Senior Support Worker
Salary: £26,617.50 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Sunderland
Hours: Full Time
Job role
Ideal Candidate
We are excited to recruit a Senior Support Worker to join our friendly team at Queen Alexandra Road Supported Living Service for people on the autism spectrum with complex needs. This would also include working at two outreach services nearby. We’re looking for someone warm, confident, and compassionate, with a genuine commitment to person-centred care. In this role, you will lead by example, support colleagues, and help create a positive environment where everyone can thrive. Experience in leadership is helpful, but most importantly, we’re looking for someone proactive, supportive, and passionate about making a difference. The post requires a high level of commitment and flexibility towards service delivery, and you should be able to contribute to all aspects of the service. You will be required to deputise for the Team Leader in their absence, and you will be part of a senior team providing senior on call cover.
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Have experience supporting people with autism or related conditions
- Have a minimum of two years’ experience as a Support Worker and, preferably, some experience in a senior or supervisory role.
- Are confident, compassionate, and committed to delivering high-quality care
- Can lead by example and support colleagues within a team setting
- Have strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft systems (e.g. Word, Outlook, Teams)
- Can manage and respond positively to behaviours that challenge
- Are organised, proactive, and able to take initiative
- Can work flexibly, including shifts, weekends, and bank holidays
- Hold a relevant qualification or are willing to work towards one
In return, we can offer you:
- 6 weeks (including bank holidays) paid holiday increasing to 8 weeks
- Company Pension Scheme/Life Assurance
- Meals provided on shift
- Company sick pay scheme up to 3 months full pay
- Excellent Career Progression
- Family Friendly Policies
For more information, please contact mark.day@espa.org.uk /0191 5143240 or clare.wheatley@espa.org.uk /0191 5165080. For an application form please contact sophie.keogan@espa.org.uk /0191 5165080.
Closing: 07/27/2026
Downloads: