Support Worker

The Kent Autistic Trust; Ashford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local support organization in Ashford is seeking passionate Support Workers to provide individual-centered care for individuals with diverse needs. Responsibilities include assisting with personal care, community activities, and driving service vehicles. The role offers a starting salary of £25,812 annually with opportunities for overtime. Candidates should possess problem-solving skills and a commitment to supporting equality and inclusion.

Benefits

Paid DBS Check

28 days holiday

Company Sick Pay

Long Service Awards

Discounted Gym Membership

Paid training opportunities

Qualifications

• Manual driving license required.
• Experience with stressed behaviors and mental health issues is desirable.
• Compassionate and positive attitude is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with mental health issues and self-harm.
• Assist with community activities and personal care.
• Drive a service vehicle, assist with medication administration.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Understanding individual abilities and needs

Promoting independence and choice

Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion

Good team relationships

Commitment to personal development

Job description

Support Worker Jobs with a difference

Regrettably, we cannot offer sponsorship for this role.

Manual License Required

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) increases the salary to £29,844 per year, including holiday allowance. Many of our experienced workers earn over £30,000 per year through overtime opportunities.

As an outstanding provider, we value our staff greatly, celebrating achievements and offering staff engagement opportunities to contribute to the charity’s direction.

Start making a difference and join our KAT family today!

Hours: 35

Shift: 3-week rolling rota including early, late, and long days.

Location: Ashford

If you are positive, forward-thinking, and compassionate (no need to be animal crazy), we would love to hear from you.

Training Provided

• Care Certificate (transferable evidenced certificate accepted)
• Company Induction
• KAT Foundation Training Award
• Specialist Pathway Training
• Health and Safety and Compliance Training
• On-the-job observation and assessments

Support Worker Responsibilities (may include but not limited to):

• Drive a mobility car or service vehicle. Manual License required (ESSENTIAL)
• Support individuals with stressed behaviors, mental health issues, self-harm, or property damage
• Assist with community activities such as bike rides, walks, shopping
• Administer medication
• Assist with personal care and hygiene
• Work confidently and independently
• Undertake sleep-in shifts with allowance topped up to NLW
• Household management tasks including cooking and cleaning
• Maintain privacy, confidentiality, and dignity
• Handle money for shopping and banking
• Support individuals with additional needs (e.g., epilepsy, pica, learning disabilities)
• Build good working relationships with staff across services
• Maintain accurate written records

Qualities of a Support Worker

• Problem-solving skills
• Understanding individual abilities and needs
• Promoting independence and choice
• Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Good team relationships
• Commitment to personal development

Benefits Offered

• Paid DBS Check
• 28 days holiday plus option to buy 5 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 Recognition Awards
• Pension (after 3 months)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail and Leisure Discount Scheme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Financial Well-being Scheme
• Additional sleep-in shifts available
• Opportunities for voluntary casual shifts at higher rates
• Paid training opportunities

About The Trust

The Kent Autistic Trust supports over 80 people in Medway and Kent, providing diverse services including residential homes, supported living, day services, respite, and outreach. We ensure high-quality care with a focus on listening to those we support and achieving high CQC ratings.

Our Values and Commitment

KAT is dedicated to high-quality, individual-centered support, promoting independence and community inclusion, respecting individual contributions, and working in partnership with all parties, especially individuals themselves.

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

We do not accept applications via agencies and may close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found or if applications are high.