Support Worker

Choice Support; Ashford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading support services provider in Ashford is seeking a dedicated Support Worker to assist adults with autism and learning disabilities. You will empower individuals to live independently and develop essential skills for daily life. This role requires compassion, flexibility in working hours, and a commitment to person-centred care. Training will be provided through an apprenticeship program in Adult Care Worker Level 2, ensuring a thorough understanding of best practices and support techniques.

Qualifications

• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends if necessary.
• A genuine commitment to supporting individuals with autism and learning disabilities.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding for individuals.

Responsibilities

• Support tenants in managing their tenancy and household tasks.
• Encourage personal development and education goals.
• Deliver personalized support plans tailored to individuals.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Enthusiasm

Communication

Organisational skills

Team working

Non-judgemental attitude

Initiative

Education

Driving Licence

Adult Care Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship

Job description

Are you looking for rewarding work where you can make a real difference in people's lives? Join our team in Ashford Supported Living as a Support Worker and help four adults with autism and learning disabilities live independently and thrive. Our supported living service in Ashford is home to four adults who have autism and learning disabilities. We provide person-centred support to help them live as independently as possible. This includes developing skills for managing a home, accessing work or education, and enjoying a full and active social life. As a Support Worker, you'll play a vital role in empowering individuals to lead the lives they choose.

Responsibilities

• Supporting tenants to manage their tenancy and household tasks
• Encouraging and assisting with personal development, education or employment goals
• Supporting wellbeing through meaningful daily routines and community involvement
• Promoting independence while ensuring safety and dignity
• Delivering personalised support plans tailored to each individual's needs and aspirations
• Using a full UK driving licence is essential for this role

Qualifications and Skills

• Compassionate, patient, and enthusiastic individuals
• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends if needed
• A genuine commitment to supporting people with autism and learning disabilities, supporting individuals according to their personal care/support plan
• Ask for help from an appropriate person when not confident or skilled in any aspect of the role
• Provide information to enable individuals to choose how they are supported
• Encourage individuals to participate in the way their care and support is delivered
• Ensure the individual knows what they are agreeing to regarding the way in which they are supported
• Contribute to the ongoing development of care/support plans for the individuals they support
• Support individuals with cognitive, physical or sensory impairments
• Ensure dignity is at the centre of all work with the individuals, their families, carers and advocates
• Demonstrate all work is person-centred, accommodating the individual's needs, wishes and preferences
• Demonstrate empathy (understanding and compassion) for individuals they support
• Demonstrate courage in supporting people in ways that may challenge their personal or cultural beliefs
• Speak clearly and exhibit positive non-verbal communication to individuals, families, carers and advocates
• Use the preferred methods of communication of the individual they support according to their language, culture, sensory needs and wishes
• Identify and reduce environmental barriers to communication
• Check for understanding
• Write clearly and concisely in records and reports
• Keep information safe and confidential according to agreed ways of working
• Recognise potential signs of different forms of abuse
• Respond to concerns of abuse according to agreed ways of working
• Recognise, report and challenge unsafe practices
• Promote the health and wellbeing of the individuals they support
• Move people and objects safely
• Use best practice in hand hygiene to reduce the spread of infection
• Ensure promotion of healthy eating and wellbeing by ensuring access to fluids, food and nutrition
• Keep people, buildings and the support worker safe and secure
• Carry out fire safety procedures when required
• Use risk assessments to support individuals safely
• Recognise symptoms of cognitive impairment such as dementia, learning disabilities and mental health issues
• Monitor and report changes in health and wellbeing for individuals they support
• Reflect on own work practices
• Develop own skills and knowledge, including core skills in writing, numbers and information technology
• Contribute to own development plan
• Work in partnership with others to support the individual
• Identify sources of support when conflicts arise with other people or organisations
• Work within safe, clear professional boundaries
• Access and apply additional skills required to perform the role competently

Training

Paragon Skills is a leading national apprenticeship training provider, supporting over 4,000 learners and 1,500 organisations. It holds an Ofsted Grade 2 Good rating and an overall achievement rate of 71.4%, exceeding the national average of 65.6%. Learners always have a Personal Tutor who provides regular catch‑ups and support. Your employer will provide 20% of working hours solely for studies, giving you every chance to achieve the highest grade. On completion of this 12‑month apprenticeship, you will have gained the Adult Care Worker – Level 2 Apprenticeship.

Training course: Adult Care Worker (Level 2); Other in: Driving Licence (Grade Pass); Other in: Health and Social Care (Grade Pass). Share any other relevant qualifications and industry experience – the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Non‑judgemental attitude
• Initiative