At a Glance
- Tasks: Support autistic adults in achieving their aspirations and leading fulfilling lives.
- Company: Ridgepark, a valued community service focused on nurturing independence.
- Benefits: Starting pay of £13.45, 30 days holiday, life assurance, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible full-time and part-time roles available, including weekend contracts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism support and a calm, confident approach.
Pay Scale: Starting at £13.45 per hour, rising to £13.67 after engagement. Opportunity to progress to £14.15 at your own pace.
Full Time, Part Time positions available including small contracts/weekend contracts – this can be discussed for suitable candidates.
Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Our Ridgepark service is a well-established and valued part of our community, and as the service continues to evolve, we’re looking to strengthen our team. We’re seeking calm, confident Autism Practitioners who can help maintain the stability, warmth, and consistency that make Ridgepark a place where people feel truly at home. If you thrive on building trust, creating calm environments, and balancing consistency alongside change, we’d love to welcome you to the team. Experience supporting people through periods of transition would be highly beneficial.
Our dedicated team of Autism Practitioners provide personalised support to each person, ensuring their comfort, safety, and holistic well-being. With compassion and respect, we strive to create a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive and be independent. Located near Lanark town centre, Ridgepark House is a transitional assessment service supporting autistic adults to develop their skills for the future. Each person has a personalised programme of support incorporating consistency and structure specific to their needs.
Some activities that the people we support enjoy are:
- Long scenic walks
- Swimming
- Bowling
- Baking
- Gardening
- Other planned trips and visits to places of interest.
About the Role: As part of our team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting people to achieve their aspirations and lead fulfilling lives. As part of your role, you will be required to undertake shift work, including weekends and evenings.
What We Offer: We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 30 days holiday (increasing with service)
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension (employer matched up to 9%)
- Discount platform
- Employee Assistance Program
Closing Date: 7th August 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 Worker) in Lanark
✨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 Worker) in Lanark
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.
