Behaviour Support Practitioner - Part Time

Part-time post with the M.R. Trust, a small team that manages a local authority direct payment to support one autistic man with a mild learning disability. Core work is social and emotional support on countryside walks, plus planning home activities such as cooking and gardening, with calm support during distress. The role includes 2:1 community support, a weekly sleep-in, some evening and weekend hours and a yearly holiday.

Candidates need a full driving licence, their own vehicle and good physical fitness.

• Provide social, emotional and practical support on countryside walks and community outings, advocating for him and applying Mental Capacity Act and positive risk principles
• Drive the client and his support practitioner to activities, or navigate on car journeys, and use OS maps on walks
• Listen to and empathise with the client, supporting him to express his thoughts, feelings, needs and preferences
• Plan and run meaningful home activities such as cooking, gardening, literacy, computer use and home maintenance, building his independence
• Provide calm emotional support and trained physical intervention during distress, following M.R. Trust policy and risk plans
• Support him to manage anxiety using strategies from his Positive Behaviour Support Plan
• Provide 2:1 support in the community and 2:1 or 1:1 at home, according to assessed need and ongoing risk assessment, including the annual 7-night holiday
• Prepare individually tailored learning materials such as literacy worksheets and easy read recipes
• Plan weekly activities and outings with the client, family and team so his days are structured
• Offer new activities and social situations, using social stories and visual aids to build confidence
• Work with his family, care team and other professionals, following care plans to ensure consistent support
• Record and share important information across the team, attend training and supervision, and protect the confidentiality of the client and his family

• At least 1 year's professional experience supporting or teaching people with autism, learning disabilities, brain injury or mental health conditions
• Experience supporting adults with behaviours of concern, including physically aggressive behaviours
• Knowledge and understanding of autism

• Highly empathetic and emotionally aware
• Calm, sound judgement under pressure, including exposure to mild to moderate physical aggression
• Good organisation and forward planning
• Good listening, communication and team working skills
• Able to plan and run learning sessions in literacy, basic IT, carpentry, gardening or home maintenance
• Confident cooking and able to support new recipes

• Full driving licence and access to own vehicle, willing to drive in towns and on motorways

• Commitment to the values and aims of the M.R. Trust
• Willing to follow care plans and confidentiality procedures
• Willing to work regular hours including some evenings, weekends and a weekly sleep-in
• Physically fit to walk up to 4 miles at a brisk pace over hills and muddy ground
• Own smartphone, PC and email
• Intention to remain in post for at least two years

• Basic counselling skills
• Basic knowledge of data protection and safe information sharing
• Map reading and navigation skills, or ability to develop them
• Experience teaching or helping adults with learning disabilities
• Experience supporting people with autism
• Understanding of how emotional regulation and environmental factors contribute to distress
• Experience of providing emotional support
• RQF Level 3 qualification or above, ideally in Autism, PBS, Psychology, Teaching, Counselling or Social Care

• Extensive training
• Professional and wellbeing support
• Opportunities for professional development