Support Worker - Taunton

Discovery; Bishop's Lydeard; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay uplift

Flexible shift patterns

Annual leave

Job summary

Discovery, part of Dimensions, is seeking a compassionate Support Worker to assist a man in his 30s with autism and complex needs in Somerset/Cornwall. You will provide gentle prompts to support daily routines, encourage independence and ensure safety with calm, patient handling.

No prior social care experience is required; we value kindness, reliability and a commitment to respectful, person-centred support. Training is provided, with flexible shifts and opportunities for progression.

Qualifications

• Empathy, reliability and a genuine desire to help others.
• No prior social care experience required; willingness to learn and develop skills.
• Ability to communicate with people who use flash cards and other supports.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support to individuals with autism and complex needs.
• Encourage independence in daily routines and activities.
• Build trusting relationships with family and colleagues.
• Maintain safe and respectful environment and follow care plans.

Job description

Discovery supports autistic people and people with learning disabilities across Somerset and Cornwall to live the lives they choose. As part of Dimensions, one of the UK's largest not-for-profit support providers, we deliver high-quality, person-centred support built on ambition, courage, integrity, partnership and respect. We help people enjoy safe, comfortable homes, build confidence, develop new skills, access their communities and achieve employment goals. By working closely with individuals and their families, we create opportunities, promote independence and empower people to have greater choice and control. Together, we're building inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

Thanks to our amazing teams, Dimensions Group has been accredited as a Great Place to Work for 2026 — our eigtht consecutive year of recognition.

About the role

This role is supporting a man in his 30s who lives with autism and complex needs. He is an active, fun-loving individual who communicates using flash cards and benefits from calm, confident support that promotes independence and dignity. He can display behaviours of distress at times, so you'll need to be confident, patient and able to recognise what he is communicating beyond words.

Support is about

prompting rather than doing for him. For example, he will get himself into the shower but may need gentle encouragement and reassurance at different points throughout his routine. Building trust, understanding his communication style and being consistent are key to helping him feel safe and supported.

He has a real love of being active and enjoys swimming, walking and potentially trampolining. Thursdays might see you heading out to Compass Disco, and Disney is a huge passion — from Mary Poppins to The Jungle Book, anything Disney brings him joy and connection. You'll play a big role in helping him access these interests and live a full, meaningful life.

Family is important to him, particularly his dad and brother, and maintaining these relationships is a valued part of his support

Shift patterns - Long days 7am - 10pm, and alternate weekends.

Drivers licence - Essential Manual drivers licence required.

About you

To thrive as a Support Worker in this home, you'll be compassionate, reliable and genuinely motivated to make a positive difference. You don't need previous social care experience — what matters most is having the right values, the confidence to learn, and a commitment to supporting people to live the life they choose.

You'll have strong communication skills and be able to build trusting relationships with the people you support, their families and your colleagues. Patience, empathy and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations are essential. You'll also be proactive and observant, encouraging independence and supporting people to try new experiences at their own pace.

Basic IT skills are important, as you'll use digital systems for recording, training and team communication. We'll support your development with ongoing training so you feel confident in your role. Above all, you'll bring kindness, positivity and respect to every interaction, helping create a safe and supportive environment.

Rewards that make a difference

• A competitive payrate with uplift for overtime you chose to work
• Flexible shift patterns to suit your needs
• Annual Leave (including public holidays - pro rata)

career progression

• We offer a salary advance scheme where you can access up to 50% of the money you've earned before payday.
• High Street Discounts - Retail and Entertainment (supermarkets, hospitality, pubs, cinema etc.)
• Life Assurance and Company Pension
• Industry leading training
• Enhanced DBS paid for by us

- An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this role, the cost of which will be incurred by Discovery.

- We welcome applications from everyone who has the right to work in the UK, and value diversity in our workforce

- As Disability Confident Leaders , we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy - Discovery has been awarded this symbol by Jobcentre Plus to recognise our commitment towards the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees

- As part of our commitment to making reasonable adjustments we can offer support to complete your application. Please contact the Resourcing Consultant Team on 03003039150.

- We now have British Sign Language (BSL) translated videos for all of our recruitment communications.

Use of AI in the recruitment process

AI can help you research and refine your application, but everything you submit should reflect your genuine skills and experience. Please ensure your application represents your own voice and abilities.

If you use assistive technology or require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we are committed to supporting you where we can. Please let us know in advance so we can ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.