At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for autistic individuals and their families, providing essential support.
- Company: Join Avenues Group, a compassionate organisation dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative team atmosphere with potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in office administration and supporting neurodivergent individuals is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27147 - 27147 ÂŁ per year.
First contact support within a specialist autism service.
Location: Hybrid with office base in Whiteley, Fareham.
Salary: ÂŁ27,147 per annum (pro rata).
Hours: 39 hours per week Monday-Friday.
Contract: 9-month FTC maternity cover (with the possibility of an extension to 12 months) starting approx. 1 July 2026.
Are you looking for a role where your communication skills make a difference? We are looking for a positive and organised Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) Duty Officer to be the first point of contact for autistic people, their families and professionals seeking support. This is a rewarding frontline role where your calm approach, strong communication skills and knowledge of autism will help people feel listened to, understood and guided from the very first interaction. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being a trusted point of contact and thrives on helping people feel heard, supported and informed.
About the role
- Act as the first point of contact for all new enquiries and referrals via phone and email.
- Provide tier 1 advice, information and signposting to families, external agencies and professionals.
- Ensure enquiries are accurately recorded and directed to the most appropriate service.
- Work closely with the IAG team and Business Support Administrator to deliver a timely, high-quality service.
- Monitor safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately.
- Assist within the organisation for promotional events relating to booking arrangements, confirming guest speakers, resources, promotional materials, and attend such events when required.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to service statistics and reporting.
Your work will directly support individuals pre, during and post autism diagnosis, helping them access the right support at the right time.
About you
- Proven office administration experience and skills.
- Proven history of working with and supporting neurodivergent people and their families.
- An understanding of challenges faced by autistic people and/or people with learning disabilities and other neurodivergent conditions.
- Ability to develop and maintain excellent relationship building skills at all levels inside and outside Avenues group.
- Communicates clearly, confidently and compassionately, even under pressure.
- Is highly organised with strong administration and IT skills.
- Understands safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR.
- Is calm, empathetic and professional when handling sensitive situations.
- Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a supportive team.
- Holding a Level 2 IAG qualification and Autism Pathway training are desirable — or you’ll be supported to work towards them.
Why join us?
Joining Avenues Group and Autism Hampshire means becoming part of an organisation driven by values, compassion and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of autistic people and their families. We are committed to neuro-affirming practice, inclusion and continuous development, offering training and opportunities to grow so you can continue building your expertise while making a meaningful difference. As part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident Scheme”, candidates who declare a disability, and meet the key criteria for this role, will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at interview stage.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply now and help us ensure every enquiry is met with understanding, care and clear guidance. For an informal chat about the role, contact our recruitment team today or apply now and we will be in touch. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive sufficient applications.
Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) Duty Officer - 9 month in Fareham employer: Avenues Group
Contact Detail:
Avenues Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) Duty Officer - 9 month in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the autism support field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals 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
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about being the first point of contact, make sure you can clearly articulate your thoughts. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with answering questions and providing information.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or during interviews, share your experiences working with neurodivergent individuals. Let them see how much you care about making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the autism community.
We think you need these skills to ace Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) Duty Officer - 9 month in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about being the first point of contact, make sure your application highlights your communication skills. Use clear and confident language to demonstrate how you can connect with people, especially those who might be feeling vulnerable.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the IAG Duty Officer role. Mention your experience with neurodivergent individuals and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Be Organised and Professional: We love a well-organised application! Make sure your documents are neatly formatted and free of errors. This shows us that you’re professional and detail-oriented, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us without any hiccups, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avenues Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism and the challenges faced by autistic individuals. Familiarise yourself with the role's responsibilities, especially around providing tier 1 advice and support. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role heavily relies on strong communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and compassionately. You might want to prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in sensitive situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with people and provide the support they need.
✨Be Organised and Professional
As an IAG Duty Officer, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Bring a notepad or digital device to jot down important points during the interview. Show that you can stay calm and collected under pressure, which is crucial for handling enquiries and safeguarding concerns.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the organisation's approach to neuro-affirming practices. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.