SEN Support Worker

Description

Senior Support Worker (Maternity Cover) in St Albans, AL1. A fantastic position available for an experienced SEN professional to support a bright young man with a great sense of humour who has a diagnosis of PDA, Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and ADHD. £21.00 Gross Per Hour

Nearest Station: St Albans City station is a 5 min walk

Salary/Wage: £41,496.00 gross per annum (pro rata for 9 months – £31,122.00| £21.00 gross per hour

Driving Requirements: Yes – an automatic car can be provided, or mileage paid if using own car on duty

Essential: Confident supporting a young adult with mental health challenges and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). A confident driver who is happy to drive long distances. *This role is open to female applicants only

Desirable: Mental health training and knowledge of PDA

Start Date: March 2026 (Maternity cover, minimum 9-month contract offered)

Days & Hours: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 3:00pm, plus 3 additional hours per week for picking up and dropping off the family car from South Harpenden to client’s home. (approx. 10–15-minute drive each way).

Pets in Home: Miniature poodle & two indoor cats

Recruiter Contact: Rachael

About the Client/Child Sam, 18, is bright, articulate, funny, and passionate about wildlife photography, nature, Lego, and animals. He has PDA, ASC, and ADHD, and has lived independently for the past two years. Sam experiences anxiety, low mood, demand avoidance, and hypersensitivity, particularly when he feels a loss of control. He enjoys being active but also needs regular quiet time. He often struggles to occupy himself, so gentle encouragement and ideas for activities are important.

The Role at a Glance: You will provide 1:1 support in Sam’s home, around 10 minutes from his family. The focus is on reducing anxiety, maintaining independence, and supporting routines using a collaborative, low-demand approach. Clear, calm communication is essential, as Sam is very sensitive to tone.

This Job Would Suit: We are seeking a female Senior Support Worker who is calm, patient, resilient, and confident, supporting a young adult with ASC and mental-health challenges. Someone who will build trust through consistency and empathy, Support Sam’s emotional regulation and autonomy, recognise when he needs space, communicate gently and respectfully, be proactive in suggesting activities, and be a confident driver happy to travel long distances

Experience with PDA or mental-health training is desirable but not essential.

Why You’ll Love This Role This is a rewarding role with the opportunity to support Sam’s independence while easing some pressure from his parents. With plenty of chances to explore new places, it offers variety and adventure. The family is happy for Support Staff to use their Range Rover on duty, if preferred.

Recruitment Process This vacancy is being managed through Snap Care’s Shortlist Service. We will review all applications and verify the essential criteria are met before passing suitable CVs and contact details to our client/case manager, who will continue the recruitment process directly. By applying, you consent to your details being shared with our client.

Ad ID: 5417516592