Contribute to high-quality care and person-centred support for residents.
• Assist and coordinate with the team to ensure smooth daily operations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Microsoft Office skills

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Overview

We are excited to recruit a Senior Support Worker to join our friendly team at Portland Avenue, Seaham, supporting three autistic individuals, learning disabilities, OCD behaviours, and complex needs. We’re looking for someone warm, confident, and compassionate, with a genuine commitment to person-centred care.

Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll lead by example, support colleagues, and help create a positive environment where everyone can thrive. Experience in leadership is helpful, but most importantly, we’re looking for someone proactive, supportive, and passionate about making a difference.

We’d love to hear from you

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have experience supporting autistic people or related conditions
• Have a minimum of two years’ experience as a Support Worker and, preferably, some experience in a senior or supervisory role.
• Are confident, compassionate, and committed to delivering high-quality care
• Can lead by example and support colleagues within a team setting
• Have strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft systems (e.g. Word, Outlook, Teams)
• Are able to manage and respond positively to behaviours that challenge
• Are organised, proactive, and able to take initiative
• Hold a relevant qualification or are willing to work towards one
• Although not essential, a clean driving license would be advantageous

In return, we can offer you

• 6 weeks (including bank holidays) paid holiday increasing to 8 weeks
• Company Pension Scheme/Life Assurance
• Meals provided on shift
• Company sick pay scheme up to 3 months full pay
• Intensive 2 week Induction with continuous training and development
• Family Friendly Policies

Enhanced DBS required

Unfortunately, ESPA do not offer sponsorship