Full-time & Part-time Support Workers

We are seeking Full-time & Part-time Support Workers to join our team in Community Services Belfast (Primarily supporting Outreach services however working across Community Services also). You will work alongside people who use our services, supporting in a range of activities, including developing independence in daily living, accessing work/education and leisure activities.

At Autism Initiatives we work alongside autistic people, providing specialist services tailored to each individual. Our Values, shown below , underpin every aspect of the organisation’s culture and activities in NI:

Autism-Focused, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, Collaboration, Commitment to Change and Rights-based. Given the nature of the role, these positions are subject to an enhanced Access NI check for the successful applicants. The cost of which will be met by the organisation.

You will enjoy an enhanced range of benefits designed to reward the outstanding support that staff provide. Some of these benefits start immediately, whilst others are awarded at later dates in recognition of loyalty, dedication and long service.

• Competitive salary.
• Employer pension scheme.
• Enhanced company sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity pay.
• Access NI paid.
• NISCC fee paid after two years service.
• Generous paid annual leave.
• Incremental increases to annual leave.
• Paid bank and public holidays.
• Birthday leave.
• Option to buy and sell annual leave.
• Long service awards.
• Monthly staff cash prize draw.
• Blue light discount card.
• Employee Refer a Friend initiative.
• Free Autism specific training.
• Comprehensive induction training.
• On the job learning.
• Buddy/mentor for new staff.
• Funded QCF development opportunities.
• Continuous learning & development opportunities.
• Line management support structure.
• Regular 121 meetings.
• Annual Performance review.
• Culture of recognition.
• 24/7 employee assistance programme (confidential counselling helpline) available from day one of employment. Offering free support from experts on a wide range of subjects from childcare and probate, to managing money and work life balance.
• Medicash health scheme, subject to eligibility.
• Menopause support line as part of Medicash scheme.
• Career break policy.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Compassionate & Bereavement leave.

Essential Criteria:

• Working, voluntary and or personal knowledge of providing care and/or support.
• Be flexible to work on a rota basis that includes job rotation in various services, unsocial hours and weekends.
• NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment.
• Full UK Driving Licence for a manual vehicle held for at least one year.
• Must be able to drive a manual vehicle as there is a requirement to drive the people we support in their own vehicles.

An interest in outdoor/indoor Activities is essential, as Activities will include the below:

• Long Walks, including Nature Walks and occasional up-hill walks:

• Up to three times per week.

• Up to a maximum distance of 12 Kilometres per walk (the distance may vary depending on the Person supported).

• The successful applicant would be expected to keep pace.

• Please note that all interviews for this position will be conducted in person at our head office - Office 1 & 2, Linden House, Beechill Business Park, 96 Beechill Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 7QN*

Autism Initiatives are an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in employment and service delivery. Registered Charity No: XR72211, NIC 104641. Currently we are unable to provide Sponsorship or take over Sponsorship of an employment Visa. Please ensure that you have the right to work in the UK or a valid working permit.

• Your previous employment: we will require confirmation of the past five years of your employment history.
• Relevant qualifications to the role (for some roles qualifications are not essential as full training will be given. Please check the essential criteria).
• A minimum of two reference contact details, one of which must be your current/most recent employer.