Portland Avenue – Senior Support Worker

Salary: 26617.50

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Sunderland

Hours: 37.5

Job role

We are excited to recruit a Senior Support Worker to join our friendly team at Portland Avenue, Seaham, supporting three individuals with autism, learning disabilities, OCD behaviours, and complex needs. We’re looking for someone warm, confident, and compassionate, with a genuine commitment to person-centred care. 

In this role, you’ll 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. 

Ideal Candidate

We are excited to recruit a Senior Support Worker to join our friendly team at Portland Avenue, Seaham, supporting three individuals with autism, learning disabilities, OCD behaviours, and complex needs. We’re looking for someone warm, confident, and compassionate, with a genuine commitment to person-centred care. 

In this role, you’ll 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. 

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)

• Are able to 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

• Although not essential, a clean driving license would be advantageous

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

• Intensive 2 week Induction with continuous training and development

• Excellent Career Progression

• Family Friendly Policies

Please note this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

For more information or to request/send an application pack, please contact; humanresources@espa.org.uk

Closing: 06/26/2026

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