Autism Practitioner

Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind; Swindon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local mental health organization in Swindon is seeking an Autism Practitioner to provide tailored support to individuals with Autism and related mental health concerns. The role requires collaboration with external agencies and a commitment to deliver effective, person-centred interventions. Essential qualifications include experience in mental health and a solid understanding of safeguarding policies. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community, working directly with young adults to promote wellbeing and independence.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of skills related to wellbeing and recovery practices.
• Experience in health or social care settings.
• Strong knowledge of local safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver person-centred support to people with Autism.
• Manage a caseload and coordinate with other agencies.
• Develop and promote the Autism service through group interactions.

Skills

Person-Centred Support

Knowledge of Mental Health

Experience with Autism

Effective Communication

IT Skills

Education

GCSE/O Levels in Maths and English

Trained in Counselling or Social Work

Job description

Job Summary

Join a team with a bold mission at Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind, we are dedicated to reshaping the landscape of mental health and emotional wellbeing in our community. The Autism Practitioner will work with people across Swindon with Autism and mild to moderate mental health concerns at pre and post assessment stage. Your role is all about providing a collaborative and tailored approach.

Job Responsibilities

• Deliver Person-Centred Support to People with Autism
• To receive and respond to referrals as directed by the lead and management team.
• Provide direct person-centred support to people aged 16+ with Autism concerns through an array of wellbeing support techniques, i.e., specific group and peer support.
• To manage your own caseload of people who have been identified for receiving support from the service, this includes completing a thorough risk assessment and communicating with other agencies involved as appropriate.
• To use the Outcome Star as an evidence-based tool for supporting change and wellbeing.
• To co-produce a wellbeing/support plan with the person being supported ensuring that their identified goals are championed.
• To provide consistent, time appropriate support to people including a range of practical, emotional and wellbeing interventions as applicable.
• To ensure that goals identified are being addressed by providing regular wellbeing reviews.
• To be responsible for safeguarding issues and concerns raised involving relevant safeguarding staff and appropriate agencies.
• Effective Collaboration with External Agencies and Organisations: To develop, maintain and strengthen positive working relationships with appropriate professionals to enhance the work delivered by the person being supported, promote the service and encourage referrals.
• To work closely with the AWP Autism team to support people who are currently waiting to receive an autism assessment.
• To signpost and support the person accessing the service to appropriate additional support services, resources and up-to-date information either internally or to external appropriate agencies.
• Development and Promotion of the Autism Service: To deliver psycho-educational groups as part of the post-assessment service offer which encourages peer support and group interaction.
• Promoting the session externally and encouraging people involved to be involved with the setup of the session plan.
• To work with the person being supported to increase community integration and empowering the person to attain greater independence within the community.
• KPIs and Data Excellence: To effectively record and evidence outcomes achieved by young people.
• To monitor and report on outcome/support needs associated with the service ensuring the rights of the people being supported are upheld and promoted including through an appropriate advocacy service if appropriate. Enabling the person being supported to have a voice in the day-to-day operations of the service provided.
• To meet a number of wellbeing plans set as monthly targets by manager.
• To meet a number of reviews set as monthly targets by manager.
• To use Views database system or an alternative data software (as appropriate) to capture, track and monitor performance.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• We are seeking individuals who are passionate about delivering quality services and are dedicated to continuously adapting to meet the evolving challenges and changes in the field.
• Relevant experience of working in any health, social care, or any related voluntary organisation setting.
• Experience and knowledge of working within mental health, supporting individuals experiencing mental health problems.
• Experience of working with young people.
• Experience of working with complex needs.
• Experience of providing 1-2-1 support via a variety of methods including over the telephone face-to-face.
• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and autism.
• Demonstrated understanding of a range of skills and interventions related to wellbeing and recovery practices, including counselling and community signposting.
• Willingness to support people with diverse needs in achieving their recovery goals.
• In-depth understanding of the issues and concerns of individuals with mental health needs.
• Strong knowledge and commitment to the rights of individuals accessing services.
• Understanding of the impact of stigma and discrimination.
• Knowledge of local safeguarding policies.
• A strong grasp of the concept of confidentiality.
• Eagerness to participate in team activities that foster collaboration.
• Appreciation of equal opportunities and diversity issues.
• Effective stress management and the ability to plan and prioritise workload.
• Proficiency in IT skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic record keeping systems.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults.
• Knowledge of mental health services in Swindon.
• Knowledge of various interventions used to support recovery.
• Understanding of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and confidentiality.
• GCSE/O Levels (grades 9-4/A*-C) in Maths and English (or equivalent numeracy and literacy).
• Trained in an allied field e.g., counselling, mediation, advocacy, or social work.
• A commitment to working within a framework that recognises the diversity of people and encourages equality and opportunity for all.
• A commitment to the participation of people accessing our services in decision-making processes in the design and delivery of the services they access.
• Willingness to assist in various areas of work and undertake additional duties as needed to contribute to Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind's mission.
• Ability to travel to venues across Swindon and Gloucestershire.
• A flexible approach to work.

Desirable Qualifications

• Trained in an allied field e.g., counselling, mediation, advocacy, or social work.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind

Sanford House

Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1HE

https://www.sgmind.org.uk/