Support worker

Description:

Job Title: Support Worker (Supported Living)

### Location
Supported Living Services (community-based)

### Hours
Full-time / Part-time / Shift work (including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays as required)

### Salary
Competitive (dependent on experience)

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## Role Overview
Support Worker required to provide person-centred care within a supported living environment for individuals with autism and learning disabilities. The role focuses on supporting daily living needs, promoting independence, reducing distress, and enabling choice and inclusion in everyday routines.

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## Key Responsibilities

Support individuals with autism learning disabilities to live as independently as possible within a supported living setting.

Provide assistance with day-to-day tasks, including:
- personal care (where required)
- meal preparation and nutrition support
- medication prompting (as trained and in line with policy)
- housekeeping and maintaining living spaces

Encourage positive routines and meaningful activities that support wellbeing, communication, and engagement.

Implement individual support plans and behavioural strategies in line with assessed needs.

Use breakaway techniques and de-escalation approaches safely and appropriately to manage crisis situations, following training and local procedures.

Promote dignity, choice, privacy, and safeguarding at all times.

Maintain accurate records (support notes, incident reporting, daily logs) in line with service requirements.

Work collaboratively with the wider team, families (where appropriate), advocates, and health professionals.

Attend training and supervisions to develop skills relevant to autism, learning disabilities, and challenging behaviour support.
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## Required Skills & Experience

Experience working with adults or individuals who have autism learning disabilities (preferred).
Understanding of person-centred support and positive behavioural support approaches.
Confidence using breakaway techniques and de-escalation strategies safely (training will be provided where needed).
Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport.
Ability to work shifts and maintain professional standards under pressure.
Ability to follow care plans, record accurately, and act quickly in emergencies.
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## Training & Qualifications (where applicable)

Relevant experience in health and social care (NVQ/QCF or equivalent beneficial but not essential).
Safeguarding training (or willingness to complete).
Moving & handling training (or willingness to complete).
Full understanding of autism-informed support and learning disability best practice (or willingness to train).
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## Personal Attributes

Patient, calm, and resilient.
Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
Strong team player with good reliability and timekeeping.
Commitment to dignity, choice, and independence.

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## Safeguarding & Compliance
All employment is subject to relevant background checks and compliance with safeguarding policies. The role requires adherence to confidentiality, incident reporting procedures, and safe working practices.

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## Keywords
Supported living, autism learning disabilities, support worker, breakaway techniques, de-escalation, positive behavioural support, person-centred, challenging behaviour, safeguarding, community living