At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic adults through advocacy sessions and peer support groups.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible hours and travel across Kent, with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while helping others build confidence and community.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic adults and a commitment to inclusive practices.
The predicted salary is between 26597 - 32507 £ per year.
Reporting To: SEAS Programme Manager
Hours: 37 hours per week
Area: Kent
Location: Hybrid (Some homeworking with travel across Kent and Medway)
Office-Base: Home
Salary: £26,955.24 per annum
Fixed term contract until 31st March 2027, with possibility of extension.
Are you compassionate, organised, and looking to make a real difference in people’s lives? Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? This is an exciting opportunity to work in the innovative SEAS team delivering both one-to-one and group support for autistic adults as part of the South East Autism Support (SEAS) Programme in Kent.
You will support individuals through self-advocacy sessions and regular peer support groups, both online and in-person. You will manage your own caseload, collaborate with local organisations, and help grow the service in response to member needs.
About the SEAS Programme
The SEAS Programme is built on the principles of self-advocacy. Our client creates safe, supportive spaces where people can share experiences, build social connections and build confidence. The programme is currently made up of two projects – All Together Autistic and the Touch Base Project.
All Together Autistic (ATA)
ATA offers a range of in-person groups across Kent and Medway, as well as a large variety of online groups. The exact nature of each area’s groups is planned with local members and groups which include walks, art and creative, active events and are always building.
The Touch Base Project (TB)
TB offers six weeks of one-to-one self-advocacy for Members who are struggling with their mental health and feel that they need additional support. Our client works with Members to develop SMART goals and to build confidence to achieve these targets. Together they aim to help members make lasting change happen for themselves.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
As a SEAS Advocate, your role will be varied and people focused. While no two days are the same, your responsibilities will broadly fall into the following areas:
- Group Facilitation and Community Building
- Lead and grow the All Together Autistic peer support groups in your assigned region.
- Manage group logistics, including venue bookings, communication with Members, and welcoming new participants.
- Promote inclusive, safe, and engaging group environments shaped by Member interests and needs.
- One-to-One Self Advocacy Facilitation
- Maintain a caseload of Touch Base interventions – offering six weeks of goal-focussed work.
- Deliver sessions both remotely (via Zoom) or in-person.
- Work with members to discuss their options, set targets, and build confidence in navigating services or systems.
- Teamwork and Organisation
- Attend regular team meetings, supervisions, and training sessions.
- Cover groups or individual sessions for colleagues when needed.
- Work in line with our client’s policies, including safeguarding, data protection, and equal opportunities.
- Travel across Kent and Medway as required, occasionally at short notice.
- Work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends, to meet project needs.
Person Specification
Suitability for the role will be assessed through CV, Cover Letter, and at interview against the following criteria.
Qualifications and Training
- Willingness to undertake training and continuing professional development.
- A full, clean UK driving licence and insurance covering business use.
Knowledge and Experience
- Experience working with autistic adults in a professional context.
- Awareness of data protection, GDPR, and information sharing responsibilities.
- Awareness and commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive practice.
- Awareness of adult safeguarding procedures.
- Experience of working independently or in a lone-working context.
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with autistic adults.
- A person-centred, non-judgemental approach.
- Strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
- Confident using online platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Discord.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.
- Ability to travel freely across Kent and Medway.
- Commitment to representing our client’s values and promoting its work.
Communication and Engagement
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to respond to enquiries in a professional and approachable manner.
- Familiarity with online communication tools and virtual group facilitation.
- Commitment to innovation and exploring new technologies to engage Members.
- Understanding of how to use social media and digital tools to promote community engagement (desirable).
Please note: This role is only open to applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. Our client is unable to offer sponsorship or assist with visa applications. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday, 18th of May. Please indicate any problems with availability or requests for reasonable adjustments in your application and/or cover letter.
SEAS Advocate in Swanley employer: Get Staffed
Get Staffed is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration. As a Director of Learning – Mathematics in Blackburn with Darwen, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative curriculum design while benefiting from a vibrant academy environment that fosters growth and excellence in teaching. With a commitment to raising student achievement, this role provides meaningful and rewarding employment for those passionate about education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEAS Advocate in Swanley
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Get Staffed.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Get Staffed!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Get Staffed, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Get Staffed or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEAS Advocate in Swanley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Get Staffed:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Get Staffed! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Get Staffed
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
