Support Worker (Maternity Cover) in St Albans, AL1. A fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEN professional to support a bright, engaging young man with a great sense of humour who has PDA, Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), and ADHD. This role can be undertaken as a full-time position or as a job share, with one person working 3 days and the other 2 days per week. £22.00 Gross per Hour
- Nearest Station: St Albans City station is a 5 min walk
- Salary/Wage: £22.00 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: February 2026 (Maternity cover, minimum 9-month contract offered, with potential to extend)
- Days & Hours: The role can be shared between two people: Person 1: Monday to Wednesday, 8:00am to 3:00pm (3 days)
Person 2: Thursday to Friday, 8:00am to 3:00pm (2 days). Flexible arrangements can be discussed for the right candidates.
Pets in Home: Miniature poodle & two indoor cats
- Recruiter Contact: Rachael rachael@snapcare.co.uk
About the Client/Child Sam (18) is a bright, articulate, and talented young man with a passion for wildlife photography, nature, Lego, and animals. He has lived independently for the past two years, enjoying his own space while receiving support to maintain independence. Sam has a great sense of humour but also experiences intense emotions and periods of low mood. His biggest challenges stem from anxiety, depression, and managing demands. Sam thrives on structure and control but also enjoys being busy, so part of your role will be creating engaging activities to keep him active and stimulated.
The Role at a Glance As Sam’s Support Worker, you’ll provide 1:1 support in his home (just 10 minutes from his family). The role focuses on reducing anxiety and supporting his sense of control through collaborative, low-demand approaches. Thoughtful, clear communication is key; Sam is highly sensitive and responds best to a calm, respectful approach. You’ll also support Sam with his beloved pets, including daily dog walks, always ensuring Sam remains in charge of their care. There are additional administrative duties such as managing payroll, carer leave and organising diary and medical appointments. Sam enjoys photography, so a confident driver is essential for accompanying him on longer trips to explore locations for shoots.
This Job Would Suit We’re looking for a confident, resilient, and empathetic Support Worker who can build strong, trusting relationships. This role suits someone calm, proactive, and patient, able to tune into Sam’s emotional world while providing stability and consistency. The ideal candidate will encourage Sam’s independence while reducing his reliance on parents, balance enthusiasm for outdoor adventures with comfort supporting quiet, home-based activities and be a confident driver, happy to travel with Sam to pursue his interests.
Why You’ll Love This Role This is a truly rewarding role, giving you the chance to support Sam’s independence while easing pressure on his parents. With plenty of variety, outdoor adventures, and the chance to use the family Range Rover on duty, this role is ideal for someone who wants both impactful work and enjoyable experiences.
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.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for any of our vacancies.
If a specific gender is required, this is a genuine occupational requirement under paragraph 1, schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.