Autism Connect Practitioner

Base: Bolster Community, Unit 1 Whitegates Enterprise Park, Killeavy Road, Newry, BT35 6UA

Hours: 30 hours per week

The post holder will work flexibly to meet service needs, including regular evening work (typically one to two evenings per week, until 8.30pm-9.00pm) and occasional weekend working.

Fixed term contract until July 2029

Salary: £27,924 FTE (pro rata to £22,339.20 per annum for 30 hours per week)

• Pension: 6% employer contribution (subject to conditions)
• Annual Leave: 25 days per annum + 11 statutory holidays (pro-rata)
• Health Care:
  Axa Business Care (subject to conditions)

To design, develop and deliver responsive programmes and person-centred supports for autistic adults across all age ranges, identifying unmet needs and implementing innovative interventions that promote wellbeing, independence, confidence, social inclusion and personal development.

The post holder will provide one-to-one mentoring and emotional support, facilitate high-quality group programmes and workshops, and support autistic adults to access appropriate services and opportunities within their communities. The role will focus on direct delivery, relationship-building and achieving positive outcomes for participants through neurodiversity-affirming practice.

• Identify gaps in provision and emerging needs within the autistic adult community.
• Design, develop and implement programmes, workshops and interventions that address identified needs.
• Develop creative and innovative approaches to supporting autistic adults across different life stages.
• Deliver structured programmes, workshops and support interventions in community, virtual and service-based settings.
• Evaluate programme effectiveness and participant outcomes to inform continuous improvement.

• Provide person-centred mentoring and support to autistic adults.
• Build trusting, professional relationships that promote confidence, resilience and self-advocacy.
• Offer appropriate emotional support while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Support individuals to identify goals and develop practical strategies to achieve them.
• Provide constructive challenge where appropriate to encourage personal growth and independence.
• Signpost individuals to relevant statutory, voluntary and community services.
• Support individuals to navigate services and understand available options.
• Manage expectations sensitively and realistically whilst maintaining a strengths-based approach.
• Maintain accurate records of engagement, actions and outcomes.

• Plan and facilitate engaging group sessions, workshops and peer support opportunities.
• Create welcoming, inclusive and psychologically safe environments.
• Adapt facilitation approaches to meet diverse communication and sensory needs.
• Encourage participation, relationship-building and peer learning within sessions.
• Use a range of interactive methods to maximise engagement and learning.
• Respond positively and flexibly to individual support needs that arise during group activities.

• Develop positive working relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders.
• Advocate for autistic adults and promote autism acceptance and inclusion.
• Maintain awareness of local services, opportunities and support pathways.
• Represent the Autism Connect Service at meetings, events and networking opportunities as required.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with organisational policies and GDPR requirements.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes.
• Support the collection of outcome data and impact information.
• Work in accordance with safeguarding, health and safety and organisational policies.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.

This Job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be reviewed depending upon operational requirements and staffing levels

• Relevant qualification in Social Care, Community Development, Psychology, Education, Counselling, Youth Work, Occupational Therapy, or a related field.
• Demonstrates…