At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support autistic individuals and deliver high-quality services.
- Company: Dynamic charity focused on making a difference in the lives of autistic people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and exceptional training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in management and a health and social care qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 34939 - 37434 £ per year.
Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader) Edinburgh and Lothian Area Services
2 Part time positions available: 32 hours per week and 30 hours per week (weekly hours could vary slightly for suitable candidate)
Pay Scale: Starting at £34,939 rising to £35,505 after engagement. Opportunity to progress to £37,434 at your own pace (Pro Rata)
Reference: SA1205
Embracing difference, leading change
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic people? Do you have leadership skills and a desire to mentor and develop others? If so, this could be the role for you!
In Lothian, you’ll join a dynamic and forward-thinking management team that’s always evolving – consistently innovating to shape stronger, more responsive support teams. Together, we deliver a diverse range of services, including Residential, Day Opportunities, Housing Support and Outreach. With pride, we support 43 autistic people to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
As the Senior Autism Practitioner, you’ll ensure the successful delivery of our services in our Lothian Area Service. Leading a team of dedicated Autism Practitioners, you will inspire them to provide a high quality support service to autistic individuals. You will coach and mentor them to ensure they perform to the best of their ability.
Using your outstanding communication skills, you’ll collaborate with agencies, multi-disciplinary teams and families to implement support plans to help individuals to succeed in their day-to-day lives.
Actively involving yourself in the recruitment process, you will always be on the lookout for talented individuals who could make the team even stronger. This is a superb opportunity to undertake exceptional training and lead a hard-working team to success.
We are looking for someone with an outgoing personality, excellent communication skills, a dynamic and proactive mindset and the ability to use your initiative. You should be a creative problem solver, who can think on your feet and adapt to changing situations.
Successful candidates will have:
- Experience gained within a supervisory and/or management role
- A health and social care qualification, or the willingness to gain an SVQ Level 4 in health & social care and Leadership and Management for Care Services (LMC) qualification provided by the organisation
- A strong level of IT literacy, including MS Word and Excel
As part of your role, you will be required to undertake shift work, including weekends, evenings and required for on-call, so flexibility towards working hours is key.
Why Join Us?
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package which has something for everyone!
This post is subject to a PVG Disclosure check. All new colleagues must have applied to register with the Scottish Social Services Council within 3 months of starting in post. Scottish Autism cover all the costs of PVG membership and SSSC Registration for employees.
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.
Closing Date – 21st July 2026
Registered charity number is SC009068
Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader) - Edinburgh and Lothian Area employer: Scottish Autism
Scottish Autism is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic individuals. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities within a supportive and dynamic work culture. Located in the vibrant Edinburgh and Lothian area, our team thrives on collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every member can contribute to creating fulfilling lives for those we support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader) - Edinburgh and Lothian Area
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Scottish Autism, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Scottish Autism. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Scottish Autism's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader) - Edinburgh and Lothian Area
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Scottish Autism. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Scottish Autism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Autism
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Scottish Autism.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader) - Edinburgh and Lothian Area at Scottish Autism.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Scottish Autism that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Senior Autism Practitioner (Team Leader) - Edinburgh and Lothian Area role.
