Job Description

Job Introduction

Autism Support Worker


High Incidence Needs Team - Northumberland County Council


37 hours per week - Term Time Only plus 5 days


Permanent Position


NCC Band 5 pro rata


Previous applicants need not apply



Do you want a challenging opportunity, if you are dynamic, dedicated and enthusiastic then we want to hear from you.



Who is Northumberland County Council (NCC)?



Northumberland is world renowned as a visitor destination and is also the ideal location to strike a perfect work/life balance. What better way of enjoying the picturesque scenery and stunning coastline than to sample it on an everyday basis?





Our Vision is: "To make Northumberland a county which you regard as a great place to live, and in which you can access the things you enjoy, whilst having the opportunity to learn and thrive"



For further information about working for Northumberland County Council, please click here: https://careers.northumberland.gov.uk/why-us/



The Service


The Northumberland Autism Support Service is currently made up of 6 qualified teachers who provide a range of advice, support and training for schools and settings throughout Northumberland. The day-to-day operational management and organisation of the team is the responsibility of the Autism Lead Practitioner who in turn reports to the High Incidence Needs Team (HINT) Manager. The service operates from a centralised base in Morpeth working peripatetically into schools and settings across Northumberland.


For further information about the Northumberland Autism Support Service please click here


The role





The Autism Support Workers work under the direction of Specialist Teacher for Autism to upskill staff in schools and settings to meet the needs of children and young people predominantly between the ages of 3 and 16 with Autism or social communication needs. The team place a strong emphasis on building capacity within schools through a process of consultation, modelling and training.



We are looking for an Autism Support Worker with a significant level of experience working with children and young people with Autism/Social Communication Needs and who has knowledge and experience of implementing evidence-based interventions and approaches to support learners with this range of needs. The successful candidate will: be highly motivated; have excellent time management and organisational skills; have good writing skills; be committed to supporting inclusion within mainstream school settings and be able to fulfil the travel requirements of an agile worker working into schools and settings across a large rural county.



The key duties of the role are:

modelling the use of evidence-based strategies, approaches and intervention programmes in settings and schools across Northumberland. Working directly with designated pupils in settings either individually or in small groups, dependent on the level of complex needs. Assisting pupils in developing an insight into their diagnosis through the identification of their strengths and differences. Liaising as necessary with all staff involved with designated pupils, offering advice and strategies to develop and maintain consistent approaches to enable the successful inclusion of children and young people with Autism/Social Communication needs in schools and settings. Contributing to the development of Individual Support Plans through the identification of appropriate outcomes and providing strategies and resources related to the delivery of the plan. Being responsible for the planning and delivery of programmes of work to develop social communication skills, language skills and social/emotional skills. Maintaining agreed service records. Liaison with parents/carers




For details of essential and desirable skills and experience applicable to the post, and more detail about the key duties and responsibilities, please see the attached and Person Specification.



If you require further information or would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact:


Kim Graham, Lead Practitioner


Email: Kim.graham@northumberland.gov.uk



Further information





We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you wish to notify us of your eligibility for this scheme, please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk or ring 01670 623930 with your name and the job title you have applied for and one of the recruitment team will ensure this is factored into the shortlisting process and kept anonymous.


If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to attend an interview, please also let the team know. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.


Although we advertise on North East Jobs, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.