At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and mentor teams to enhance autism support practices and promote individual wellbeing.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals with autism across Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across the organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping innovative support practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in autism practice and strong coaching skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31795 - 34030 £ per year.
Full time – 37 hours per week
Salary: £31,795 appointed / £32,216 confirmed / £34,030 advanced (all pro rata)
Ref: SA1207
Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Embracing Difference, Leading Change
Can you coach and mentor colleagues? Can you promote voice and choice for the individuals we support so their voice leads their support? Do you have a ‘can-do’, solutions-focused approach? If the answer to each of these questions is yes, then perhaps the Practice Advisor role for our North services could be for you!
As a Practice Advisor you will help mould and shape support to meet the needs and aspirations of each supported individual, modelling exemplary autism practice to embrace difference and lead change. Sharing your skills to coach, share knowledge and encourage reflective practice, you will help teams embed theory into practical day-to-day support approaches to promote wellbeing, voice & participation and to reduce stress.
This role is primarily based across the North of Scotland but as Practice Advisor you will link in with colleagues across the organisation and spend occasional time at Head Office in Alloa with the wider Practice Development Team.
In this role, you will:
- Use coaching skills to build reflective, informed practice across teams
- Support the translation of contemporary theory into practice and support the embedding of learning that focuses on reducing stress, supporting wellbeing and individual voice and choice
- Support colleagues working towards SVQ qualifications and Autism Practitioner award
- Collaborate with supported individuals, their loved ones and colleagues including our Participation Coordinator and Low Arousal Leads
- Deliver internal learning sessions and contribute to practice development projects
- Take an active role in our new Autism Practitioner Award, including assessment
We’re looking for people who:
- Have strong knowledge of autism and the impact across the lifespan
- Have autism practice of 2 years or lived experience with the knowledge and ability to translate and apply complex theoretical knowledge into practice
- Are committed to reducing restrictive practices
- Are confident working through change and supporting others
- Have the ability to apply a coaching model to practice development
- Have understanding of conflict resolution and handling challenges
- Hold a full UK driving license
This post is subject to a PVG Disclosure check.
For more information or an informal chat, please contact Susan O’Reilly, Practice Development Manager, by email susan.o’reilly@scottishautism.org
Be Here, Be You, Create Change
Closing Date: 15th July 2026
Interview Date: W/C – 20th July 2026
Valuing diversity and promoting equal opportunities is at the heart of our vision, mission and values. We encourage and welcome applications from people with lived experience of autism.
Registered charity number is SC009068
Practice Advisor North Services (Aberdeen, Dingwall, Moray and Orkney) employer: Scottish Autism
As a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals with autism, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities. Our Practice Advisor role offers not only competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support across the beautiful North of Scotland. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, including coaching and mentoring, you will be part of a passionate team committed to embracing difference and leading change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Advisor North Services (Aberdeen, Dingwall, Moray and Orkney)
✨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 Scottish Autism.
✨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 Scottish Autism!
✨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 Scottish Autism, 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 Scottish Autism 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 Practice Advisor North Services (Aberdeen, Dingwall, Moray and Orkney)
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 Scottish Autism:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Scottish Autism! 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 Scottish Autism
✨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.
