Support Worker – Brand-New Bespoke Supported Living Service
Dawlish
£12.71 per hour plus £80.19 for each sleep-in shift
Shifts typically consist of long days followed by sleep-ins
Help us build an exceptional support team from day one
Are you calm, dependable and naturally warm?
Can you bring positive energy without being loud or overbearing? Are you someone who keeps their word, communicates clearly and helps people achieve more for themselves rather than automatically taking over?
Pioneering Independence is recruiting a small, consistent team of Support Workers for a brand-new bespoke supported living service in Dawlish.
This is an opportunity to join the service at the very beginning and help establish a positive, person-centred culture built around one individual, his home and his aspirations. You will be supported by an experienced management team, a service-specific induction and bespoke training.
A little about the person you will support
“I am a friendly man with a great sense of humour and an excellent memory. I enjoy sharing jokes and talking about my favourite films and television programmes.
“I like going out for coffee, visiting local shops and cafés, browsing charity shops, listening to music and watching films and soaps. I am interested in the people around me and enjoy spending time with staff who are genuinely present and engaged.
“I value politeness, consistency and a calm atmosphere. I get on best with staff who greet me warmly, listen properly, explain things using clear and straightforward language and involve me in decisions about my life.
“When I am anxious, I may need time, patience and reassurance. It is important that the people supporting me remain calm, do not place too many demands on me and help me express how I am feeling.
“I have worked hard to become more independent. I need staff who recognise what I can do for myself and encourage me to keep developing my skills.”
What will the role involve?
You will provide individualised support to an adult with autism, a learning disability and additional support needs. Your role will include:
- Developing a positive, respectful and trusting working relationship.
- Providing consistent support and maintaining agreed routines.
- Supporting daily living skills, including cooking, shopping, household tasks and maintaining his home.
- Providing prompts and guidance with personal care while promoting independence.
- Supporting medication in accordance with the individual’s support plan and company procedures.
- Planning meaningful activities based on his interests, choices and goals.
- Supporting access to cafés, shops, appointments and the wider community.
- Working on a one-to-one basis and, for some activities, alongside a second member of staff.
- Recognising early signs of anxiety and responding calmly using agreed positive support strategies.
- Offering meaningful choices and supporting the person to participate in decisions.
- Following detailed support plans, risk assessments and agreed professional boundaries.
- Completing accurate daily records, medication documentation and handovers.
- Communicating effectively with colleagues, managers and involved professionals.
This is not a rushed or task-led care role. The quality of the relationship, the consistency of the support and the way support is delivered are central to the person’s wellbeing and progress.
The person we are looking for
The right values, personality and approach are extremely important. You should be:
- Calm, patient and emotionally steady.
- Friendly, positive and able to share appropriate humour.
- Reliable and consistent — if you say you will do something, you follow it through.
- A clear communicator who can explain information without using complicated language.
- Able to listen, offer reassurance and remain composed when someone is anxious.
- Respectful of individual choice, dignity, identity and personal space.
- Comfortable maintaining professional boundaries and following structured support plans.
- Observant and able to identify changes in mood, presentation or behaviour.
- Confident working independently during one-to-one support while remaining part of a close team.
- Able to complete clear, accurate and professional records.
- Flexible enough to work long-day shifts, sleep-ins, weekends and bank holidays as required.
Experience supporting people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health needs, positive behavioural support or structured risk-management plans would be beneficial. However, applicants with the right values and transferable experience will also be considered, as full bespoke training will be provided.
Pay and shift pattern
- £12.71 per hour
- £80.19 allowance for each sleep-in shift
- Sleep-in payments are made in addition to payment for the daytime hours worked.
- Shifts will typically consist of a long day followed by a sleep-in.
- The rota will include weekends and bank holidays.
The long-day and sleep-in pattern can provide greater continuity for the person being supported while giving staff more complete days away from the rota, depending on their contracted hours.
What Pioneering Independence offers
- Company pension scheme.
- Full induction and training bespoke to the service.
- Free enhanced DBS check.
- Ongoing professional and personal development.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Access to discounts with a variety of retailers through Sage.
- Membership of an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Death in Service Benefit.
- Dedicated support from your manager.
- Access to our 24-hour, seven-day-a-week on-call helpline.
Why join this service?
Joining a new service means becoming part of its founding team. You will have the opportunity to help establish strong routines, effective communication and a consistent approach from the outset.
You will not simply be filling shifts. You will be part of a carefully selected team supporting one person to feel secure in his home, participate in his community and continue developing greater independence.
Application process
Successful applicants will be required to provide satisfactory references and will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Pioneering Independence is committed to safeguarding the people we support and providing an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our values.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Experience:
- support worker: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
