At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic pupils in mainstream schools through coaching and resource sharing.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, a welcoming and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to inclusion and positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic children and young people.
- Qualifications: NVQ 3 or equivalent in a related field, with experience in Special Educational Needs.
The predicted salary is between 28605 - 31029 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RA
Salary: £28,605 - £31,029 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) (Pay award pending)
Working Hours: 22.2 hours Term time - 3 days per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 13th September 2026
Interview Date(s): 23rd September 2026 - in person
About the Role
The Autism Outreach Team has an exciting and interesting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed specialist practitioner to join the Team. The Autism Outreach Team is a well-regarded and welcoming team, consisting of specialist teachers and practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and experience and a passion for Inclusion. We work with mainstream education settings across Leicestershire to support positive outcomes for autistic pupils in Key Stages 1-5. We are committed to understanding autism as difference rather than deficit and as part of Specialist Teaching Service, we aim to improve opportunities, outcomes and experiences for children and young people with SEND in partnership with families, educational settings and organisations.
The successful applicant will have casework responsibility, under the supervision and support of a specialist teacher, which will focus on enabling schools to implement a range of teaching and learning strategies to support the progress and inclusion of pupils with a diagnosis of autism or communication and interaction needs. You will provide support for educational settings through coaching, modelling of good practice, sharing knowledge, approaches, and resources as well as contributing to the APDR cycle of support. The role involves maintaining thorough records of work undertaken and contributing to Education, Health and Care Plan assessments and annual reviews, when appropriate. In addition, you will engage with ongoing professional development to identify, develop and deliver resources that promote curriculum access for autistic learners. An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.
About You
- To apply for this post, you must have an NVQ 3 level qualification or equivalent in a study related to the role, with evidence of further training and development in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Substantial experience of working directly with pupils with a diagnosis of Autism or communication and interaction needs, including knowledge of effective teaching and learning approaches and resources to support the attainment and inclusion of autistic pupils.
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate positively to children, young people, parents and other professionals and establish effective working relationships with colleagues, educational settings and partner agencies.
- Ability to manage a caseload effectively, prioritise work and demonstrate effective time management, using own initiative to plan and work in an organised manner.
- Significant experience of working appropriately in accordance with relevant statutory and local policies and procedures for SEND and the ability to carry out all duties in line with LCC Safeguarding policies and procedures and fulfil relevant safeguarding competencies.
- Ability to actively demonstrate the values of the authority: Positivity; Trust and respect; Flexibility; Openness and Transparency.
- Must be able to perform all duties and tasks with reasonable adjustment, where appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act 2010.
- This will include requirements to work flexibly around holiday periods in line with the service requirements and access to a vehicle with the ability to travel to temporary bases such as schools, touch-down bases etc.
- In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents.
- You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.
- Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working? We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Angela Shipley, Autism Outreach Team Manager Telephone: 0116 3050673 Email: angela.shipley@leics.gov.uk
Autism Outreach Service Practitioner in Leicester employer: ESPO Trading Limited
Leicestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and flexible working options. As an AMHP Team Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in a meaningful role that directly impacts mental health services, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Outreach Service Practitioner in Leicester
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We think you need these skills to ace Autism Outreach Service Practitioner in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at ESPO Trading Limited. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at ESPO Trading Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESPO Trading Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with ESPO Trading Limited.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Autism Outreach Service Practitioner at ESPO Trading Limited.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show ESPO Trading Limited that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Autism Outreach Service Practitioner role.
