PBS Communication Practice Lead

Kent Autistic Trust; Brompton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing specialist training

Supportive multidisciplinary team

Varied rewarding role

Make a difference

Job summary

The Kent Autistic Trust is seeking a Communication Practice Lead to join our Positive Behaviour Support Team, delivering expert communication support for autistic adults. The role focuses on assessing needs, developing AAC systems, creating passports and resources, and coaching teams to embed communication in daily practice.

You will work across Trust services, train staff, and collaborate with families and professionals to improve outcomes, while upholding high standards of person-centred

Qualifications

• Experience with autistic adults and/or people with learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of AAC and alternative communication methods.
• Experience training staff and delivering coaching.

Responsibilities

• Assess communication strengths and support needs of autistic individuals.
• Develop and implement AAC systems.
• Create Communication Passports and personalised resources.
• Support expressive and receptive communication development.
• Source, prepare and maintain communication materials.
• Set communication goals, monitor progress and evaluate outcomes.
• Produce clear reports and maintain records.
• Support transitions into Trust services alongside PBS colleagues.
• Follow Five Good Communication Standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Makaton

Widgit

Training delivery

Coaching

Report writing

Person-centred approach

Adaptability

IT skills

Caseload management

Tools

Widgit

Job description

22.5 hours per week, worked across 3 days

More Than Communication. Creating Meaningful Connections for Autistic People.

• Driving Licence: Essential, own vehicle required
• Join The Kent Autistic Trust

At The Kent Autistic Trust, we believe every autistic person deserves to be understood, heard and supported to communicate in the way that works best for them.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Communication Practice Lead to join our specialist Positive Behaviour Support Team. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your expertise to improve quality of life, increase independence and help autistic adults achieve meaningful outcomes through effective communication support.

Working across Trust services, you will assess communication needs, develop personalised communication systems, train and coach staff teams, and work collaboratively with families and professionals to ensure communication support is embedded into everyday practice.

About the Role

As Communication Practice Lead, you will:

• Assess communication strengths, abilities and support needs of autistic individuals.
• Develop and implement Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.
• Create Communication Passports and personalised communication resources.
• Support individuals to develop both expressive and receptive communication skills.
• Source, prepare and maintain communication materials and equipment.
• Set communication goals, monitor progress and evaluate outcomes.
• Produce clear written reports and maintain accurate records.
• Support individuals transitioning into Kent Autistic Trust services alongside Occupational Therapy and PBS colleagues.
• Work in line with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' Five Good Communication Standards

Positive Behaviour Support Responsibilities

Working as part of the multidisciplinary PBS Team, you will:

• -Update PBS plans to reflect communication interventions and strategies.
• Contribute communication recommendations and summaries to PBS reports.
• Attend meetings and reviews to provide specialist communication guidance.
• Support teams to understand the impact communication can have on behaviour, wellbeing and quality of life.
• Work alongside local Speech and Language Therapy services to implement recommendations effectively.

Training and Staff Development

A key part of the role is developing the skills and confidence of colleagues across the Trust.

You will:

• Coach and mentor support staff in the effective use of communication systems.
• Deliver communication awareness and demonstration training sessions.
• Support the induction of new staff by providing communication training.
• Deliver communication training to Managers and Assistant Managers.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving communication opportunities for autistic adults and committed to delivering person-centred support.

Key requirements:

• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Has experience working with autistic adults and/or people with learning disabilities.
• Has experience using and training others in Makaton.
• Has experience using Widgit or similar visual communication systems.
• Is confident delivering training, coaching and guidance to staff teams.
• Has a good knowledge of different communication systems and approaches.
• Is able to identify and adapt communication approaches to meet individual needs.
• Has a person-centred approach and understands the importance of accessible communication.
• Knowledge, understanding or experience of working within Positive Behaviour Support.
• Excellent communication, organisational, IT and report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and work effectively across multiple services.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Positive, proactive and adaptable approach to supporting autistic people.

Why Join Us?

At The Kent Autistic Trust, you'll become part of a dedicated team committed to enabling autistic people to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

In return, you'll benefit from:

• Ongoing specialist training and development.
• A supportive multidisciplinary team environment.
• A varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of autistic people and their families.

Closing Date:

Friday 16th October 2026

We review applications as they are received and therefore encourage early applications.

The Kent Autistic Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds and experiences.

The Kent Autistic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references

Please Note

• We are unable to accept applications via recruitment agencies for this role.
• We are unable to accept applications from those requiring sponsorship visas.
• Employment is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
• A copy of our Privacy Notice is available on our website.