Specialist Support Worker - Complex Mental Health & Eating Disorders
Location: Clacton-on-Sea
Hours: Full Time (Average 42 hours per week)
Shift Pattern: 12-hour shifts on a rolling rota (Week 1: 36 hours / Week 2: 48 hours, including every other weekend)
Vacancies: 6 Day Roles & 6 Waking Night Roles
About Us
At CFT Care LTD, we are proud to be part of the Optimo Care Group. With over 1,500 dedicated employees across multiple regions, we work in partnership with local authorities, healthcare providers, and care professionals to deliver outcome-focused, person-centred care. Whether it’s homecare, supported living, or complex needs support, we provide tailored solutions that truly make a difference.
About The Role
This is a highly specialist and rewarding opportunity to support a young woman transitioning from long-term hospital care (over 8 years) into her own home within the community.
You will be supporting an individual with:
* Anorexia Nervosa (requiring structured mealtime support)
* Autism Spectrum Disorder with sensory sensitivities
* OCD, trauma, and C-PTSD
* Severe anxiety and a history of self-injurious behaviours
Support is delivered within a highly structured package, including:
* 3:1 support during the day
* 2 waking night staff + 1 sleep-in
* Ongoing clinical and management oversight
This is not a standard support role. It requires consistency, resilience, and the ability to work within structured, clinically informed approaches.
Role Overview
As a Specialist Support Worker, you will support the individual to build a safe, meaningful, and independent life in the community. You will provide structured, person-centred support while maintaining safety, dignity, and emotional wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide structured, consistent, person-centred support
* Support highly structured mealtimes using agreed guidance
* Maintain clear, gentle but firm boundaries to ensure safety
* Support emotional regulation and identify early signs of distress
* Work within a low-stimulus, calm environment
* Build trusting and positive relationships over time
* Promote independence at an appropriate pace
* Follow detailed care plans and risk management strategies
* Work collaboratively with clinical teams and management
* Support with daily living tasks, including personal care
* Encourage access to the community where appropriate
What You’ll Bring
* A caring, compassionate, and resilient approach
* Experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs and/or eating disorders
* Ability to remain calm and consistent under pressure
* Confidence working with risk and structured care plans
* Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
* Understanding of person-centred care and trauma-informed approaches
* Ability to work independently and as part of a coordinated team
* Flexibility and commitment to long-term support consistency
Desirable
* Experience with eating disorders, autism, sensory needs, or trauma-informed care
* Knowledge of PBS, PROACT-SCIPr, or similar approaches
* NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
* Full UK driving licence
Person-Centred Recruitment
The individual you will be supporting has expressed a wish to be involved in the recruitment process. Successful candidates may be observed as part of the process to ensure a positive match.
Important Information
This package requires a consistent and reliable team, and we are looking for individuals committed to building a long-term working relationship within this support. A balanced team of male and female staff is required to meet the individual’s needs.
Benefits Of Working With CFT Care LTD
* Flexible Working - Full-time, permanent contracts with flexibility to support a healthy work-life balance.
* Comprehensive Training - Access to the Optimo Learning Academy, with ongoing training and development tailored to this specialist package.
* Career Progression - Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.
* Supportive Team Environment - Be part of a friendly and highly coordinated team delivering specialist care.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - Access to Health Assured, providing professional support whenever you need it.
* Reward Gateway - Discounts on everyday spending, recognition schemes, and celebration of key milestones.
* £500 Refer-a-Friend Scheme - Receive £250 on your start date and £250 upon successful completion of your probation period.
* Funded DBS Check - If required, your DBS check will be fully funded by the company.
* Paid Pre-Employment Training - All pre-employment training is paid, with payment issued after you successfully commence your role.
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