The Neurodiversity Coach will provide specialist support to neurodivergent individuals across the Restart Programme and the Probation (POPS) service and additional contracts. The role focuses on helping participants overcome barriers, develop strategies tailored to their neurodiverse needs, progress towards employment, and sustain success in work and life.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 specialist coaching to neurodivergent participants
- Conduct strengths‑based vocational profiling and needs assessments
- Develop personalised action plans that support progression towards employment
- Support with job search, interview preparation, and building workplace confidence
- Provide in‑work support and negotiate reasonable adjustments with employers
- Support individuals on probation who are neurodivergent or display neurodiverse traits
- Deliver practical strategies around executive function, emotional regulation, and communication
- Partner with probation staff and wider justice stakeholders
- Support with life skills, confidence-building, volunteering, and work readiness
- Deliver high‑quality training sessions to employers, partners, and external providers
- Tailor content for sector‑specific needs and organisational requirements
- Support development of training materials, workshops, digital resources, and toolkits
- Build and maintain relationships with employers, DWP, probation services, and community organisations
- Promote inclusive employment practices and influence neurodiversity awareness
- Attend events, fairs, conferences, and community outreach opportunities
- Maintain accurate case notes, CRM records, risk assessments, and progress logs
- Ensure quality and contractual compliance across both Restart and POPS caseloads
- Contribute to reporting, audit requirements, and continuous service improvements
- Maintain awareness of latest neurodiversity research and inclusive practice
- Recommend new strategies, digital tools, and innovative approaches
- Engage in reflective practice and professional development activities
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- GCSE English and Maths or equivalent (essential)
- Level 2 IT competence (essential)
- Awareness and understanding of neurodiversity (training can be provided) (essential)
- Full UK driving licence (essential)
- Level 3 or 4 qualification in Coaching, IAG, Psychology, SEND, H&SC (or equivalent) (essential)
- First Aid at Work Certificate (desirable)
- Accredited neurodiversity training (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia) (desirable)
- Train‑the‑Trainer accreditation (desirable)
- Supporting neurodivergent individuals (professional or lived) (essential)
- Coaching/mentoring/teaching/support work (essential)
- Working with vulnerable people (essential)
- Working to targets or structured outcomes (essential)
- Working in probation or justice services (desirable)
- Delivering training or group facilitation (desirable)
- Employer engagement or workplace adjustments (desirable)
- Understanding and awareness for clients with multiple and complex difficulties (desirable)
- Barriers to learning and employment (essential)
- How to support customer and promote independence (essential)
- Support strategies for various customer specific needs (essential)
- Comfortable working in community settings and travelling within the region (knowledge of local community/work environments) (essential)
- Understanding of neurodiversity and its impact (essential)
- Knowledge of reasonable adjustments (essential)
- Awareness of safeguarding and data protection (essential)
- Knowledge of mental health, disability, health inequalities, and the Equality Act 2010 (desirable)
- Local labour market knowledge (desirable)
- Co‑occurring mental health needs (desirable)
- Knowledge of justice sector pathways (desirable)
- The ability to work under pressure in a highly performance driven organisation (essential)
- Strong communication skills (essential)
- Excellent organisation and planning (essential)
- Coaching and motivational skills (essential)
- Accurate documentation and reporting (essential)
- Ability to work independently (essential)
- The ability to reflect on your own performance to support quality improvement (essential)
- The ability to manage time effectively and plan your own workload (essential)
- Strong organisational and caseload‑management skills (essential)
- Excellent communication skills (in person, telephone, written) (essential)
- Ability to build effective relationships with clients, employers, and multi‑agency partners (essential)
- Conflict resolution skills (desirable)
- Training design skills (desirable)
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy
Job Benefits
- Flexible working including home-based, centre-based, or hybrid job role dependant
- Up to 26 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
- Pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing
- Training and professional development, including CPD workshops and professional qualifications
- Westfield Health Scheme with benefits including 13 healthcare services, cashback towards essential health bills, counselling and therapy treatments, fast access to MRI, CT, and PET scans, and discounted shopping vouchers
- Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Mental Health at Work Pledge
- Disability Confident Leader, Menopause Workplace Pledge, Armed Forces Covenant, Ban the Box Employer, and secure prayer spaces
- Annual paid volunteering day and charity initiatives
- Cash incentives for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards
- ÂŁ500 Recommend a friend scheme
Contact Detail:
Acorn Training Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Neurodiversity Coach - East Midlands in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the neurodiversity and coaching fields. Attend events, fairs, and community outreach opportunities to meet potential employers and stakeholders. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by role-playing with a friend or mentor. Focus on showcasing your strengths and how your experience aligns with the needs of neurodivergent individuals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When applying for roles, make sure to highlight your understanding of neurodiversity and how you can support individuals in overcoming barriers. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to build relationships!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Training
✨Know Your Neurodiversity
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of neurodiversity and its impact. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of neurodivergent individuals, as this will show your commitment to the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Personalised Action Plans
Think about how you would develop personalised action plans for participants. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used in the past or ideas you have for supporting neurodivergent individuals in their journey towards employment.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your coaching and mentoring skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in overcoming barriers and building confidence, especially in a work setting.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in building relationships with stakeholders and employers. Discuss how you would maintain these connections and promote inclusive employment practices, as this is crucial for the role.