Autism and Neurodiversity Lead
Who we are:
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.
We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.
We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.
We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.
Who we are looking for:
This is an exciting opportunity to join an established team delivering advice and support to Probation Practitioners working with Neurodivergent people on probation. The National Autistic Society has been providing a Probation Neurodiversity Service in the South West of England since November 2022. The service has been available in Somerset and Dorset and will now be extended across the whole of the SW region.
The Probation Neurodiversity Service has been commissioned by HM Prison and Probation Service and is designed to improve support and outcomes for Neurodivergent people on probation. The Autism and Neurodiversity Leads receive referrals from Probation Practitioners working with Neurodivergent people (whether diagnosed or suspected). Their role is to improve the understanding, knowledge and confidence of Probation Practitioners in working with Neurodivergent people, as well as providing bespoke advice and strategies directly to people on probation that they receive referrals for.
You will be involved in improving awareness at a strategic level by supporting and informing probation leaders who make decisions, which may have an influence on wider policy and partnership.
You will work as part of a team across the region, but will also link in with colleagues in the same role in other regions to share knowledge, experience, best practice and to develop consistent approaches.
You must have a flexible, proactive, solution focussed approach, with extensive experience of working with autistic and other Neurodivergent people, their families and other professionals, maintaining positive and constructive relationships. You will be skilled and equipped to provide specialist guidance and advice to Probation Practitioners and Leaders with excellent communication and written skills. Previous experience of the criminal justice system may be beneficial, but is not essential.
You will embrace an open, honest culture of mutual respect, where we learn by our experiences and we are committed to doing things better. You will strive to ensure that high standards of professional support are delivered and maintained by ensuring all aspects of work adhere to national guidance and NAS policy.
The role will cover the South West of England and although some of the work can be done online, living in or very close to the region, having access to transport and the ability to travel are essential.
This is a Fixed Term Contract with an Expiry Date of 20th November 2026, working from 28 to 35 Hours Per Week.
Please click here for the Job Description
What we can offer you:
- Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
- 33 days annual leave (incl. Public Holidays) with the option to buy or sell annual leave every year
- Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism
- Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more!
- Healthcare Cash Plan (for permanent staff members)
- Life Assurance at 2 x base salary
- A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply)
- Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme
- Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family members for free!
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Card
- Enhanced overtime. Additional payments for sleep-in and on call
- Join the Team Scheme - Refer a friend and receive £200
Where you will be working:
Home Based
How to apply:
- To apply for this role please click the Apply button below
- When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.
- For more information about this job please contact: Clare Hughes (Criminal Justice Manager) – clare.hughes@nas.org.uk
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
** Please note that we may close the job early in the event of receiving a high number of applications.
