At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead support for neurodiverse women transitioning from prison to community.
- Company: Advance Charity, a feminist organisation empowering women and girls.
- Benefits: 30 days paid holiday, employee discounts, and enhanced maternity provisions.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health and understanding of neurodiversity.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
Location: Advance Head Office in Hammersmith & Women's centres across London, with co-location at HMP Bronzefield
Contract: Fixed Term until March 2027
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to EL2 vetting.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community. We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women's centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies. Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role
This is a great chance to be a part of a service working alongside the Healthcare & Education Department within HMP Bronzefield to identify and support women who are identified as being neurodiverse or presenting with symptoms of neurodiversity and will be returning to the community. The Neurodiversity Lead will focus support on women with a neurodivergent need and improve their transition into the community, with ongoing community support; including collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop their support plans. The Lead will work in a multi-disciplinary way, including attending the weekly complex case meeting and/or the Safety Intervention Meeting (SIM) as appropriate, they will act as a specialist member of the wider Advance Criminal Justice Service - London team, to facilitate a pathway for women with complex needs including mental health and neurodiversity needs. The Neurodiversity Lead will accept referrals from the Advance Criminal Justice Community team and prison services, and will create a link between prison and the community, helping women to navigate support services and to positively re-integrate into their community upon release. They will co-design a person-centred support and action plan with women accessing support, enabling them to address their needs and any risks. The role will combine a casework-based approach, along with a signposting and advice service for the women. The Neurodiversity Lead will be based in the Advance Head Office in Hammersmith, with regular work in the community and in HMP Bronzefield to support women who are close to release. A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential.
About You
To be successful as the Neurodiversity Lead you will need the below experience and skills:
- An excellent understanding of mental health, neurodiversity needs violence against women and girls and its links to women in the criminal justice system.
- The ability to complete trauma informed, support and action plans in collaboration with the woman; to support in addressing their multiple and individual needs and enable them to engage with services, which will result in timely and prescribed outcomes being achieved.
- Excellent organisational skills, excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a prison environment whilst remaining calm.
How to apply
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered. The closing date for the role is: 27th July 2026. Interviews are taking place w/c 3rd August 2026.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women's Day, and for religious observance and moving home.
- Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee eye-care scheme.
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles.
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation.
- Organisation wide away days.
- Thorough induction and training.
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and we will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Neurodiversity Lead in Aylesford employer: Advance
Advance is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting women affected by the criminal justice system, offering a compassionate work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in Hammersmith, our team enjoys flexible working hours, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. We foster a collaborative environment where staff are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers while contributing to vital community support initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Neurodiversity Lead in Aylesford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Advance.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Advance!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Advance, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Advance or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Advance:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Advance! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
