At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic adults in their daily activities and help them reconnect with services.
- Company: Scottish Autism, a charity dedicated to empowering individuals with autism.
- Benefits: Starting pay of £12.60 per hour, increasing with experience, plus 30 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends, with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care is a plus, but a willingness to learn is essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Ardencraig Service is looking for Autism Practitioners (Support Workers) for full-time and part-time positions. Starting at £12.60 per hour, rising to £12.82 after probation, with the opportunity to progress to £13.30 at your own pace. Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
We support 8 autistic adults, with 4 more joining us soon. This is your chance to make a real impact - help people reconnect with services after a long break and support those navigating key life transitions, including post-education. Be part of a team that empowers individuals through a variety of building and community-based opportunities including sensory experiences and community projects.
At Scottish Autism, we acknowledge the specialist support our staff provide to autistic individuals, therefore those doing support work are known as Autism Practitioners. We provide outstanding training and are continuously improving to ensure all Autism Practitioners are supported and have the skills to deliver a quality service. This post is a good opportunity for those with generic support worker experience to specialise.
As an Autism Practitioner, experience of working within social care is desirable but not essential as we are seeking to appoint people who are willing to learn, develop into the role and who share our organisational values: Collaboration; Compassion; Change Makers; Contribution.
Autism Practitioners will work as part of a team to:
- Develop personalised support plans for the supported individual,
- Build positive relationships with the supported individual,
- Work in partnership with the supported individual, their family, health professionals and their support network.
- Work with stakeholders to ensure the supported individual's life goals and aspirations are at the centre of their support.
On a day-to-day basis, Autism Practitioners enable supported people:
- To take part in their chosen activities, and access local community opportunities,
- To help maintain their tenancies and support them to make the decisions that matter to them.
- To promote independence and active citizenship, community inclusion, support with household chores. Required support may include personal care.
As part of your role, you will be required to undertake shift work including weekends and evenings, so flexibility towards working hours is key. A full UK driving license and willingness to drive company vehicles is desirable for these roles!
What We Offer:
- 30 days holiday (increasing with service)
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension (employer matched up to 9%)
- Discount platform
- Employee Assistance Program
We keep it simple with 3 pay points. You progress at your pace as you develop. £12.60 for newly appointed colleagues, £12.82 for those confirmed in post (after engagement/probation), with the opportunity to progress to £13.30 per hour as an Advanced Autism Practitioner.
Valuing diversity and promoting equal opportunities is at the heart of our vision, mission and values.
Closing Date: 20th February 2026
Online Information Session: 23rd February 2026
Please register your interest by emailing.
Registered charity number is SC009068.
Autism Practitioner (Support Worker) - West of Scotland employer: Scottish Autism
Scottish Autism is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Autism Practitioners in the West of Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development, comprehensive training, and a generous benefits package including 30 days holiday and a pension scheme, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic individuals. Join us in a culture that values collaboration, compassion, and personal growth, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Practitioner (Support Worker) - West of Scotland
✨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 Autism Practitioner (Support Worker) - West of Scotland
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.
