At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support autistic adults and improve their mental health outcomes.
- Company: Join Autism West Midlands, the leading charity for autistic individuals in the region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive training, and a supportive management team.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic adults while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in service development and a relevant qualification in Autism or Mental Health.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Autism West Midlands is the leading charity in the region for autistic adults, children and young people as well as offering families support and guidance. We use our expertise to enrich the lives of autistic people and those who love and care for them. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, by providing personalised support.
Where will you be working? Autism West Midland’s Key Worker Service is an exciting and relatively new project working in partnership with Birmingham and Solihull NHS Mental Health Trust to deliver a dynamic service for autistic adults who are at risk of admission to inpatient services or who require additional support to help assist quicker discharge from inpatient service. The Key Worker Service provides enhanced coordination of care and additional autism related focus in the support of autistic adults, who also have mental health needs. This project helps to build better understanding of a person’s autism related needs with the aim of better mental health outcomes and supporting neurodiverse people to remain living at home, in the community and preventing avoidable admissions to inpatient mental health services.
The post holder will need flexibility to work as part of a small team including the need to offer support out of office hours. This is a Monday to Friday role. A full driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role.
Key aspects of the Senior Key Worker role:- Provision of day-to-day supervision and support for a team of Key Workers.
- Represent and lead the Key Worker service.
- Develop, monitor and manage systems and processes to support the collation of data to form reports and evidence outcomes and impact.
- Promote the service and network with a range of health professionals.
- Presenting information on behalf of Autism West Midlands at key meetings.
- Chair team meetings, carry out regular supervision and appraisals.
- Work alongside Service Manager in developing the service.
- Monitor and manage quality and performance of service and staff.
- To be a key point of contact for autistic adults allocated to you, identifying gaps in their support and coordinating efforts to bridge those gaps.
- The Senior Key Worker will hold a small caseload and be available to cover absences when required.
- To work closely with inpatient settings, local mental health teams (including crisis teams), social care and other organisations involved to ensure that the system is working in a coordinated and joined up way for the person, helping to reduce any blockages/barriers to accessing support.
- When necessary, advocate on behalf of a person based upon their preferences, choices and wishes.
- Offer autism informed Coordination around the support, care and treatment offered to people in the mental health system.
- Promotion of multidisciplinary approaches and good practice in relation to the needs of each person supported in the service.
- Experience of leading and developing services.
- A high level of interpersonal skills that can be utilised to influence others, advocate on behalf of the service and the person being supported.
- Experience and skills in developing processes and systems that help capture outcomes, promote safe practice and enable the service to demonstrate impact and value for money.
- A relevant qualification related to Autism or Mental Health or associated field or discipline.
- Knowledge of how autism and mental health challenges may interplay.
- Knowledge of inpatient and community services and the challenges that exist in coordinating adult care and support.
- A good understanding of a variety of mental health issues and how difficulties can affect people.
- Specific experience of working with autistic adults with complex additional needs including mental health.
- Experience of carrying out needs assessments, developing recovery-focused support plans and risk assessments.
- Have a genuine desire to improve the lives of autistic adults.
In return we can offer you: £32,000 per annum, a supportive management team, free DBS check paid for by Autism West Midlands, extensive training.
Deadline: 19th June 2026
Senior Autism Specialist Key Worker in Birmingham employer: AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS
Autism West Midlands is an exceptional employer dedicated to enriching the lives of autistic individuals and their families. With a supportive management team and a commitment to employee development, we offer extensive training and a collaborative work culture that values flexibility and teamwork. Working in Birmingham, you will be part of a pioneering project that not only enhances care coordination for autistic adults but also fosters meaningful community connections, making a real difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Autism Specialist Key Worker in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the autism and mental health sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your genuine desire to improve the lives of autistic adults. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of autism and mental health. Familiarise yourself with current practices and challenges in the field. This will not only boost your confidence but also show interviewers that you're serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really interested in joining our team at Autism West Midlands.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Autism Specialist Key Worker in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting autistic individuals shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, so share personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led services or worked with autistic adults, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out – we want to see what makes you the best fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Autism West Midlands!
How to prepare for a job interview at AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism and mental health. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges autistic adults face, especially in relation to mental health. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely passionate about improving their lives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Key Worker, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully developed services. Think of examples where you've influenced others or advocated for someone’s needs, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations involving autistic adults and mental health. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios. This will show your ability to think critically and coordinate care effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the Key Worker Service's future plans or how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your values and goals.
