Support Worker - Out of hours

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

KTM Social Care provides person-centred support for children and young people with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs across Essex, including Colchester. Our out-of-hours teams deliver tailored packages in home, hub and community settings.

We value therapeutic relationships, emotional wellbeing and community participation, with training and supervision provided. Driving is essential for mobile roles and flexibility is required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Understand autism, learning disabilities and SEND.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred support within community settings.
• Build positive and therapeutic relationships with children and young people.
• Support structured evening, weekend and holiday activities.
• Promote independence and life skills development.
• Record progress and observations using KTM systems.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent working

Team collaboration

Safeguarding awareness

Professional development

Education

Level 3 Health and Social Care

Tools

KTM systems

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC6810910-3S Position Type: Wraparound Care Pay Range: £13.35 per hour

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 25/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 1st and 2nd December 2026

Location: Colchester, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Tendring, Witham

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Flexibility and Working Hours

Our support workers provide support outside of traditional education hours. Working patterns include:

• Flexible hours based on individual support packages

Flexibility is essential as support is tailored around the needs of children, young people and families. Support workers enable those we support to access our hub based in Stanway and Clacton, community settings, leisure environments and local activities across Essex.

About KTM Social Care

KTM Social Care provides highly individualised, person-centred support for children and young people with autism, learning disabilities and complex additional needs. Our provision is built upon safe, trusting relationships, consistent communication and responsive care that extends beyond the school day.

We recognise that positive outcomes are achieved through continuity, predictability and meaningful engagement. Our support packages are designed alongside families, local authorities and professionals to ensure every child receives the right level of support whilst promoting wellbeing, independence and community inclusion.

Support may include structured evening routines, community access, social development opportunities, interest-led activities, independent living skills, emotional regulation support and holiday provision. Every programme is tailored to the individual, their strengths, aspirations, sensory profile and support needs.

At KTM, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of successful support. Our teams work proactively and therapeutically to help children and young people feel safe, understood and empowered to achieve positive outcomes both now and in the future.

Role Purpose

Out of hours workers provide support to children and young people with SEND and complex needs through personalised packages.

The role focuses on building positive, therapeutic relationships that promote emotional wellbeing, community participation, independence and quality of life. Support Workers enable children and young people to access meaningful experiences within their home and community whilst maintaining a safe, structured and responsive approach that reflects KTM's values and person-centred practice.

The successful candidates will play a vital role in helping children and young people build confidence, develop new skills, regulate emotions and participate positively in everyday life.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred support within community settings.
• Build positive and therapeutic relationships with children and young people.
• Support structured evening, weekend and holiday activities.
• Promote independence, communication and life skills development.
• Facilitate access to community opportunities, leisure activities and social experiences.
• Support emotional regulation through co-regulation and therapeutic approaches.
• Follow individual support plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies.
• Implement autism-specific and communication support approaches where required.
• Support personal care and daily living activities where appropriate.
• Maintain professional communication with families and other professionals.
• Record progress, achievements, incidents and observations using KTM systems.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people.
• Participate in supervision, training and continuous professional development.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold KTM policies and procedures.
• Contribute positively to the culture, quality and reputation of KTM Care.
• Experience supporting children, young people or adults with additional needs.
• Understanding of autism, learning disabilities and SEND.
• Ability to develop positive and professional relationships.
• Calm, patient and person-centred approach to support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Good written and ICT skills.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, Children and Young People's Services, SEND or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting children and young people within social care settings.
• Experience supporting young people with autism and complex needs.
• Experience delivering community-based support.
• Knowledge of communication approaches including visual supports and alternative communication methods.
• Experience working collaboratively with families.

Support workers will:

• Develop safe, trusting and meaningful relationships with children and young people.
• Promote emotional wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem.
• Support increased independence and community participation.
• Deliver consistent, high-quality support aligned to individual plans.
• Maintain excellent safeguarding and professional standards.
• Produce accurate and timely records.
• Contribute to positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability and accountability.
• Positively always represent KTM Social Care and its values.

A comprehensive programme of mandatory and specialist training will be provided, supported by regular supervision, coaching and professional development opportunities to equip staff with the skills and knowledge required to deliver high-quality, person-centred support.

Information about the School

A non‑school alternative provision and Post 16 Provision offering personalised education and life skills development for children and young people with autism, complex learning disabilities and additional needs. The provision provides a supportive, structured environment tailored to individual needs, for those who are unable to access or thrive within mainstream or specialist school/college settings.

Our provision combines personalised learning, communication support, community-based experiences and life skills development to help children build confidence, engagement, independence and emotional wellbeing. Using predictable routines, strong relationships … combine …

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Kerry Austin//Danni Cross
8 Angora Business Park
Peartree Road, Colchester
Essex, CO3 0AB Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]