Part Time - Family Support Coordinator , Surrey Resource Centre , Godalming (Hybrid role)
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.
What we can offer you:
- Pension scheme
- Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
- Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan)
- Access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme
- Access to the Headspace App
We are passionate about supporting autistic people into work, and particularly welcome applications from autistic people. We help autistic people from all backgrounds and strive to represent the same diversity in our staff and volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from all minority groups, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. Together, we can create a society that works for autistic people.
Our Family Support Services
We have an exciting opportunity to significantly expand our existing Surrey Family Support team to provide early intervention services for parents and carers of autistic children and young people in the county, whether or not they have a diagnosis.
We work directly with parents and carers to provide practical and emotional support to enable the development of their knowledge and understanding, and equip them with the tools they need to be able to support their child’s needs.
We do this by;
- Providing autism specific courses and workshops, covering topics such as behaviour, communication and sensory needs.
- Providing 1:1 face to face appointments for families of children with more complex needs or whose unique family circumstances require more intensive or ongoing support.
- Providing monthly drop ins to enable access to services to families as soon as they need it.
- Providing opportunities for families to develop their skills together, and enjoy time together in an autism friendly and supportive environment.
Who we are looking for:
Part Time Family Support Coordinator -
You will work peripatetically, delivering courses, workshops and other events in community centres, and one to one support in family homes across Surrey. We will allocate smaller areas within Surrey to each Family Support Coordinator where possible to limit the need to travel and enable better engagement with the community.
You will have access to desk and storage space at our Godalming centre, but we will equip and encourage successful candidates to undertake the administrative duties associated with the role remotely (from home).
To be a successful member of our team you must have:
- Experience of delivering workshops, training or equivalent to a minimum of 20 individuals is essential. A significant proportion of Family Support Coordinator time will be spent delivering training.
- Experience of working with people on the autism spectrum within a professional capacity.
- Experience of working with parents and carers of people on the autism spectrum within a professional capacity.
- Understanding and experience of using, applying and adapting autism specific approaches and strategies.
- Ability to work in a person-centred way adapting your skills to the needs of the families you will support.
- Be independent, with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
- Have a good understanding of Safeguarding issues and responsibilities within your professional capacity.
You will work peripatetically, delivering courses, workshops and other events in community centres and online, and one to one support in family homes across Surrey. We will allocate smaller areas within Surrey to each Family Support Coordinator where possible to limit the need to travel and enable better engagement with the community.
This is a hybrid position requiring some office based, and some remote working. You will be supplied with the necessary equipment to work in this way. Your working hours will be agreed with you in advance.
For more information about this job please contact gemma.fry@nas.org.uk or helen.dunkley@nas.org.uk
For a copy of the job description please click here
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 or Asperger syndrome.
The NAS 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.
This is a fixed term post till September 2024 . The post is subject to being extended depending on funding
