Adult Autism Support Lead (Newcastle)

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference to the lives of autistic and neurodivergent individuals? Do you have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to provide high-quality, accessible support to autistic adults? If so, we want to hear from you!

Daisy Chain is looking for enthusiastic and experienced individuals to join our team as Adult Autism Support Leads. In this role, you will deliver tailored support to autistic young people and adults (18+) through psychoeducation, one-to-one, and small group sessions.

We offer a comprehensive training package, ongoing supervision, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic, supportive environment where no two days are the same. Join us and be part of a service that empowers autistic individuals to thrive.

Hours: 20 hours per week – Fixed term until the end of March 2027 (possible extension subject to additional funding).

Daisy Chain is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care; therefore this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Please note that if enough applications are received we will close the job early; please ensure you apply as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a bespoke package of psychoeducation, 1:1 and group support to autistic young people and adults.
• Maintain and develop an up-to-date knowledge of local service provision across the region for appropriate signposting and referrals.
• Engage with adults that are hard to reach in order to ensure that they are able to access the support that they need.
• Support the Service Manager to develop and maintain positive relationships with relevant stakeholders across the region and work in partnership with these organisations to effectively deliver the programme.
• Build and maintain positive, trust‑based relationships with autistic young people/adults, in order to identify the key issues which are relevant to them.
• Contribute towards the protection of individuals from abuse by adhering to Daisy Chain’s Child and At Risk Adults Safeguarding policies at all times.
• Ensure the service is flexible and adapts to meet the needs of the neurodivergent community.
• Ensure the voice of neurodivergent young people and adults are heard and play an active role in reviewing and evaluating the service.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained and that Daisy Chain’s GDPR Policy is adhered to at all times.
• Ensure effective and accurate recording and reporting systems in line with Daisy Chain’s procedures.
• Undertake administrative tasks necessary for the efficient and effective delivery of the key responsibilities in this role.

Additional Responsibilities

• Comply with the Charities’ Health and Safety policy in all employment practices.
• Maintain the integrity of the Daisy Chain brand in all internal and external communications.
• Work in ways that promote equality of opportunity, participation and responsibility.
• Maintain a proactive approach to your role and responsibilities along with a commitment to contribute and maintain the positive working ethos within the Charity.
• Ensure attendance at staff meetings.
• Undertake any training and development deemed necessary within the post.
• Any other duties from time to time, commensurate with the level of the post.

Experience

• Experience working with and providing support to autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families – Essential.
• Experience of safeguarding with a good understanding of safeguarding protocols and policies – Essential.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (e.g. autism, education, health & social care) – Essential.
• Trained to level of a Designated Safeguarding Officer or willing to work towards – Essential.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with varying needs – Essential.
• An ability to remain calm, objective and proactive when faced with sensitive information, including safeguarding – Essential.
• A thorough understanding of the challenges faced by autistic and neurodivergent individuals – Essential.
• Awareness of local service provision in Newcastle for effective signposting and referrals – Desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – Essential.
• IT literate and able to use all appropriate software packages and record information accurately – Essential.

Other

• Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with autistic individuals – Essential.
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred services – Essential.
• Resilience and flexibility to adapt to changing demands and challenges – Essential.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel across Newcastle – Essential.

Company Benefits

• Enhanced holiday leave of 33 days annual leave (pro rata for part‑time employees) rising to 35 after 5 years’ service.
• A bespoke induction plan specific to you and your role which starts as soon as a job offer is accepted.
• 9‑month induction programme and planned meetings with line manager to ensure settling in and support.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential services for work and home life support.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Free on‑site car parking and refreshments.
• Social and charitable events.
• Company sick pay after successful completion of probationary period.
• Savings Club.
• Give‑as‑you‑earn scheme for staff to donate to a charity of their choice.
• Coverage of membership fees for required professional bodies.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.