Support Worker (Learning Disabilities & Autism)
Pay: £13.85 per hour.
Hours: Full-time (36 hours+) / Part-time / Flexible shifts (including some weekends & bank holidays).
Service hours: Monday–Sunday (not every weekend required).
Location: Hammersmith / Fulham / Shepherd's Bush / Hounslow & surrounding areas.
Please apply only if you are within commutable distance.
Sponsorship: No sponsorship available.
Make a real difference: no experience needed
We're looking for warm, reliable, people-focused Support Workers to join HF Mencap. If you're caring, calm under pressure, and passionate about inclusion, we can teach you everything else.
This is a brilliant role if you're interested in social care, community support, disability support, autism support, wellbeing, or working in a values-led charity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds — including customer service, retail, hospitality, education, health, youth work, community work, or anyone with the right values.
HF Mencap supports people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live more independent, confident and connected lives — with choice, dignity and high expectations at the centre.
What you'll be doing: You'll support people at our centre and out in the local community, helping them build skills, confidence, friendships and independence through meaningful activities.
Key responsibilities:
* Person-centred support: enabling people to make choices and take the lead in their own lives
* Activity support: supporting people to take part in a wide range of sessions such as:
o Health & wellbeing programmes.
o Digital skills / IT sessions.
o Community outings and social activities (cinema, bowling etc.).
o Swimming and fitness activities.
* Personal care: where required, always in a respectful, dignified way
* Community inclusion: supporting people to build relationships and feel part of their community
* Record keeping & communication: writing daily notes, updating plans, sharing key information with the team
* Safety & safeguarding: following risk assessments, health & safety guidance, and safeguarding procedures
* Teamwork: working closely with colleagues, families, carers, and external professionals
What we're looking for (values and skills): We're looking for someone who is:
* Kind, respectful and person-centred.
* Reliable and consistent (people value stability and familiarity).
* A confident communicator who can build trust and rapport.
* Calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations.
* Open to learning and able to take feedback positively.
* Organised and responsible with accurate record keeping.
Essential requirement:
* Intermediate swimming ability (essential): you will support people in the pool.
Desirable (but not required): Experience in any of the following is welcome but not essential:
support worker / care assistant / keyworker / outreach / community support / learning disabilities / autism / SEN / mental health / PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) / safeguarding / social care / youth work / support planning / day services / activities coordinator.
Training & benefits:
* Full induction and ongoing training (including safeguarding, health & safety, PBS, person-centred practice).
* Enhanced DBS paid for by HF Mencap.
* Supportive team culture: you'll be valued and backed up.
* Development opportunities and progression within the organisation.
* Meaningful work where you can see the impact every day.
* Covid-19 vaccination and Flu jab strongly encouraged to protect colleagues and the people we support.
Recruitment process:
* Step 1: Interview
* Step 2: If successful at interview, you'll be invited to a paid two-day trial, so you can experience the role and we can see you in practice.
* Pay is £13.85/hour, up to 36 hours/week (full-time). Part-time/flexible options available.
How to apply: Please send:
* Your CV
* A short note (or cover letter) telling us:
o Why you want the role.
o Your availability (weekday/weekend/bank holidays; full-time or part-time).
o Confirmation you can travel reliably to the areas listed.
About HF Mencap:
Our Mission
To empower children and adults
with learning disabilities and autism to get their
voice heard, reach their potential and be included in their local
community.
Our Vision
We seek to promote the wellbeing and development of children and adults with learning disabilities and autism in all areas of their lives as well as supporting their families and carers.