About Us
The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.
We transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Since 1962, autistic people have turned 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 there is still so much to do to, together we can help create a society that works for autistic people.
Who We Are Looking For
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking for a challenging yet hugely rewarding role. We are currently transforming our advice and guidance services and will soon be launching a new service that will provide information and support, using a range of media (telephone, email and other digital channels including our Autism Services Directory), to autistic people of all ages and their families. Our aim is to reach more people – with a greater range of topics – than ever before. This will include diagnosis, education, employment and key life transitions. If you have knowledge and experience on any of these topics, you may be the right person to come on board and join this flagship service, as we set off on a journey, guiding the people we support through the challenges they face.
You will be reporting to and working alongside a Specialist Lead to develop and maintain appropriate and up to date information and support for autistic people, families and supporters. You will also work closely with other members of the team, acting as a first point of contact for autistic people and their families, dealing with all enquiries professionally and efficiently. Your ability to support people who are under emotional stress empathically, with care and patience is essential.
An excellent communicator with a confident telephone manner and ability to set boundaries, you will also have good organisational skills, work well as part of a team and be computer literate.
You will need to respond to ongoing telephone and email enquiries and have some professional experience of providing direct support to autistic people and their families. An understanding of autism and related issues is important.
Due to the potentially complex and difficult nature of some of our enquiries, you will need to demonstrate initiative, self-motivation and the ability to support autistic people and families experiencing challenging circumstances in a considerate and encouraging manner, helping them to feel empowered to overcome the barriers that they may face.
You should feel passionate about the rights of autistic people and their families and be looking for a role where you can help to make a real difference.
Please Note The Below
Location: UK, home-based, with occasional travel across UK, mostly London.
Hours of work: 24 hours per week, flexibly between the hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, with willingness to undertake occasional travel and out of hours work.
Fixed term contract for 1 year.
To view the job description please click Here
You will be required to complete and submit the application written assessment. Applications submitted without the completed assessment will not be considered for interview.
What We Can Offer You
- Excellent induction, training and development programme
- Reflective supervision, mentoring and coaching
- 24-hour access to online training
- Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits
- Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance counselling programme
- Pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave
- Career progression opportunities
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.macer@nas.org.uk
Closing date for applications and written assessment: 1 April 2024
Interviews: week commencing 29 April 2024
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic individuals.
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.
