Support Worker - Taunton

Discovery; Taunton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay with overtime

Flexible shift patterns

30 days Annual Leave

Career progression

Salary advance scheme

High Street Discounts

Life Assurance and Pension

Industry leading training

Enhanced DBS paid for by us

Job summary

Discovery is seeking a dedicated Support Worker to assist a man in his 30s with autism and complex needs in Bishops Lydeard, Taunton. You will provide compassionate, person-centred support to promote independence and dignity in daily routines.

Shift patterns include long days (7am–10pm) with alternate weekends, and a full UK manual driving licence is essential. Training and ongoing development are provided to help you grow in role.

Qualifications

• Compassionate and reliable individual with strong communication skills.
• Empathy, patience and the ability to stay calm in challenging situations.
• Willingness to learn and follow training to support independence.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate support to a person with autism and complex needs.
• Prompt and encourage daily activities to promote independence and dignity.
• Build trusting relationships with the person, family and staff.

Skills

Compassionate

Reliable

Communication skills

Patience

Empathy

Proactive

Observant

Teamwork

Tools

Digital systems

Job description

Support Worker
Salary: £15.54
Location: Bishops Lydeard, Taunton
Full time 37.5 hours
Full UK Manual Drivers licence required

About Discovery

Discovery supports autistic people and people with learning disabilities across Somerset and Cornwall, empowering individuals to live the life they choose. Rooted in the values of ambition, courage, integrity, partnership and respect, we focus on delivering high-quality, person-centred support that puts people and their families at the heart of every decision.

As part of Dimensions—one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit providers with over 40 years of sector-leading experience,we champion greater choice, control and opportunity. Our vision is for people to live in safe, comfortable homes, shape their day-to-day routines, and access meaningful opportunities within their communities.

We also support people to develop skills, gain confidence, and move into employment that suits their strengths and aspirations. From training to workplace coaching,we’re committed to helping every person thrive. Together, we’re building inclusive communities where everyone is valued, supported and empowered to live their best life.

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
• 30 days paid Annual Leave (including public holidays – pro rata)
• Opportunities for 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
• We now have British Sign Language (BSL) translated videos for all of our recruitment communications.

Discovery
The Exchange, Bridgwater, Somerset
TA6 4RR