At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate weekly meet-ups for autistic adults and plan engaging activities.
- Company: Join The Zink Project, dedicated to supporting autistic adults in the High Peak.
- Benefits: Earn £15 per hour with flexible hours and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop skills in leadership and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering autistic adults and fostering community connections.
- Qualifications: Understanding of autism and experience supporting autistic individuals.
The predicted salary is between 28860 - 28860 £ per year.
Reports to: CEO or Wellbeing Coordinator
Salary/Grade: £15 per hour, £390 per month (equivalent to £28,860 FTE)
Contract: Fixed Term Duration: Until January 2027
Hours per week: 6 hours
Service hours: Thursday 5-7pm, 2nd and 4th Monday 4-6pm, plus 2-4 hours per week flexible.
Locations: New Mills (1st and 3rd Thursday); Buxton (2nd and 4th Thursday); Glossop (2nd and 4th Monday). Variable for 5th Thursday arrangement with group.
Employer: The Zink Project
Background: In the High Peak, autistic adults lack support services largely due to the geography of the area and distance between villages and towns. Autistic people experience isolation because of their condition and this is intensified by geographic isolation. Some surrounding areas like Stockport have support groups for autistic people which are not available to High Peak people. This causes frustration and lack of services in the local area compounds the problem.
Solution: Zink and New Mills Volunteer Centre will set up a weekly meet up for autistic adults in the High Peak, taking place at two locations:
- First and third Thursday of the month at New Mills Volunteer Centre.
- Second and fourth Thursday of the month at Zink HQ in Buxton.
In months with a fifth Thursday, the group will organise a trip out to a place of their choice.
Timetable: Typical meeting schedule (timing may vary):
- 5:00 – 5:30pm: welcome, drinks and chat; time to wind down and relax.
- 5:30 – 6:30pm: Activity (e.g. crafts, trip out planning, information sharing, guest speaker, games, film, social skills and techniques). The group decides the activity.
- 6:30 – 7:00pm: Networking and discussion.
The coordinator typically has one hour per week to prepare for sessions and publicise the group.
Purpose of the Coordinator Role: The post holder will:
- Coordinate weekly meet-ups.
- Agree with members on activities/outings they wish to pursue.
- Ensure arrangements for activities and outings are made (either personally or by supporting members).
- Open and close premises securely and ensure suitability for the group.
- Promote the group on social and local media.
- Maintain member records.
- Keep in touch with members (usually via email) about the group and future plans.
- Undertake appropriate training.
- Engage, supervise and support volunteers.
- With the group, plan for sustainability after funding ends, including setting up a formal community group with provided support.
In addition, post holders will need to:
- Understand their role within Zink/New Mills Volunteer Centre and engage with the Zink team.
- Be responsible for health and safety of themselves and others during work activities.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- An understanding of the social and practical challenges autistic adults might have.
- Ability to employ a high level of Emotional Intelligence (e.g. respect, empathy & compassion) when responding to diverse needs.
- Experience of supporting autistic adults (in work, volunteering or at home).
- Passionate and positive outlook, capable of empowering, inspiring and enthusing members.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
- ICT literate.
- Ability to comply with Zink’s policies including safeguarding, GDPR etc.
Desirable (not required but advantageous):
- Lived experience of autism (personal or close relative / friend or in a previous role).
Autistic Adults Meet Up Coordinator employer: The Zink Project CIO
Contact Detail:
The Zink Project CIO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Autistic Adults Meet Up Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research The Zink Project and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past employees on LinkedIn, or even better, attend local events related to autism support. This can give you insider info and might just land you a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life scenarios where you've demonstrated emotional intelligence and organisational skills. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your experience with autistic adults.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Autistic Adults Meet Up Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and passion for supporting autistic adults.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by autistic adults.
Show Your Passion: We love seeing enthusiasm! In your application, express why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for autistic adults in the High Peak.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Zink Project CIO
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to understand the needs and challenges faced by autistic adults. Familiarise yourself with the local context of High Peak and how it affects the community. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
Highlight your ability to empathise and connect with diverse individuals. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding, especially in supporting autistic adults. This is crucial for the role, so make sure to emphasise it!
✨Be Organised and Prepared
Since the role involves coordinating activities and managing schedules, come prepared with a plan or ideas for potential meet-up activities. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and proactive approach, which are key for this position.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Express your enthusiasm for working collaboratively with the Zink team and volunteers. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to building a supportive community for autistic adults. Showing that you're a team player will resonate well with the interviewers.