Support Worker – Stay & Play Leighton Buzzard

Autism Bedfordshire; Leighton Buzzard; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Autism Bedfordshire is seeking a part-time Support Worker to provide direct support to children, young people and individuals using our services. The role involves assisting with activities, ensuring safety and wellbeing, and working under the guidance of senior staff.

The position emphasises safeguarding, following policies, and promoting a positive experience for participants. Prior experience with autistic individuals and relevant childcare or health/social care training are desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals
• Understanding of safeguarding and health & safety responsibilities
• Ability to follow policies, procedures and guidance
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Professional, reliable and supportive approach
• Experience supporting autistic individuals
• First Aid and safeguarding training

Responsibilities

• Carry out duties in line with Autism Bedfordshire’s Policies and Procedures, Activity Programmes, Risk Assessments and Behaviour Management Strategies.
• Assist with the set-up, delivery and clear-down of scheduled activities.
• Facilitate and engage in activities with our young people and families.
• Promote safeguarding and report concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.

Skills

Experience with children/young people

Safeguarding & health & safety

Policy adherence and procedures

Communication & teamwork

Professional, reliable & supportive

Experience supporting autistic people

First Aid & safeguarding training

Education

Childcare/education/health or social care qualification

Job description

Part-Time: Fortnightly Saturday mornings – (term time only) 9:15am – 1:30pm

Autism Bedfordshire is a charity dedicated to creating a world where autistic people are accepted, understood, and celebrated for who they are. We believe that autism is a natural part of human diversity, and that society is stronger when it embraces neurodivergent voices and perspectives.

This position involves providing direct support to children, young people and individuals accessing Autism Bedfordshire services. Under the guidance of the Senior Team Leader and Team Leaders, the Support Worker assists with the safe delivery of scheduled activities, ensuring the health, safety, welfare and positive experience of individuals in our care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the individuals and families in our care, following direction from the Senior Team Leader and Team Leaders.
• Assist with the set-up, delivery and clear-down of scheduled activities.
• Facilitate and engage in activities with our young people and families.
• Promote safeguarding and report concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.

About you

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals
• Understanding of safeguarding and health & safety responsibilities
• Ability to follow policies, procedures and guidance
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Professional, reliable and supportive approach
• Experience supporting autistic individuals
• Relevant qualifications or training in childcare, education, health or social care
• First Aid and safeguarding training

About the role

• Carry out all duties in line with Autism Bedfordshire’s Policies and Procedures, Activity Programmes, Risk Assessments, Measurable Outcome Plans and Behaviour Management Strategies.
• Ensure duties are carried out to a high standard to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of individuals at all times.
• Maintain professional conduct and appropriate attire at all times.
• Take responsibility for accessing appropriate welfare breaks and report any concerns.
• Identify and communicate professional development needs.
• Report concerns regarding duties or service delivery to senior staff.

Confidentiality and Data Protection:

All staff are required to respect the confidentiality of all matters that they may learn relating to their employment, other members of staff and to the general public. All staff are required to adhere to the regulations regarding the Data Protection Act 1998.

Safeguarding:

Autism Bedfordshire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults in its care. The Development Officer is often required to be the named officer for groups they are overseeing and attend relevant training.

To ensure that this is achieved we expect all employees to share this commitment and staff working with these vulnerable groups will be recruited and selected in line with safer recruitment policies and practices including the completion of DBS check.

Equal opportunities and diversity:

Autism Bedfordshire is an equal opportunities employer. The aims of the equal opportunities policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, religion or any disability nor disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.