At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to support autistic individuals and ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Join Scottish Autism, a charity committed to making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 32 days holiday, sector-leading training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, ongoing training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while developing your leadership skills in a rewarding social care role.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care management and a passion for supporting autistic individuals.
The predicted salary is between 34939 - 37434 £ per year.
Full-Time Position Available – 37 hours per week
Pay Scale: Starting at £34,939 rising to £35,505 after engagement. Opportunity to progress to £37,434 at your own pace.
Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for these roles.
Are you looking for your next step in your social care career? Are you a dynamic leader who thrives on building strong relationships, adapting to new challenges, and bringing out the best in others? If you're passionate about coaching and developing teams to grow and succeed together, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact.
Join our friendly and dedicated team as a Senior Autism Practitioner in Lanark within our South West Area Services. Across our South West Area Services, we support 48 autistic adults across several welcoming locations. Our care is tailored to each person’s needs, including Housing Support, residential care, and transitional assessment services. You’ll be joining a warm, dedicated team that’s passionate about making a real difference and always looking for ways to grow and improve.
About the Role: As the Senior Autism Practitioner, you’ll ensure the successful delivery of each person’s service across our South West Services. Leading a team of dedicated Autism Practitioners, you will inspire them to provide a consistent, high-quality support service to autistic people. You will coach and mentor them to ensure they perform to the best of their ability. Using your outstanding communication skills, you’ll collaborate closely with families, agencies and multi-disciplinary teams to implement and further develop support plans designed to help individuals 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 gather experience of a different role, to undertake additional training and lead a hard-working team to success.
About You: To be considered for this diverse role, you must have:
- Experience gained within a supervisory and/or management role within social care
- Demonstrated experience in supporting autistic people
- Experience coaching and mentoring colleagues
- 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 good level of IT literacy, including MS Word and Excel
- A full UK driving licence
- Able to work a variety of shifts, including evenings and weekends, and provide regular on-call support. This can be discussed further at interview.
Scottish Autism offers you: We are proud to offer a comprehensive colleague benefits package which includes a competitive salary and a personalised learning pathway for all. We keep it simple with 3 pay points which you progress at your own pace as you develop.
- 32 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
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 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.
Closing Date – 11th June 2026
Registered charity number is SC.
Senior Lead Practitioner in Scotland employer: Scottish Autism
Scottish Autism is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of autistic individuals. With a supportive work culture, comprehensive training opportunities, and a competitive benefits package including 32 days' holiday and a workplace pension, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values diversity and encourages personal development. Join our dedicated team in Lanark, where your leadership can inspire change and foster a sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lead Practitioner in Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who work with autistic individuals. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and support for autistic people. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your coaching skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've mentored colleagues or improved team performance. This will highlight your ability to lead and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our fantastic benefits package there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lead Practitioner in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Autism Practitioner role. Highlight your experience in social care, especially any supervisory roles, and how you've supported autistic individuals. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a potential team leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your coaching and mentoring abilities. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed others in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can lead with purpose and make a real impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people quickly. Plus, you can find more details about the role and our fantastic benefits package while you're there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Autism
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Senior Autism Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of autistic individuals and the services provided by the organisation. This will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a team leader, it's crucial to highlight your experience in coaching and mentoring. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on how you inspired others to achieve their best. This will show that you're not just a manager, but a true leader.
✨Communicate Effectively
Outstanding communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you would engage with families and multi-disciplinary teams, and be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and support planning.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of situations where you've had to adapt to challenges or support someone in need. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
