At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate workshops and social groups for autistic individuals and their families.
- Company: Join the National Autistic Society, dedicated to supporting autistic people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, training, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic people and their communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in delivering workshops and building community relationships.
The predicted salary is between 28157 - 28157 £ per year.
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks if relevant to their role.
Join Us as an Autism Support Ayrshire Project Co-ordinator. The National Autistic Society helps create a world that works for autistic people and within National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policies and legislation reflect their needs. We have a rewarding opportunity for an Autism Support Ayrshire Project Co-ordinator within the Scotland Programmes Team. If you share our values and want to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Team: Autism Support Ayrshire provides information, advice, guidance and support to autistic people, families, carers and professionals across Ayrshire. The service delivers workshops, social opportunities and community-based support that promote wellbeing, inclusion, confidence and independence. Working collaboratively with local partners, volunteers and stakeholders, the team helps ensure autistic people can access the information and opportunities they need to thrive.
About the Role: We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Project Co-ordinator to play a key role in delivering information, advice, guidance and support to autistic people, families and professionals across Ayrshire. The successful candidate will coordinate workshops for parents and carers, facilitate social groups for autistic young people and adults, recruit and support volunteers, and contribute to the ongoing development of the service. Working closely with the Autism Support Ayrshire Manager, you will help ensure autistic people remain at the heart of everything we do while promoting autism knowledge, best practice and neuro-affirming approaches throughout service delivery.
What You’ll Do:
- Deliver information, advice, guidance and signposting to autistic people, families and carers.
- Plan and facilitate workshops for parents and carers of autistic children and young people.
- Coordinate and deliver social groups and activities for autistic young people and adults.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience delivering workshops, group activities or support programmes.
- Experience building positive relationships with a range of stakeholders and community partners.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and using digital systems.
This advert is for a Fixed Term position, 35 hours per week, until 31 March 2028 (with a possible extension to March 2029, dependent on funding). This role is Hybrid, involving home working, office-based work and community-based delivery across Ayrshire. Some evening work and travel throughout Ayrshire will be required.
What we can offer you:
- Pension – Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
- Annual Leave – 33 days (including public holidays). You can buy or sell leave each year.
- Training – Great induction and training, including autism training.
- Discounts – Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
- Healthcare – Cash plan for permanent staff.
- Life Assurance – 2x your base salary.
- Flexible Benefits – Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
- Support – 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
- Mindfulness – Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
- Blue Light Card – Eligibility for discounts.
About our application process: You will be required to upload your CV. If you are providing a supporting statement, please consider the following:
- Look at the job description and person specification.
- Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
- Give examples if you can.
We might close this job advert early if we get lots of suitable applications.
To protect our autistic adults & children at the National Autistic Society, some roles require employees to have a criminal background check. Possession of an Enhanced DBS Check either on the Update Service or conducted within the last 12 months would be preferable but not essential if applicable to your role.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people. We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.
Important Information: Agencies need not apply. Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.
The National Autistic Society may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist our recruitment team with reviewing applications for this role. All application decisions are made by people and are not determined automatically by AI.
Autism Support Ayrshire Project Co-Ordinator employer: Autism
The National Autistic Society is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the individuals they serve. Located in Cardiff, this role provides meaningful opportunities for personal growth and development while making a real difference in the lives of autistic adults. With flexible part-time hours and a commitment to professional training, you will be empowered to thrive in your career while contributing to a vital cause.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Support Ayrshire Project Co-Ordinator
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Autism.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Autism.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Autism.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Autism. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Autism Support Ayrshire Project Co-Ordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Autism. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Autism Support Ayrshire Project Co-Ordinator, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autism
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Autism. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!