Support Worker

Teaching Personnel; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated residential special school in Blandford Forum seeks a Support Worker to aid children with autism. The role involves supporting pupils aged 7-19 with personal care, promoting wellbeing, and assisting with communication. Essential skills include empathy and strong teamwork. Training and professional development opportunities are provided, alongside a supportive team environment. Full-time hours will vary. This position is temporary, but opportunities for permanence may arise.

Benefits

Comprehensive training

Supportive team environment

Opportunities for career progression

Holiday Pay

Access to free, additional online training

Qualifications

• Passionate about making a difference in children's lives.
• Experience in care, education, or special needs settings is desirable.
• Knowledge of autism and related conditions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism in their learning and personal care.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional well-being.
• Assist with communication and social interaction.
• Encourage independence and life skills development.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care plans.

Skills

Empathy

Strong communication

Teamwork skills

Adaptability

Positive attitude

Job description

Support Worker

Location: Blandford Forum, Dorset

Salary: £13.75 an hour

Start Date: January 2026, or sooner

A dedicated residential special school that provides a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for pupils with autism and severe learning difficulties is looking for a dedicated Support Worker to join the team!

Our mission is to provide a safe, secure and engaging learning environment, while ensuring young people gain a wealth of learning opportunities and life experiences as they move on their pathway to adulthood.

If you share the values and are ready to help shape brighter futures, this is the role for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils ages 7-19 years old with autism and associated needs in their learning, personal care, and daily routines
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional well-being
• Assist with communication and social interaction using appropriate strategies
• Encourage independence and life skills development
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to care plans

As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in the daily lives of pupils, helping them develop independence, social skills, and confidence. You will work closely with teachers, therapists, and families to provide consistent care and support in both educational and residential settings.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Experience in a similar role is helpful but not essential.

Essential Skills & Characteristics

• Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support children with autism
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations
• A proactive, positive attitude and willingness to learn

Desirable

• Previous experience in care, education, or special needs settings
• Knowledge of autism and related conditions
• Full driving license (especially if not based in Blandford Forum)

Benefits

• Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunities for career progression
• Holiday Pay
• Access to free, additional online training

Working Hours

• Full Time
• Varying shift times (08:00-20:00, 08:30-15:00, 15:00-20:00, 21:00-08:00)

Ready to make a difference?
Apply today and join a team that truly values compassion and commitment!

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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