We are now taking applications for apprenticeships for Support Worker roles at Leeds Autism Services.

Applications are open to anyone who is eligible, and we are particularly keen to look at applications from neurodivergent people. 

These Support Worker apprenticeships are an opportunity to develop your skills and gain qualifications to start your career in adult social care in a highly specialised and developing field. 

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working, and you’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience. You will also spend time away from working for specialist training and will study to gain professional knowledge and skills with Luminate Education Group. 

Apply Now

What does a Support Worker do? 

Support Workers are employed in our Vocational and Community Services (VACS). 

VACS Support Workers deliver 1:1 support to autistic adults with a diverse range of abilities and needs. Many of the people we support are also learning disabled or have other diagnoses such as ADHD or mental health issues. 

As a Support Worker, you will help the people we support to identify their life goals and deliver plans and support to help them achieve those goals. 

Support Workers also provide practical support in all areas of life, such as help with managing budgets, personal care, cooking meals, managing medication or accessing the community safely. 

VACS Support Workers deliver support at our bases in Armley and Hunslet, and out in the community. 

You can find out more about our support services by hitting the button below: 

About VACS

What kind of person makes a good Support Worker? 

As an apprentice you will learn the skills that are vital to being a Support Worker, but values are incredibly important to us at Leeds Autism Services. 

You will need to have the ability to empathise and advocate for the needs of people with autism and/or learning disabilities and adapt to new situations easily.

A positive and flexible attitude to work and working hours is required as you may be called at short notice with a change of shift times or location.

You will need tact, diplomacy, empathy and patience, and must be with committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Our support workers should be honest, open and trustworthy, be keen to learn, and willing to develop themselves and build resilience by working outside of their comfort zone. 

Support work can be incredibly rewarding but it isn't for everyone. Use the button below to find out more about some of the challenges you may face in the role: 

Is this job for me?

Essential qualifications for this role are: 

GCSE in:

• English (grade C/4)
• Maths (grade C/4)

What are the shift patterns at Leeds Autism Services VACS? 

Normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. 

Working hours can vary. Our bases open at 9am but community support may start as early as 8am. Our bases close between 4 - 4:30pm but community support can finish as late as 6pm. 

Working patterns may involve some unsocial hours, e.g. early mornings, evenings, weekends, and some bank holidays, as required by the service. 

Staff are expected to complete any essential tasks before leaving work. 

How do I apply? 

You can read the full details about our apprenticeships and apply using the button below. 

N.B. - this will redirect you to a different website and you will need to register with gov.uk to complete your application. 

Find out more / apply

What do Our Employees and Service Users Have to Say? 

In this video one of our Support Workers, Paris, says what she thinks are the best things about working at Leeds Autism Services. 

In this video one of our apprentices, Courtney, offers her advice to anyone wanting to start an apprenticeship with Leeds Autism Services. 

In this video one of our service users, Michael, tells us what he likes best about being supported by Leeds Autism Services.

We are a Disability Confident Employer

             

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

We are also fully committed to being an inclusive employer for neurodivergent people and are part of the Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index where we have been awarded silver accreditation status. 

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme and will need to meet the essential requirements of the role to be considered for an interview.

Baton of Hope Pledge 

Leeds Autism Services are committed to protecting and nurturing the mental wellbeing of all our colleagues. We have made a pledge with Baton of Hope to:

• To remove and eradicate the stigma around mental health in the workplace
• Increase awareness of suicide
• Improve and do our best to save lives
• Make suicide awareness, support and prevention a workplace priority

How do we achieve this? 

To meet our pledge, Leeds Autism Services will: 

• Educate staff on mental health and suicide prevention using clear and consistent messaging
• Empower staff around their own wellbeing
• Support and develop staff wellbeing
• Use compassionate communication
• Signpost effectively, promoting crisis and support services
• Detect and prevent poor mental health rather than just react
• Embrace those with ‘lived experience’ of poor mental health or suicide
• Promote the Pledge to increase suicide awareness, support and prevention

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation.      

Our Safeguarding Commitment

Leeds Autism Services is committed to ensuring all our members are protected from harm through abuse or exploitation at all times. All posts are subject to a rigorous selection process and DBS checks are required.