About This Role

We are seeking a Full-Time Support Workers 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 autistic people, 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.

• Competitive salary.
• Employer pension scheme.
• 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.
• Blue light discount card.
• Employee Refer a Friend initiative.
• Free Autism specific training.
• Comprehensive induction training.
• On the job learning.
• Buddy/mentor for new staff.
• Funded QCF development opportunities.
• Continuous learning & development opportunities.
• Line management support structure.
• Regular 121 meetings.
• 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.
• Career break policy.
• 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:

• Working, voluntary or personal knowledge of providing care and/or support.
• Be flexible to work on a rota basis that includes job rotation in various services, unsocial hours and weekends.
• NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment.
• Full UK Driving Licence for a manual vehicle held for at least one year.
• Must be able to drive a manual vehicle as there is a requirement to drive the people we support in their own vehicles.

*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.

Benefits of working with us

​In addition to competitive pay rates, a contributory pension, and generous holiday entitlements, you’ll have access to a range of additional benefits designed to recognise and reward the exceptional support our staff provide.

Some benefits are available immediately, while others are awarded over time to recognise loyalty, dedication, and long service. Please note that benefits may vary by role, location, and length of service. Full details of your benefits package will be available once you join.

Below is an overview of some of the benefits you may be eligible for:

• Monthly staff cash prize draw
• Your birthday off work every year
• Medicash health scheme (including reimbursement for medical costs, gym discounts, and more)
• Employee Assistance Programme – free expert support on childcare, probate, money management, and work–life balance
• Additional paid holidays after 1, 2, and 3 years of service
• Extra paid holidays for milestone service years
• Financial wellbeing programme offering flexible access to pay
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Career break scheme

Wagestream financial planning and support app – access earnings before payday, set up savings, and manage your finances

Before you start

Before starting your application, it is recommended that you prepare the following information:

• Your qualification and education history, including any professional memberships
• Details of your current employment and full previous employment history
• Contact details for two referees (the first must be your current employer). Please note that referees will only be contacted after an offer of employment has been accepted and with your permission

You are strongly encouraged to read all supporting documents available in the Document Section, including the Job Description and Person Specification. These resources will help you identify the key skills and experience required for the role.

When completing your application, it is essential that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria. Use your own words to describe your skills, knowledge, and experience, as applications that do not evidence this may not be shortlisted.

While AI tools can be helpful for generating ideas, your application should reflect your own thinking, experience, and values. We are interested in understanding your personal contributions and achievements. Applications that appear to rely heavily on AI-generated content may not be progressed.