Support Worker Complex Needs (Female Only)

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for aconfident, emotionally resilient and proactive Support Workerto support a young woman (Candice, known as Candy) with complex needs in a supported living setting.

Candy is a vibrant and engaging individual who enjoys:

• Music, TikTok, and self-expression
• Shopping trips and planning her meals
• Community activities including animal visits and outings
• Building her independence and life skills

However, this isnot a passive support role. You will be working with a client who presents with:

• Autism, ADHD, and borderline learning disability
• Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity
• History of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and behavioural escalation
• Periods of aggression, including physical violence towards staff
• Inappropriate sexualised behaviours and boundary-testing
  

This role requires someone who canbalance compassion with firm boundariesandremain calm under pressure.

What Youll Be Doing

You will provide1:1 structured support, focusing on:

Behaviour & Emotional Support

• Usingde-escalation and distraction techniquesduring incidents
• Supporting Candy through emotional distress and dysregulation
• Maintainingclear, consistent boundaries at all times
• Recognising early signs of escalation and acting proactively

Daily Living & Independence

• Supporting with:
  • Personal care (prompting, supervision)
  • Cooking and meal planning
  • Laundry and household tasks
• Encouraging independence throughstep-by-step guidance

Community & Social Engagement

• Supporting safe access to the community (Candy cannot travel independently)
• Accompanying her to activities, shopping, and outings
• Building her confidence in public settings

Risk Management

• Managing risks including:
  • Self-harm (ligatures, head banging, scratching)
  • Aggression towards staff
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviours
  • Poor risk awareness when excited or distracted
    
• Following safeguarding and escalation protocols at all times

Who This Role Is REALLY For

Lets be honestthis role isnot for everyone.

You will thrive if you are:

• Emotionally tough you dont take behaviour personally
• Calm under pressure even when faced with aggression or distress
• Consistent you dont bend boundaries to keep the peace
• Observant you notice subtle changes in mood or behaviour
• Structured you can guide routines and maintain stability

You will struggle if you:

• Avoid confrontation or difficult situations
• Take verbal or physical behaviour personally
• Prefer low-risk, routine care environments

Essential Requirements

• Female staff (service user preference and risk profile)
• Experience with:
  • Autism / Learning Disabilities
  • Mental Health / EUPD / challenging behaviour
• Strong understanding of:
  • Safeguarding
  • Behaviour support / PBS approaches
• Ability to remainprofessional and boundaried at all times

Desirable (But Not Essential)

• Experience with high-risk behaviours (self-harm, aggression)
• Training in de-escalation / PMVA / CPI
• Experience in supported living or complex care

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate + enhanced pay for complex packages
• Structured rota and consistent placement
• Ongoing specialist training (PBS, mental health, risk management)
• Strong clinical and management support
• Clear progression pathways within Unicare

Why This Role Matters

This isnt just about careits about:

• Helping someone build independence safely
• Reducing crisis behaviours through theright support approach
• Creating stability where there has been disruption

Handled well, this placement becomestransformational.
Handled poorly, it becomeshigh-risk very quickly.

Apply Now

If you believe you have theresilience, structure, and mindsetrequired, we want to hear from you.

Pls email your cv or alternatively call 02082396877 and select the option for recruitment.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Caterham

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

30-04-2026

Profession type

Home Care Jobs

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English