Co-worker Support
Switch Now
Location: St Neots, Cambridgeshire
Hours: 5 days per week during term time and 3 days per week during term breaks (50 week annual contract)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and supportive Co-worker Support to join our friendly team.
This is a hands-on vocational role, predominately working in our training kitchen, combining your catering experience with the opportunity to support young adults to develop practical skills, confidence and independence.
You will work alongside our co-workers supporting them to learn food preparation, cooking, kitchen safety, hospitality, workplace skills and independent living skills.
You will help co-workers learn tasks step-by-step, encouraging them to take increasing responsibility and become as independent as possible.
The role will also involve supporting co-workers to transfer the skills they develop at Switch Now into real-life work placements, volunteering and employment opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide practical 1:1 and small-group support to co-workers within catering and vocational activities.
- Use your catering experience to teach and support co-workers in food preparation, cooking, kitchen and hospitality skills.
- Teach tasks in clear, manageable steps and adapt your approach to individual learning needs.
- Promote independence and confidence, reducing support as skills develop.
- Support co-workers to understand workplace expectations, routines, communication and teamwork.
- Develop employability skills including timekeeping, communication, problem-solving and working as part of a team.
- Support co-workers with community-based activities, work placements, volunteering and employment opportunities.
- Work alongside Job Coaches and other Switch Now staff to support individual Preparing for Adulthood and employment outcomes.
- Encourage co-workers to take responsibility for their work and contribute ideas to vocational activities.
- Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming catering environment.
- Follow food hygiene, health and safety, safeguarding and Switch Now procedures.
- Record progress and contribute to individual support and development plans.
- Work positively with families, professionals, employers and other partners where appropriate.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in catering, food preparation or a professional kitchen environment – essential.
- Patient, positive and encouraging, with a genuine interest in supporting young adults.
- Passionate about helping people develop practical skills, confidence and independence.
- Confident supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.
- Practical and willing to get involved — this is a hands-on role.
- Able to demonstrate good food hygiene, kitchen safety and safe working practices.
- A strong communicator who can adapt their communication and teaching style to different individuals.
- Organised, reliable and able to work effectively as part of a small team.
- Comfortable using technology to record information and support learning.
Essential Experience & Requirements
- Previous catering experience is essential, ideally within a commercial, community, educational or hospitality environment.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Good IT and technology skills.
- Good understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety and safe working practices.
- A genuine interest in supporting young adults with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.
Desirable Experience
- Food Hygiene qualification.
- Experience working with people with learning disabilities, autism or additional needs.
- Experience in education, support work, vocational training or employment support.
- Experience of teaching or training others in catering or hospitality.
- Experience of working in community or workplace settings.
You will:
- Make a real difference to the lives of young adults.
- Use your catering skills in a rewarding and meaningful way.
- Help co-workers develop practical skills that can lead to greater independence and employment.
- Work in a creative, practical and community-focused environment.
- Be part of a team that values individuality, inclusion and aspiration.
- Receive training and ongoing professional development.
- Have opportunities to develop your skills and career within supported employment and vocational services.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced catering professional who is looking at a change in career direction and passionate about helping young adults develop their skills, confidence and independence, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a short covering statement explaining why you are interested in joining Switch Now and what you could bring to the role to.
WWW.switchnow.org.uk
Work Location: In person
