At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging autism training and facilitate sessions for diverse audiences across Hampshire.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in autism education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to impact lives positively.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Use your expertise to challenge misconceptions and create inclusive experiences for autistic individuals.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of autism and experience in training or teaching required.
The predicted salary is between 31720 - 31720 £ per year.
Location: North Hampshire / Hampshire-wide travel
Salary: £31,720 per annum pro rata
Hours: 24 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term – 12 months
Closing date: 27 August 2026
Planned interviews: 10 September via Microsoft Teams (subject to any changes)
Make a difference through autism training and education.
Do you have extensive knowledge and understanding of autism? Are you an experienced and passionate trainer who wants to help people understand autism differently? Would you like to join a friendly, experienced and dedicated training team where your knowledge can make a real difference? If so, we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for an Autism Specialist Trainer & Oliver McGowan Lead Facilitator to join our External Training Team. This is an exciting opportunity to use your expertise to improve understanding, challenge misconceptions and help create more inclusive experiences for autistic people.
About the role:
Our External Training Team delivers high-quality autism training to a diverse range of audiences, including health and social care organisations, employers, schools, individuals and families across Hampshire and beyond. As part of this role, you will be a key facilitator for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, supporting the delivery of face-to-face sessions for groups of up to 30 delegates across Hampshire. You will work closely with our lived-experience autistic and learning-disabled co-trainers, ensuring that sessions are engaging, accessible, inclusive and meaningful. You will also have the opportunity to develop and deliver specialist autism training, sharing your knowledge and helping individuals and organisations build greater confidence and understanding.
What we're looking for:
- Has extensive knowledge and understanding of autism, including sensory processing, communication and autistic thinking.
- Is an accredited Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training facilitator.
- Has relevant qualifications and experience in autism and teaching/training.
- Has a proven track record of developing learning programmes and delivering engaging training to groups.
- Understands that every autistic person is an individual, with their own strengths, needs, preferences and experiences.
- Believes passionately in the positive contribution and potential of autistic people.
- Can communicate complex information in an accessible, engaging and respectful way.
- Has excellent interpersonal and presentation skills and is confident working with a wide range of audiences.
- Is highly organised and able to maintain accurate records and training documentation.
- Works collaboratively and values the expertise and contribution of lived-experience trainers.
- Brings a flexible, positive and inclusive approach to their work.
A role with variety and purpose:
No two days will be the same. You could be delivering training to health and social care professionals, working with schools and employers, developing learning resources or supporting our Oliver McGowan co-trainers. To ensure we can provide training at times that work for our learners, some evening and weekend sessions will be required. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced autism trainer to join a specialist team and use their knowledge, skills and passion to change understanding, influence practice and improve outcomes for autistic people.
If you have the specialist knowledge, training experience and passion to make a difference, we would love to hear from you. 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.
Autism Specialist Trainer & Oliver McGowan Lead Facilitator - in Whitwell employer: Avenues Group
At Avenues, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace; we are a supportive community dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Located in Birchington, our Assistant Service Manager role offers a unique opportunity to lead with compassion while enjoying flexible working arrangements, high-quality training, and a strong focus on employee development. Join us to inspire your team and contribute to a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Specialist Trainer & Oliver McGowan Lead Facilitator - in Whitwell
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
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✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
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If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Avenues Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Autism Specialist Trainer & Oliver McGowan Lead Facilitator - in Whitwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Avenues Group:Take some time to research Avenues Group and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avenues Group
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Avenues Group's values and approach.
