At a Glance
- Tasks: Support neurodivergent young people in schools and improve their educational outcomes.
- Company: Leading charity dedicated to enriching the lives of autistic individuals and their families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, free training, and healthcare support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent youth and advocate for their needs.
- Qualifications: Understanding of autism, excellent interpersonal skills, and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 29715 - 29715 £ 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.
About the role?
- This post aims to provide specialist support to identify and meet the needs of neurodivergent young people at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools in Sandwell.
- Autism West Midlands are employing a suitable individual to work within Sandwell schools to support young people and professionals in improving outcomes for young people.
- The post holder is required to develop and deliver efficient and effective support intervention programmes for neurodivergent children and young people within Sandwell schools.
- The role will also support raising understanding and awareness amongst educational professionals to enable best practice.
- The role will enable neurodivergent children and young people to achieve their full potential and, in so doing, make suitable, well-informed decisions about next steps in education, training or employment and to make a successful transition into adulthood.
The role will be based at Sandwell Community School, Main Campus, West Minster Road, West Bromwich.
The post holder will need flexibility to work as part of the school team including the need to offer support out of office hours. This is a Monday to Friday role.
A full driving license and access to a car is essential for this role.
Key aspects of the role Neurodiversity Practitioner
- Promotion of multidisciplinary approaches and good practice in relation to the needs of each person supported.
- Support the inclusion, wellbeing and education of young people identified as being neurodivergent.
- Work collaboratively with educational professionals.
- Contribute and influence the development of more appropriate neuro-affirming support within schools.
- Advocate on behalf of young people so that their needs are better understood.
What we are looking for from you as a Neurodiversity Practitioner
- Understanding of autism and other neurodivergence
- Understanding of the issues experienced within schools for neurodivergent young people.
- Excellent interpersonal skills that can be utilised to influence others, advocate on behalf of the young person.
- A relevant qualification related to Autism or Mental Health or associated field or discipline
- Knowledge of how autism and mental health challenges may interplay.
- Experience of providing supportive interventions and/or offering advice or information
- Have a genuine desire to improve the lives of autistic adults.
The closing date for applications is the 18th of August 2026 however, if we receive a high volume of applications, we do reserve the right to close the advert early.
Therefore, early application is advised.
In return we can offer you
- A supportive management team
- Annual leave to increase yearly to 33 days
- Free DBS check paid for by Autism West Midlands
- Free Medicare Healthcare cash back scheme
- Employee assistance scheme providing support to you and your family
- Specialist autism training you are paid to attend and travel to
- All staff are provided with a Life assurance policy
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Neurodiversity Practitioner employer: AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS
Autism West Midlands is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment for its staff. Located in the vibrant community of Marston Green, employees benefit from generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and the individuals they support. Joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and encourages personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Neurodiversity Practitioner
✨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 AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS.
✨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 AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS!
✨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 AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS, 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 AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Neurodiversity Practitioner
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 AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS! 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 AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS
✨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.
