Autism Session Lead

Daisy Chain Project; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Daisy Chain Project is seeking an Autism Session Lead to plan and deliver tailored sessions across our Barn site and outreach locations. You will work 1:1 or in small groups with autistic and neurodivergent young people, coordinating with animal technicians for animal-assisted interventions.

The role requires weekend work (Sat or Sun) and at least one residential stay during holidays, with DBS clearance and safeguarding compliance as core requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with young people in formal or informal settings.
• Experience supporting autistic and/or neurodivergent individuals.
• Willingness to undertake Level 3 Autism qualification if not held.

Responsibilities

• Deliver personalised sessions promoting communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence.
• Plan and facilitate activities on sensory exploration, healthy living, emotional regulation, transitions, relationships, and autism understanding.
• Provide 1:1 or small group support in afterschool clubs, holiday sessions, weekends and residentials.
• Encourage participation in structured and informal educational, social and recreational activities across facilities.
• Maintain detailed records of sessions, progress and safeguarding per Daisy Chain procedures.

Skills

Clear communication

Session planning

Autism knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Record keeping

Teamwork

Safeguarding

Flexibility

Education

Level 3 childcare/education qualification

Tools

Animal care knowledge

Job description

Autism Session Lead

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (including either a Saturday or Sunday, with a day off during the week)

Salary: £25,400 per annum

Location: Daisy Chain (Barn, site-wide, and outreach locations)

Job Brief

The Autism Session Lead will play a key role in the planning and delivery of tailored, engaging sessions that support the social, emotional, educational, and personal development of autistic and/or neurodivergent young people. Working across our main site, including the barn and garden environment and wider Daisy Chain services, they will inspire and encourage young people through personalised 1:1 and small group programmes. In the barn, the post holder will also work collaboratively with animal technicians, applying their autism knowledge to co-develop animal-assisted interventions and experiences that benefit the young people. These sessions aim to promote well-being, confidence, responsibility, and curiosity through interaction with animals and nature. The role includes weekday and weekend delivery (with either Saturday or Sunday worked each week, and a day off during the week). The post holder will also be involved in afterschool social clubs, family activity days, holiday programmes, and high needs sessions across the site. The Autism Session Lead will also be expected to attend at least one residential stay during school holidays, supporting a group of young people in a setting away from home. This includes supporting their social development, engagement in planned activities, and overall well-being throughout the residential experience. Daisy Chain is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Key Responsibilities

Autism Support and Session Delivery

• Deliver personalised sessions that promote communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence for autistic and/or neurodivergent young people.
• Plan and facilitate activities in areas including sensory exploration, healthy living, emotional regulation, transitions, relationships, and autism understanding.
• Provide 1:1 or small group support in a variety of settings, including afterschool clubs, holiday sessions, weekends, and residentials.
• Encourage participation in both structured and informal educational, social, and recreational activities across all facilities.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of sessions, progress, and safeguarding matters in line with Daisy Chain procedures.

Barn and Animal-Based Programming

• Support and supervise safe animal interaction sessions for young people.
• Collaborate with animal technicians to design and deliver bespoke, animal-focused interventions that promote confidence, responsibility, and engagement.
• Ensure animal supervision and safety standards are consistently met.

Teamwork and Leadership

• Work independently or alongside other session leads to ensure a cohesive and supportive programme offer.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers and support staff as needed.
• Build and maintain supportive relationships with young people and their families.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend at least one residential holiday stay with a group of young people.
• Comply with Daisy Chain's Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and GDPR policies at all times.
• Promote equality of opportunity and inclusion in all activities.
• Maintain and protect the integrity of the Daisy Chain brand and ethos.
• Attend regular staff meetings and contribute to service development and continuous improvement.
• Undertake training and development relevant to the role.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the role as required.

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven experience working directly with young people in a formal or informal setting - E&I
• Experience supporting autistic and/or neurodivergent individuals - E&I
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver personalised development sessions - E&I
• Experience working with or caring for animals - D&I
• Experience in the voluntary or charity sector - D&A
• Familiarity with safeguarding procedures - E&I

Qualifications

• Relevant Level 3 childcare/education qualification or equivalent experience - E&A
• Willingness to undertake a Level 3 Autism qualification if not already held, independently alongside their role - E&I
• Animal care qualification - D&A
• First Aid Certificate - D&A
• Team Teach or equivalent behaviour training - D&A

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth understanding of autism and associated needs - E&I
• Knowledge of effective strategies to support personal development for neurodivergent individuals - E&I
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures - E&I
• Ability to plan, organise and deliver engaging, appropriate activities - E&I
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills - E&I
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to working with both young people and animals - D&I
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and overnight residentials - E&I