Support Worker; Part Time

Package Description

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

The National Autistic Society helps create a world that works for autistic people, and we have a rewarding opportunity for a Support Worker at Randalstown Centre. If you share our values and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

The National Autistic Society Randalstown Centre is a purpose‑built autism facility, developed following priorities identified by autistic people and their families, and expanding on the success of our Carryduff site. It will operate a dual service model, providing commissioned day services for autistic adults with high support or complex needs, alongside an evening and weekend "Support for Life" programme offering a wide range of activities for autistic people and their families.

These include dedicated sessions for autistic children with high support needs, youth clubs, adult mentoring, skills programmes, and stay‑and‑play opportunities.

We're recruiting Support Workers to join our dedicated team at our state‑of‑the‑art autism centre in Randalstown, operating Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm. This rewarding role involves supporting autistic individuals with high support needs in a modern, person‑centred environment where dignity and understanding are at the heart of everything we do. Full training is provided as part of a comprehensive induction, giving you the confidence to thrive and make a meaningful difference.

• Assist with personal care (bathing, dressing, eating)
• Encourage activities they enjoy (swimming, hiking, arts & crafts)
• Support life skills & independence (budgeting, shopping, meal preparation)

• Inspire others with a positive attitude towards supporting vulnerable people
• Experience with autistic people is helpful but not essential
• Personal experience or a passion for helping others is welcome

This advert is for part‑time permanent positions, at 21 hours per week. Your working pattern will require flexibility to meet the needs of the people supported and their families and will include evening and weekend working. Possession of a driving licence (minimum one year) is preferred.

• Pension – Auto‑enrolled pension scheme
• Annual Leave – 35 days (including public holidays). You can buy or sell leave each year
• Training – Great induction and training, including autism training
• Discounts – Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple)
• Healthcare – Cash plan for permanent staff
• Life Assurance – 2x your base salary
• Flexible Benefits – Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension
• Support – 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling
• Mindfulness – Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends
• Blue Light Card – Eligibility for discounts
• Extra Pay – Enhanced overtime, plus payments for sleep‑in and on‑call (if applicable)
• Refer a Friend – Get £200 when you refer someone

When you write your supporting statement, look at the job description and person specification, tell us how your skills and experience match the role, and give examples if you can. We might close this job advert early if we get lots of suitable applications.

To protect our autistic adults at the National Autistic Society, all staff are required to have a criminal background check. Membership of the Access NI Scheme is an essential requirement of the post and the National Autistic Society will cover the cost of your application. A copy is available on request.

Applications are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but are particularly welcome from autistic people. We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.

Agencies need not apply. Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.