Support Worker

Discovery; Taunton (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive payrate with uplift for OT

Flexible shift patterns

Annual Leave including public holidays

Career progression

Learn to Drive scheme

Salary advance scheme

High Street Discounts

Life Assurance and Company Pension

Industry leading training

Enhanced DBS paid for

Job summary

Discovery Saplings in Taunton supports five men aged 50s to 70s with profound and multiple learning disabilities, providing care with dignity, respect and meaningful relationships. The role emphasises compassionate, person-centred support, daily activities and community engagement to enhance choice and independence.

Training is provided, including Care Certificate within 12 weeks, with ongoing online and face-to-face learning pathways.

Qualifications

• Compassionate, reliable and motivated to help others.
• Right values, willingness to learn and confidence to support individuals.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with people, families and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical, person-centred support to people with learning disabilities.
• Assist with meals, activities and social outings; support with personal care as needed.
• Communicate effectively to understand what matters to each person and respond appropriately.
• Participate in training and make use of digital systems to record notes and progress.

Job description

Discovery supports adults with autism and learning disabilities across Somerset and Cornwall to live the lives they choose. We are proud to be values-led, guided by ambition, courage, integrity, partnership and respect in everything we do.

The people we support, along with their families, are at the heart of Discovery. We believe everyone should have choice, independence and opportunities, whether that's deciding how to spend their day, building life skills or exploring employment and training options.

Discovery is part of Dimensions, one of the UK's largest not-for-profit support organisations, with over 40 years of experience delivering high-quality, person-centred support.

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

About the role

At Saplings, in the heart of Taunton, you'll be supporting five gentlemen aged in their 50s to 70s who live with profound and multiple learning disabilities. This is a home where care, dignity and meaningful relationships sit at the centre of everything we do.

As a Support Worker, your role is to provide practical, person-centred support that helps each gentleman live a life full of choice and enjoyment. The people you'll support use wheelchairs and hoists and require full personal care, including support with complex health needs. You'll approach this with compassion, respect and a belief that everyone deserves to be supported with kindness and understanding.

Communication style vary, so you'll take time to really know each person and respond to what matters to them. Training and support will be provided to help you feel confident in this.

Life at Saplings is active and social. You'll support people to enjoy meals out at local cafés and restaurants, seasonal events, swimming (You'll need to be confident supporting in the pool), trips to the zoo, holidays to places like Butlin's and Harry Potter World, and visits to social clubs. Family involvement is important, and the home is just a short walk from Vivary Park and the high street.

Shifts include a mix of early and lates (7am - 2pm / 8am - 3pm, 2pm - 10pm, long days, and include sleep-ins and alternative weekends.

If you enjoy making a genuine difference and living our values every day, this could be a truly rewarding role.

About you

To thrive as a Support Worker in this home, you will be someone who is compassionate, reliable, and genuinely motivated to make a positive difference in people's lives. You don't need previous experience in social care, but you

do need the right values, the willingness to learn, and the confidence to support individuals to live the life they choose.

You’ll bring strong communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with the people you support, their families, and your colleagues. A good Support Worker here is patient, calm under pressure, and able to adapt to different situations with empathy and professionalism. You'll also be proactive, observant, and comfortable encouraging people to develop their independence and try new things.

Basic IT skills are important, as you'll use digital systems for recording notes, completing training, and staying connected as part of the team. You'll show a commitment to your own learning and development, embracing the training we provide to ensure you feel confident and equipped in your role.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who brings positivity, kindness, and respect to every interaction, helping create a safe, supportive, and happy environment for the people who live here.

Training, Development and Career Opportunities

Working for Discovery is rewarding, meaningful and offers genuine career progression. Within your first 12 weeks, we'll fund and support you to complete the Care Certificate, which is essential for anyone working in health and social care.

You'll have access to a wide range of online and face-to-face training, including specialist courses tailored to the needs of the people you support. Through our City & Guilds accredited qualification centre, you can work towards diplomas and recognised qualifications — and in some cases earn a financial bonus on completion.

Our Learning Connect online platform gives you access to extensive training pathways so you can continue developing your skills throughout your career with us.

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
• Supported 'Learn to Drive' scheme (up to 30 driving lessons, 1 theory/practical test - all paid for by us)
• 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