At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic adults in living fulfilling lives and achieving their goals.
- Company: Join Clannalba, a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Starting pay of £14.46 per hour, with opportunities for progression and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Flexible hours, comprehensive training, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Looking for caring, adaptable individuals with a passion for supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 14.46 - 14.46 £ per hour.
Full time & Part Time positions available with flexibility within contracted hours for suitable candidates.
Pay Scale: Starting at £14.46 per hour, rising to £14.68 after engagement. Opportunity to progress to £15.16 at your own pace. Pay detail is inclusive of Rural Allowance.
Location: Clannalba, Lamington Village, ML12 6HP
Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for these roles.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? We're looking for dedicated and compassionate Autism Practitioners to join our team at Clannalba. In this rewarding role, you'll be supporting autistic adults to live meaningful, fulfilling lives on their own terms. Every day is different; you'll work alongside individuals with a diverse range of interests, strengths, and support needs, helping them achieve their goals, build independence, and enjoy the things that matter most to them.
About You
We're looking for caring, adaptable, and enthusiastic individuals who can follow the lead of the people they support. You'll be calm under pressure, able to adjust to changing situations, and enjoy working as part of a team. If you have a laid-back attitude, a proactive mindset, and a genuine passion for supporting others, you could be a great fit for this rewarding role.
We're looking for people who are:
- Engaging, and able to inspire joy & happiness
- Resilient, with an understanding of transactional stress and reflective practice
- Committed to creating stress-free, low-arousal environments
- Willing to work as part of a close-knit, supportive team, including partnering with families and other professionals
- Motivated to be a part of someone's life, actively looking for ways to support them to reach their goals and aspirations
- Interested in supporting holistic wellbeing, including getting outdoors & close to nature
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning to enhance the lives of those we support
Desirable Criteria
The following skills and experience would be advantageous:
- An understanding of wellbeing and human development
- Experience or understanding of different communication styles and strategies
- An awareness of developmental stages and how to support them
- Familiarity with low-arousal approaches
- Knowledge of stress and emotional regulation support
- Previous work with community-based settings (e.g. local scout halls or activity groups)
- A full UK driving licence
Scottish Autism offers you:
Scottish Autism is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 30 days holiday pro rata (which increases with your length of service)
- Sector leading training from day one, including fully funded support to complete your necessary SVQ
- Non-contributory life assurance scheme
- Workplace Pension (Employer matched up to 9%)
- Discount platform
- Employee Assistance Programme
Please note that due to our location, access to reliable personal transport is highly recommended, as public transport options are limited.
This post is subject to a PVG Disclosure check. All new employees must have applied to register with the Scottish Social Services Council within 3 months of starting in post and be registered within 6 months. Scottish Autism covers all the costs of PVG membership and SSSC Registration for employees.
Typical Shift Patterns include:
07:45-15:00 | 14:30-21:45. You'll ideally work two weekends per month, giving you a great balance of structure and flexibility.
Closing Date: 31st July 2026. We review applications regularly and will contact shortlisted candidates to arrange interview availability.
We value diversity and welcome applications from those with lived experience of autism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Autism Practitioners (Support Workers) in Central
✨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 Practitioners (Support Workers) in Central
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.
