Location: Sherborne Hours: Part-time, flexible hours– some evenings/weekends, occasional overnight stays – starting gradually (e.g. 1–2 short sessions per week, building up as the child feels comfortable) Some sessions likely to take place at weekends or after school hours, depending on family preference. Also school holiday (18 weeks a year) Flexibility is essential – sessions will be planned around the child’s readiness and emotional state Zero hour contracts available to suit your lifestyle Salary: £18.00/ hour (training rate: £14.00/hour) About Us At Freedom Care, we are more than a service provider—we’re a family. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred support to young people with additional needs. We foster a warm and inclusive culture where every team member is valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Role Overview We are looking for a calm, emotionally grounded and reliable support worker to provide home and community-based respite for a family whose child is autistic, with a PDA profile and currently out of school due to high anxiety. This role is focused on giving parents time and space, while gently supporting all three children when needed — including an older and younger sibling. This is not a mentoring or teaching role. It’s about being a steady, practical and supportive presence in the home, helping the family feel more resourced and less isolated, and offering flexible respite that works for them. The focus is on in-home support, and occasionally community-based time with the children, allowing parents breathing room and emotional space. You may spend time with the children on their own, or help parents manage routines and family moments more calmly. Sometimes it may involve taking one or more children out while a parent rests or focuses on another sibling. Over time, you’ll also play a role in gently modelling calm, low-pressure strategies that align with the child’s needs — always led by the family’s pace and preferences. The family have a wider team in place, and your input will help create a more balanced rhythm at home. Occasional overnight support may be requested (always planned in advance and fully supported). Key Responsibilities Provide respite support in the home, giving parents time to rest or focus on other tasks Support with siblings when appropriate, maintaining a calm and consistent presence Offer flexible, practical help tailored to the family’s needs — no pressure, no fixed expectations Use low-arousal approaches that align with the child’s emotional profile (ASD/PDA) Be emotionally available and attuned to both the child and the wider family’s needs Work closely with the team already in place, feeding back observations where helpful Be prepared for some overnight stays, arranged in advance Essential: Experience supporting children with ASD, PDA, ADHD and complex emotional needs Confident and compassionate when working in family homes Able to support parents with gentle, non-judgemental strategies and emotional reassurance Skilled in building relationships through calm, consistent presence Driver with access to a vehicle Willing to provide occasional overnight respite, when needed Background in family support, mentoring or trauma-informed care Knowledge of co-regulation, low-demand approaches and neurodivergent affirming practice Emotionally resilient, grounded and patient – able to hold steady in anxious moments This is a highly rewarding role for the right person – someone who values relationships, takes things slowly, and understands that progress looks different for every family. If you can offer kindness, calm and flexible support, we’d love to hear from you. Why Join Freedom Care? Competitive pay rates Travel allowance after 15 miles or 30 minutes Flexible working to fit around your lifestyle Ongoing training and CPD opportunities Friendly, supportive work environment Opportunity to be part of a growing, values-driven organisation Ready to apply? Be part of something meaningful. Join Freedom Care and help us shape brighter futures.