Complex Support Worker / Child & Family Support

Taunton | £13.50 to £15.00 per hour | Full time preferred, part time considered

We're looking for a compassionate, patient and resilient Complex Support Worker to become an important and consistent part of the life of a wonderful 7 year old boy with autism and complex needs.

This is a role for someone who understands that supporting a child isn't just about providing care. It's about building trust, creating a sense of safety and consistency, understanding communication differences and helping a young person discover what they're capable of.

About the role

The boy has autism and complex developmental and communication needs and benefits from calm, predictable and emotionally attuned adults who can build strong relationships while gently encouraging his confidence, independence and communication.

You'll work closely with his parents within their warm and welcoming family home, alongside his siblings, family dogs and wider family, providing support as part of everyday family life.

The boy will be the main focus of your role, but you'll also become part of the wider family support network. There will be times when you support his siblings with activities, outings and school runs. This will include spending time with them independently while he is at school or so his parents can have dedicated one to one time with him when needed.

Your days will be varied. You could be supporting him at home, helping with the school run, attending appointments, going on days out 1-2-1 or with the family, enjoying activities based around his interests or helping him experience something completely new.

There may also be opportunities to accompany the family on holidays, helping him enjoy new experiences and create memories with the people who matter most to him.

What you'll be doing

• Providing consistent one to one support at home and in the community
• Supporting the morning school run and after school routine
• Supporting the family during the school day within the family home
• Helping with communication using visual supports, gestures, modelling and simple language
• Supporting emotional regulation, transitions and changes in routine
• Encouraging independence with everyday skills such as dressing, eating, toileting and hygiene
• Facilitating safe, structured play and learning based around his interests
• Supporting appointments, community activities and days out
• Encouraging positive engagement with siblings and others
• Providing childcare for siblings
• Promoting safety and safeguarding in all environments
• Maintaining clear and accurate records
• Working closely and consistently with his parents and other professionals

The hours

We're ideally looking for someone who can commit to a full time role working from around 730/8am - 730/8pm, but there is flexibility for the right person.

You will need to be able to support with after school/evening support.

Occassional ad hoc weekends may be required for special events and opportunties to attend family holidays are available.

We're looking for someone who can offer consistency and become a familiar and trusted presence in the whole families life.

About you

You'll ideally have experience supporting children with autism, learning disabilities or complex needs and be confident working in situations where communication, sensory needs or behaviour can present challenges.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Patient, compassionate and emotionally resilient
• Calm and consistent under pressure
• Experienced in supporting children with autism and complex needs
• Confident using positive behaviour support and de escalation approaches
• Observant and able to recognise changes in mood, communication and behaviour
• Comfortable supporting a child in both the family home and community
• Physically active and able to safely support an energetic child
• Flexible and comfortable working within a busy family environment
• Professional while also being warm, approachable and genuinely caring
• Able to work collaboratively with parents and other professionals
• Committed to safeguarding and child centred support

A full UK driving licence essential.