Support Worker

The Kent Autistic Trust; Chatham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Chatham is looking for empathetic Support Workers to provide care for autistic adults in residential settings. The role involves assisting with daily tasks, emotional support, and ensuring a safe environment. A full UK driving licence is essential. Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary with overtime opportunities

28 days holiday plus the option to buy more

Pension and sick pay

Employee assistance programme

Specialist training & development

Qualifications

• Full UK manual driving licence required for driving mobility vehicles.
• Ability to support individuals with anxiety and communication difficulties.
• Clear and adaptable communication style.

Responsibilities

• Support autistic adults with daily activities and personal care.
• Provide practical and emotional support in residential settings.
• Engage individuals in meaningful activities like shopping and cinema.

Skills

Empathy

Calm communication

Ability to support individuals with emotional distress

Driving mobility vehicles

Job description

SUPPORT WORKER MEDWAY

You'll need a full UK manual driving licence to drive the people we support in their mobility vehicles.

Salary: Starting from £25,812 per year (35 hours/week, including sleep-in allowance)

Hours: 35 per week, 3-week Rota Contract: Permanent

LOOKING FOR A ROLE WHERE YOU CAN TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A SERVICE RATED GOOD OR OUTSTANDING?

We're actively seeking kind, caring, and dedicated Support Workers to join the team at Kent Autistic Trust. You'll be supporting autistic adults and those with associated neurodevelopmental conditions in welcoming residential and supported living services across Medway helping with practical and emotional daily support, personal care, medication, and engaging in meaningful activities like swimming, shopping, cinema trips, and even theme park days.

You'll also be involved in supporting with everyday domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a safe, comfortable living environment.

This is a rewarding support worker role where no two days are the same. Some of the people we support may express themselves through behaviors that reflect anxiety, sensory overload, or difficulties in communication. You'll need to remain calm, consistent and compassionate, using person-centred approaches to understand and respond appropriately to each individual's needs.

If you're someone who leads with empathy and believes everyone deserves a life full of choice, connection, and joy we'd love to hear from you.

ABOUT THE SERVICE

Welcome to Newton Close, The Kent Autistic Trust's newest supported living development. Nestled in a prime location in Lordswood, this beautifully redeveloped site offers easy access to local amenities. Newton Close features five high-spec, modern flats designed to meet the unique needs of Autistic adults.

Some of the new tenants will be transitioning from one of our residential homes to this state-of-the-art accommodation, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care and support. At Newton Close, we are dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment where our tenants can thrive.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary with overtime opportunities
• Specialist training & development, including Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• 28 days holiday plus the option to buy more
• Pension, sick pay, staff discounts, employee assistance programme
• Friendly, supportive team culture
• Refer a friend scheme
• Fully paid enhanced DBS

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Manual UK driving licence essential confident driving mobility vehicles/people carriers
• Right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
• Ability to confidently and consistently support individuals who may experience emotional distress, heightened anxiety, or difficulty regulating their behaviour
• Clear, calm, and adaptable communication style to meet the needs of individuals with complex communication profiles

WORKING PATTERN

This role includes all shift types as part of a 3-week Rota, including:

• Early shifts: 7:00am 4:00pm
• Late shifts: 4:00pm 10:00pm
• Long days: 7:00am 10:00pm
• Sleep-ins: Required as part of the Rota (paid at £60 per night)
• Weekend working is also required on a rotational basis

PLEASE NOTE

• We are unable to accept applications via recruitment agencies for this role.
• We are unable to accept applications from those requiring sponsorship visas.
• Employment is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
• A copy of our Privacy Notice is available on our website.