Adult Autism Support Lead (Durham)

Daisy Chain Project; North East; On-site; GBP 26,000; Part time

Job summary

An organization supporting autistic individuals is seeking an Adult Autism Support Lead in Durham. The ideal candidate will provide tailored support and psycho-education to autistic individuals, maintain relationships with stakeholders, and ensure confidentiality. The role is part-time at 22.5 hours per week, with a salary of £26,000 per annum, offering training and supervision in a supportive environment. Experience with neuro-divergent individuals is essential, along with a Level 3 qualification in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• Experience working with autistic and neuro-divergent individuals.
• Good understanding of safeguarding protocols and policies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored psycho-education support to autistic young people and adults.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services for referrals.
• Support the Service Manager in fostering stakeholder relationships.
• Contribute to safeguarding and confidentiality measures.

Skills

Effective communication

Calm and objective mindset

Understanding challenges faced by neuro-divergent individuals

Awareness of local service provision

Excellent written and verbal communication

IT literacy

Education

Level 3 qualification in relevant field

Job description

Post Title: Adult Autism Support Lead (Durham)

Reporting To: Adult Autism Support Manager

Location: The post will be based in Durham but will also be required to travel to Daisy Chain’s headquarters in Norton Stockton.

Hours: 22.5 hours per week

Salary: 26000 per annum (pro rata)

Duration of Contract: Fixed term until end of May 2028 (with possible extension subject to additional funding)

Job Advert

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference to the lives of autistic and neurodivergent individuals?

Do you have the knowledge, skills and dedication to provide high‑quality, accessible support to autistic adults? If so, we want to hear from you!

Daisy Chain is looking for enthusiastic and experienced individuals to join our team as Adult Autism Support. In this role you will deliver tailored support to autistic young people and adults (16+) through psycho‑education one‑to‑one and small group sessions.

We offer a comprehensive training package, ongoing supervision and the opportunity to work in a dynamic supportive environment where no two days are the same. Join us and be part of a service that empowers autistic individuals to thrive.

Job Description

Under the guidance of the Service Manager you will provide high‑quality and accessible support to autistic young people and adults across Durham. This service, commissioned by Durham County Council, will accept referrals from individuals with a formal autism diagnosis as well as those on the waiting list for assessment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a bespoke package of psycho‑education 1:1 and group support to autistic young people and adults.
• Maintain and develop an up‑to‑date knowledge of local service provision across the region for appropriate signposting and referrals.
• Engage with adults that are hard to reach to ensure they can access the support they need.
• Support the Service Manager in developing and maintaining positive relationships with relevant stakeholders across the region and working in partnership with these organisations to effectively deliver the programme.
• Build and maintain positive trust‑based relationships with autistic young people and adults to identify key issues relevant to them.
• Contribute towards the protection of individuals from abuse by adhering to Daisy Chain's Child and At Risk Adults Safeguarding policies at all times.
• Ensure the service is flexible and adapts to meet the needs of the neuro‑divergent community.
• Ensure the voice of neuro‑divergent young people and adults is heard and play an active role in reviewing and evaluating the service.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained and that Daisy Chain's GDPR Policy is adhered to at all times.
• Ensure effective and accurate recording and reporting systems in line with Daisy Chain's procedures.
• Undertake administrative tasks necessary for the efficient and effective delivery of the key responsibilities in this role.

Additional Responsibilities

• Comply with the Charities Health and Safety policy in all employment practices.
• Maintain the integrity of the Daisy Chain brand in all internal and external communications.
• Work in ways which promote equality of opportunity, participation and responsibility.
• Maintain a proactive approach to your role and responsibilities along with a commitment to contribute and maintain the positive working ethos within the Charity.
• Ensure attendance at staff meetings.
• Undertake any training and development deemed necessary within the post.
• Any other duties from time to time commensurate with the level of the post.

This job outline is intended to indicate the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive, but while some variation can be expected in duties the outline is considered to provide a reasonable general description of the post.

This post is deemed to require an Enhanced DBS Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service due to the fact that there is access to children and vulnerable adults.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience working with and providing support to autistic and neuro‑divergent individuals and their families.
• Experience of safeguarding with a good understanding of safeguarding protocols and policies.

Qualifications

Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (e.g. autism education, health & social care).

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with varying needs.
• An ability to remain calm, objective and proactive when faced with sensitive information including safeguarding.
• A thorough understanding of the challenges faced by autistic and neuro‑divergent individuals.
• Awareness of local service provision in the Tees Valley for effective signposting and referrals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• IT literate and able to use all appropriate software packages and record information accurately.

Other

• Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with autistic individuals.
• A commitment to delivering high‑quality person‑centred services.
• Resilience and flexibility to adapt to changing demands and challenges.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel across the Tees Valley.