Autism Practitioner (Support Worker)

Do you want to make a difference to people’s lives? Then come and join us as an Autism Practitioner in Northampton.

We offer a starting salary of £12.08 an hour with excellent career progression. Overtime is also available at other services at £13 an hour. Please note we do not offer sponsorship.

This is a job where you really will be making a difference to people’s lives. You’ll be supporting autistic people with a variety of activities that they enjoy and encouraging independent living skills.

We are looking for individuals to support one of our service users, K* as well as others who live within the same supported-living setting.

Here's a little bit of information about K*...

• *K is 35 years old and very energetic and is a fast walker.
• He's autistic and has limited verbal communications, which is through some key words, vocal sounds and also uses gestures and picture symbols to aid communication.
• He lives in his own bungalow, which is part of a group of 4 semi-detached bungalows and lives alone with the support of staff 24/7, 1-1 during the day and shared night support.
• He can come across as affectionate and caring and has a lovely smile.
• He sometimes can become frustrated which can be exhibited through behaviours.

He likes:

• Outdoor activities/ long walks, can be out all day.
• Likes plants and nature and parks.
• Has his own manual vehicle and likes long drives.
• Calm environments, soft lighting, and music.

Areas we are supporting *K to develop:

• Communication, through a positive behaviour support plan.
• Increasing independence in self-help skills – cooking, laundry and the general day to day upkeep of bungalow.
  

We're looking to recruit people to support *K who are:

• Calm, patient, and creative to think of new activities to offer
• Energetic and fit – and can walk at *K's pace
• A driver that can drive a manual vehicle
• Able to provide a level of personal care, showering, toileting etc

You’ll find this is a rewarding job, which promises variety as no two days are ever the same. You will be positively supporting *K by providing holistic support including personal care, medication administration, integration into the local community and managing their anxieties, which they may communicate through distressing behaviour.

No experience is necessary, so don't worry if you don't think you know enough about how to support adults with autism. Full training is given. We are looking for someone who has the right attitude, who shares our values and who we can work with to develop their skills.

If you have experience as a support worker, care assistant, nursery assistant, or personal care assistant or have worked in the NHS, health care or in social care, this position will be suited to you too.

Our support is 24/7. The working pattern is on a rolling rota and includes a variety of shifts - early, lates, sleep-ins, weekends, bank holidays and flexible shift patterns.

What we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (33 days)
• Occupational sick pay
• Extensive induction with autism specialist training
• Fully paid for Care Certificate, which is essential for those wanting to pursue a career in health and social care
• Paid job related qualifications during employment
• Free initial DBS Check
• Employer pension scheme
• Friendly and supportive work environment
• Refer a friend scheme worth £500
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid maternity/ paternity/ adoption leave

The location is easily commutable from Queens Park, Wellingborough, Daventry and Towcester.

Please note we do not offer sponsorship.