How do I apply for a role?

If you see a role that you are interested in and you feel you share our values (see what we value), please apply online.

You don’t need to complete it all in one go. You have 3 days from the date you start your application to complete it, within the closing date period.

If you don’t currently see a role that you are interested in, but don’t want to miss any vacancy’s that are added, you can also just ‘Register’ so that you receive an email each time a new role is added.

What if I need the application form in a different format?

If you need the application in a different format, as a reasonable adjustment to the recruitment process due to a disability,please discuss with Anna Baker Recruitment Coordinator at recruitment@kentautistic.com

Do I qualify for the Disability Confident Scheme?

If you have a disability and choose to disclose this when you apply, your application will be shortlisted according to the essential criteria of the role. Should you meet all the essential criteria, you will be invited to interview for the role.

Can I send in a CV?

Unfortunately we do not accept CVs as the only form of applying for a role with us. You must complete an online application form where you will also be asked to attach your CV.

Do I need any qualification to apply?

No, you do not need a qualification to apply. A lot of candidate that apply have personal experience of autism, for example caring for a family member or friend that is autistic, or other transferable skills that can help support their application. There is a ‘Candidate Statement’ section where you can add this information to further support your application.

Do I need experience working within this type of role?

Depending on the role you are applying for, you may need to have some experience or understanding of autism. But, having personal experience of autism, for example caring for a family member or friend that is autistic, or other transferable skills you may have are also considered. We provide a fully comprehensive induction to the Trust along with further training to support you gain experience and further your knowledge.

What documents do I need to bring to interview?

You do not need to bring any documents with you to the first stage of our interview process.

What is the interview process?

Our interviews have two parts, firstly a face to face interview with the Recruiting Manager. If you are successful at that stage, you will then be invited back to attend a Taster Session. A Taster Session is where you will be invited to one of our services and be observed within that environment.

*Due to covid19 and the current restrictions we are conducting interviews by telephone or video call. Taster sessions will be dependent on each service, it may be a further video call with a virtual tour of the service, a social distance walk or outdoor meeting weather and restrictions permitting.

When will I find out the outcome of my interview?

If you are successful the Recruiting Manager will contact you directly to make a verbal offer to you. If you are unsuccessful you will receive an email informing you. We endeavour to inform candidates of the outcome of their interviews as soon as we possibly can, this can be around a week after the interview, this is to ensure all interviews and potential tasters have taken place before the manager can then make their final decision.

What pre-employment checks apply to my application?

All offers made are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks which include references, satisfactory medical information, and an Enhanced DBS check.

You will need to provide three referees on your online application form, one of these must be your current or most recent employer, full employment history covering any gaps on your online application, medical information on our Medical Questionnaire and the correct DBS Documentation.

The quicker we receive these, the sooner we can give you a start date.

How long does the on boarding process take?

This can take approximately between 4 to 6 weeks and is dependent on the Trust receiving the required information and documentation to be able to start your pre-employment checks. So please ensure you have provided all required information and documentation.

What is a DBS check?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. Due to the nature of the services that we offer to the people we support, it is important that we make safe recruitment decisions to protect vulnerable adults (and/or children).

We require all employees to have an enhanced DBS check.

What if I have spent or unspent criminal convictions?

Due to the nature of our work with vulnerable adults most of our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and there are some offences that we are unlikely to be able to accommodate. However, we do employ a number of people with a criminal record and having a criminal conviction will not automatically prevent you from being employed by us.

We will discuss any disclosure with you before a final decision to employ you is made and we will conduct a risk assessment, based on the nature of the conviction and the role. If the conviction is unsuitable for the role you have been offered, the offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Failure to disclose a conviction/caution, which subsequently comes to our attention, will be viewed very seriously and may result in the withdrawal of an offer of employment or your dismissal. We comply with the DBS Code of Practice for Registered Bodies and other recipients of Disclosure Information.

A copy of the Code of Practice will be made available to any applicant upon request.

What are the standard working hours?

We provide services 24 hours a day, 7 day a week, 365 days per year. We recruit full-time, part-time and casual staff, to cover the hours we need to provide. Specific details about working hours will be included in the advertisement and discussed at interview.

What training do you provide support workers?

We are committed to learning and development and will provide you with the training that you need to excel in your role. We provide a structured induction, regular ongoing training and support to achieve qualifications, if necessary. We will also offer you the opportunity to progress your career.

What type of services do you have?

We have Day Services, Specialized Supported Living, Residential and Respite (see Our Services).

Do I need to give personal care?

You may be required to give personal care, such as support with toileting, bathing etc. This will be dependent on the need of the person you will be supporting.