Location: Community-Based Outreach Service
Salary: £13.50 – £14.50 per hour
Mileage Allowance: 45p per mile for eligible business travel
Hours: Flexible day, evening and weekend shifts
Support Ratios: 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1

About the Role

Joneshouse Recruitment is recruiting for dedicated and compassionate Community Outreach Support Workers to provide specialist support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), severe Learning Disabilities (LD) and complex behavioural needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and resilient individual who is passionate about promoting independence, improving quality of life and helping people access their local communities.

The successful candidate will work as part of a coordinated support team, providing high-quality, person-centred care through community activities, social outings and everyday experiences.

Due to the complexity of individual support needs, care is delivered through higher staffing ratios ranging from 2:1 to 4:1, ensuring individuals receive the appropriate level of support to participate safely and confidently in community life.

This position would suit an experienced Support Worker with a background in autism, learning disabilities, complex needs or challenging behaviours who enjoys an active, community-focused role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, person-centred support to individuals with autism, learning disabilities and complex behavioural needs.
• Support individuals to access community activities, social outings, leisure facilities, shopping, appointments and educational or vocational opportunities.
• Promote independence and essential life skills, including communication, money management, road safety and social interaction.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1 support arrangements.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with individuals, families, carers and external professionals.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to behavioural triggers, sensory needs and signs of distress.
• Implement Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies and approved de-escalation techniques.
• Follow individual care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support strategies.
• Support individuals with communication using methods such as Makaton, PECS, visual schedules and other alternative communication tools where appropriate.
• Encourage individuals to make choices, achieve personal goals and develop confidence in community settings.
• Provide personal care prompts or assistance where required and outlined within individual support plans.
• Maintain accurate daily records, incident reports, behavioural observations and progress updates.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and maintain the safety, dignity and wellbeing of individuals at all times.
• Transport individuals to activities and appointments when undertaking designated driving shifts.
• Maintain accurate business mileage and expense records where applicable.
• Work flexibly across day, evening and weekend shifts to meet individual support needs.

Requirements

Essential:

• Previous experience supporting children, young people or adults with autism, learning disabilities or complex behavioural needs.
• Experience working within higher staffing ratio support arrangements, such as 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1.
• Good understanding of safeguarding, positive behaviour support and person-centred care.
• Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to sensory overload, behavioural triggers and communication difficulties.
• Confidence supporting individuals with behaviours that challenge, including within public and community environments.
• Strong communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient and professional in challenging situations.
• Good written communication skills, including daily recording, incident reporting and behavioural observations.
• Willingness to complete mandatory training, including safeguarding, Positive Behaviour Support and de-escalation techniques.
• Flexibility to work day, evening and weekend shifts.
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, including relevant barred list checks.
• A compassionate, resilient, reliable and person-centred approach to care.

For Driving Shifts:

• Full UK driving licence.
• Access to a suitable insured vehicle with business use coverage.
• Confidence transporting individuals safely within the community.

Desirable:

• Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or a related subject.
• Previous experience in community outreach, supported living, domiciliary care, day services or special education.
• Training in autism, sensory integration or alternative communication methods.
• Experience using Makaton, PECS or visual communication systems.
• Accredited physical intervention or positive handling training, such as Team Teach, PRICE or MAPA/CPI.
• Knowledge of local community facilities, accessible activities and sensory-friendly environments.

Salary & Working Hours

• £14.50 per hour for designated driving shifts.
• £13.50 per hour for non-driving shifts.
• 45p per mile for eligible business mileage.
• Flexible shift patterns based on individual support requirements.
• Weekday shifts of 9:00am – 4:00pm or 9:30am – 2:30pm.
• Evening shifts typically lasting 4 hours.
• Weekend shifts arranged around individual activities and support needs.
• Opportunity to work within coordinated teams providing 2:1 to 4:1 support.
• Access to relevant training and professional development.
• A rewarding opportunity to help individuals develop independence, confidence and community connections.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced Support Worker with a passion for supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

This is an excellent opportunity to take on an active and rewarding community-based role, helping individuals overcome barriers, develop essential life skills and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Apply today through Joneshouse Recruitment to find out more about this exciting Community Outreach Support Worker opportunity.

Ref: JH42