Senior Support Worker

Espa; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks holiday

Company Pension Scheme

Meals provided on shift

Sick pay up to 3 months full pay

Job summary

Espa is seeking a Senior Support Worker to join the Queen Alexandra Road Supported Living Service for people on the autism spectrum with complex needs. You will deputise for the Team Leader and support a senior on-call rota across two nearby outreach services, contributing to a positive, person-centred environment.

The role requires proactive, compassionate leadership, strong communication, and the ability to work within a driven team to deliver high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people with autism or related conditions.
• At least 2 years’ experience as a Support Worker; supervisory exposure preferred.
• Confident, compassionate and committed to high-quality care.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example and support colleagues across all service delivery areas.
• Deputise for the Team Leader in their absence and provide senior on-call cover.

Skills

Autism support experience

Leadership/supervisory

Communication skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Behaviour management

Organised & proactive

Education

Relevant qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Job description

We are excited to recruit a Senior Support Worker to join our friendly team at Queen Alexandra Road Supported Living Service for people on the autism spectrum with complex needs. This role would also include working at two outreach services nearby. We’re looking for someone warm, confident, and compassionate, with a genuine commitment to person-centred care. In this role, you will 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. The post requires a high level of commitment and flexibility towards service delivery, and you should be able to contribute to all aspects of the service. You will be required to deputise for the Team Leader in their absence, and you will be part of a senior team providing senior on call cover.

Responsibilities

Lead by example, support colleagues, contribute to all aspects of service delivery, deputise for the Team Leader in their absence, and be part of a senior team providing senior on‑call cover.

Qualifications

• Have experience supporting people with autism 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)
• Can 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

Benefits

• 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