At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic residents, develop community networks, and improve local services.
- Company: Newham Council, dedicated to empowering autistic individuals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to inclusion.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on co-production and improving health outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic residents and promote community connection.
- Qualifications: Lived experience as an autistic person and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43680 - 43680 £ per year.
£41,133 to £43,680 per annum
Hours: Full-time/Part-time (Job Share considered)
Contract: Fixed Term until 31st March 2027
About The Role
Newham is committed to creating a borough where autistic people are supported to fulfil their potential and live fulfilling, independent lives. This ambition is set out in the Autism Action Plan. The Plan outlines a shared, co-designed vision for empowerment, connection and inclusion, meaningful opportunities and improved health and wellbeing outcomes - placing people at the centre of decision-making and support.
This role will support autistic residents to access services, participate in delivering the Autism Action Plan and co-produce service developments. A key focus of this role is to reduce health inequalities for autistic residents. This includes improving access to support, and health and care services. The role aims to make services easier to access and improve support in the community.
You Will Work With:
- Autistic residents
- Carers
- Community organisations
- Health and care services
Your Role Will Include:
- Providing peer support and guidance
- Developing community networks
- Supporting engagement and co-production
- Helping improve local services
You Will Work Both:
- Directly with residents
- With services and partners to improve support
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Provide peer support, information, and guidance to autistic residents to support independence and wellbeing
- Develop and support peer support groups and community activities so residents can connect and support each other
- Support individuals to build confidence and take part in opportunities
- Plan and deliver events and awareness activities (e.g. World Autism Acceptance Month)
- Lead engagement and co-production activities so autistic residents shape services and priorities
- Produce accessible communications (e.g. newsletters, online content)
- Build partnerships with local services, including health and diagnostic pathways
- Support development of networks (e.g. Autism Champions) to improve autism-friendly practice
- Contribute to service improvement through feedback, data, and reporting
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has lived experience as an autistic person
- Is committed to co-production, inclusion, and strengths-based approaches
- Can communicate clearly and build positive relationships
- Can work independently and as part of a team
- Is motivated to improve outcomes for autistic residents
- Can support people with a range of needs
- Is flexible, creative, and person-centred
Job Share & Flexible Working
This role is open to job share arrangements, with responsibilities able to be shared and adapted across postholders to support flexible working and effective delivery.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We want the recruitment process to be clear, fair, and supportive. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from autistic people.
We Will Provide:
- Reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process
- Interview questions or topics in advance to support preparation
- Extra time for interview responses or written tasks
- Clear, structured interview schedules in advance, including timings and who will be present
- Information about the environment
Due to the high volume of applications, the vacancy may close early. Closing date: 16th August 2026.
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Autism Peer Support and Community Development Worker in London employer: London Borough of Newham
The London Borough of Newham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Senior Educational Psychologists. With a strong commitment to professional development and flexible working arrangements, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in East London. The competitive salary and additional allowances further enhance the appeal of this rewarding role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Peer Support and Community Development Worker in London
✨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 London Borough of Newham.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Autism Peer Support and Community Development Worker in London
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 London Borough of Newham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Newham! 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 London Borough of Newham
✨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.
