Senior Support Worker

Autism Initiatives Group; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization is seeking a Senior Support Worker in Northern Ireland to assist individuals with autism in developing independence and accessing various activities. The role requires at least six months of relevant experience, GCSE English and Maths, and a valid UK Driving Licence. The position offers a competitive salary of £15.76 per hour and a range of enhanced benefits including paid sick leave and continuous development opportunities.

Benefits

Enhanced company sick pay

Generous paid annual leave

Paid bank and public holidays

Birthday leave

Long service awards

Free Autism specific training

Employee Refer a Friend initiative

Medicash health scheme

Cycle to work scheme

24/7 employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Minimum of six months experience supporting people with Autism.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above, or equivalent.
• A full UK Driving Licence to be held for a minimum of one year.
• NISCC registered, or apply to register on appointment.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in developing independence in daily living.
• Assist in accessing work/education and leisure activities.

Skills

Experience supporting people with Autism

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

Salary: £15.76 per hour Contract Type: Full Time Hours: 37.5 hours per week Job Reference Number: NI-SSW-RL30012026 Job Location: N. Ireland Job Area: North Belfast Closing Date:28th February 2026

We are seeking a Senior Support Worker to join our team. 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 people with autism, 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.

• 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.
• Employee Refer a Friend initiative.
• Free Autism specific training.
• On the job learning.
• Buddy/mentor for new staff.
• Funded QCF development opportunities.
• Continuous learning & development opportunities.
• Line management support structure.
• 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.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Compassionate & Bereavement leave.
• Wagestream financial planning and support App – enables you to access money earned before pay day, set up savings and more.

Essential Criteria

• Minimum of six months experience (paid or voluntary) supporting people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, or learning difficulties and associated conditions.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above, or equivalent.
• A full UK Driving Licence to be held for a minimum of one year.
• NISCC registered, or apply to register on appointment.

*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.

Work with us

Thinking of joining Autism Initiatives? Read why our amazing staff teams are #ProudtoworkHere

Autism Initiatives Group of Companies. Autism Initiatives Group is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07120634), registered office Sefton House, Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside L30 4XR and is registered as a charity in England and Wales (1170634). A registered charity in Ireland No. CHY17628. Autism Initiatives UK is a registered charity in Scotland - SC040905 in England & Wales - 702632, in Isle of Man - 835 and in Northern Ireland (NIC104641). Company Number: 2436777.