Keyworker Assistant – NHS
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust is recruiting a Keyworker Assistant to join its Learning Disability and Autism Keyworker Team in Stoke-on-Trent.
This is a permanent, full-time Band 4 NHS position supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism who may be at risk of hospital admission or breakdown of their care package.
Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications, subject to the relevant requirements.
Closing date: 29 September 2026
Job Details
- Job title: Keyworker Assistant
- Employer: North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust
- Band: NHS Band 4
- Salary: £28,392 – £31,157 per year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Location: Dragon Square, Stoke-on-Trent, ST5 7HL
- Reference: 232-SPL-8273941
- Posted: 15 September 2026
- Closing date: 29 September 2026
- Sponsorship: Skilled Worker sponsorship applicants welcome and will be considered
About the Role
The Keyworker Assistant will support the established Learning Disability and Autism Keyworker Team, working with children and young people aged 0–25 who have a learning disability, autism or both.
The service supports children and young people who are on the Dynamic Support Register (DSR) because they are at risk of admission to Tier 4 hospital services or are experiencing difficulties with their existing care arrangements.
The role provides a step-down service for clients moving from higher levels of keyworker support towards amber or green status on the Dynamic Support Register.
You will work closely with children and young people, their parents and carers, health and social care professionals, education providers and voluntary-sector organisations.
Key Responsibilities
As a Keyworker Assistant, you will:
- Support children and young people moving from the Keyworker Team to step-down support.
- Maintain your own caseload and proactively work with clients identified as amber or green on the Dynamic Support Register.
- Make sure the views and experiences of children, young people, parents and carers are represented in care discussions.
- Gather information and feedback to support ongoing stabilisation.
- Help ensure the appropriate services are involved in supporting each child or young person.
- Provide practical and emotional support to families.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with children, young people, families, carers and partner agencies.
- Advocate for families and children in Keyworker Team, multidisciplinary and Dynamic Support Register meetings.
- Identify concerns where agreed care packages are not being delivered and raise these with the Team Lead.
- Recognise changes in need and escalate concerns to Keyworkers when required.
- Support safe transitions, discharge and escalation back to keyworker support where appropriate.
- Use tact, empathy and persuasive communication when dealing with challenging or emotionally heightened situations.
- Adapt communication approaches to meet individual needs, including the use of Makaton, PECS and Social Stories.
Requirements / Person Specification
Applicants should have a minimum of a Level 3 qualification, such as:
- NVQ Level 3
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
- Vocational A-Levels
- ONC
- OND
The qualification should be in a relevant subject such as:
- Childcare
- Social work
- Youth work
- Counselling
- Education
A relevant apprenticeship, such as an Early Intervention Practitioner or Children, Young People and Families Practitioner apprenticeship, is desirable.
Experience Required
The successful applicant should have:
- An understanding of the needs of children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
- Experience of working with families and children in a health, social care, education or voluntary-sector setting.
- Experience or training relating to learning disabilities and autism.
- Experience communicating effectively with parents and professionals through emails, letters and other documents.
- Experience using IT systems, including relevant NHS or organisational databases.
Experience of working or caring for children and young people with learning disabilities or autism is desirable.
Experience communicating with parents by telephone or in person and experience of facilitating multidisciplinary work would also be beneficial.
Skills and Knowledge
You should have:
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Empathy and the ability to communicate sensitively.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and online communication platforms such as Teams, Zoom or Skype.
- Excellent time-management skills.
- The ability to organise and prioritise your workload.
- The ability to work independently and meet agreed deadlines.
- A flexible and adaptable approach.
- The ability to remain calm and resilient when supporting families during difficult situations.
Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people with learning disabilities and autism is desirable.
Training or experience in non-verbal communication approaches such as PECS, Makaton or Tac Pac would also be advantageous. Applicants who do not have this training may be expected to undertake appropriate training.
Salary & Benefits
The position offers an NHS Band 4 salary of £28,392 to £31,157 per year.
The Trust also highlights a range of staff wellbeing opportunities, including flexible working.
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from under-represented groups.
The Trust also participates in the Step into Health scheme and encourages applications from members of the Armed Forces community.
Working Pattern
This is a permanent, full-time position based at:
Dragon Square
Stoke-on-Trent
ST5 7HL
Visa / Right-to-Work & Skilled Worker Sponsorship
The vacancy specifically states that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
This means candidates who currently require sponsorship can apply for consideration. However, sponsorship remains subject to the role, candidate and applicable UK immigration requirements.
Applicants requiring a UK visa should check the latest requirements before applying.
Candidates applying for Skilled Worker entry clearance may also need to provide criminal record certificates covering countries where they have lived for the required periods.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
The position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975).
Application & Selection Process
Applications should be submitted through the official NHS Jobs vacancy.
The role involves working with children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism, as well as their families and carers. Applicants should therefore demonstrate relevant experience, communication skills, empathy and an ability to work effectively with multiple agencies.
The selection process may assess your experience against the essential and desirable requirements outlined in the person specification.
Deadline
Applications close on 29 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.
Full Details + Apply
Employer: North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust
Job: Keyworker Assistant
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Salary: £28,392 – £31,157
Band: 4
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Closing date: 29 September 2026
Reference: 232-SPL-8273941
Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications requiring current sponsorship are welcome and will be considered.
FAQs
Does this Keyworker Assistant job offer Skilled Worker sponsorship?
The vacancy states that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications. Sponsorship is subject to the applicable requirements.
What is the salary for the Keyworker Assistant role?
The salary is £28,392 to £31,157 per year, depending on the applicable point within NHS Band 4.
Is the position permanent?
Yes. The vacancy is a permanent, full-time position.
Where is the job based?
The role is based at Dragon Square, Stoke-on-Trent, ST5 7HL.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need at least a Level 3 qualification, such as an NVQ Level 3, BTEC National, vocational A-Level, ONC or OND in a relevant subject including childcare, social work, youth work, counselling or education.
Do I need previous experience with learning disabilities or autism?
Relevant experience and training in learning disabilities and autism are listed among the essential criteria. Experience working or caring for children and young people with learning disabilities or autism is desirable.
When is the closing date?
The closing date is 29 September 2026.
Is a DBS check required?
Yes. The position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Related UK Jobs
Looking for more UK vacancies, NHS opportunities, Skilled Worker sponsorship jobs and other roles open to applicants who need UK work sponsorship?
Check TRHNP regularly for new UK jobs, NHS vacancies, remote jobs, healthcare positions and visa-sponsored opportunities.