Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner

Aspens Charities; Pembury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive paid training

Career progression opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Nest Pension and Death in Service

Employee Assistance Programme

Blue Light Card discounts

Staff discounts at Aspens stores

Refer a Friend scheme

Employee recognition programmes

Job summary

Aspens Charities is seeking a compassionate Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner to join our Pembury team. You will develop and implement person-centred, function-based interventions, manage your own caseload and collaborate with families, advocates and professionals to improve outcomes for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.

Under a PBS Specialist, you will promote proactive strategies, monitor plans and deliver bespoke training.

Qualifications

• Experience working with autistic people and/or people with learning disabilities.
• Experience supporting people with complex needs and behaviours of concern.
• Experience completing functional assessments and developing function-based Positive Behaviour Support plans.
• Knowledge of environmental strategies, skills building and reinforcement-based approaches.
• Understanding of the PBS framework and Person-Centred Active Support.
• Strong communication, coaching and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Support holistic assessments to understand behaviours of concern and identify their possible functions.
• Monitor and review Positive Behaviour Support plans, ensuring strategies remain effective and appropriate.
• Promote proactive and preventative approaches, replacement behaviours and skills development.
• Support the design and implementation of reactive strategies where appropriate.
• Coach and model good practice to help staff confidently implement recommended strategies.
• Deliver bespoke training and support staff to use appropriate communication systems.
• Work collaboratively with families, advocates, social workers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Complete Quality of Life assessments, helping people access meaningful activities and participate in their communities.
• Promote Person-Centred Active Support and help embed best practice across services.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and support teams, including contributing to service improvement plans where needed.

Skills

Autism/LD experience

Complex needs experience

Functional assessments

PBS framework knowledge

Person-Centred Active Support

Communication skills

Coaching skills

Teamwork

Education

Advanced PBS qualification Level 3+

Teaching/training qualification Level 3+

Active Support Coach training

Makaton/PECS knowledge

Training design/Active Support training

STOMP programme knowledge

Driving licence (UK)

Job description

Role/Job Title: Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner

Location: Cornford Lane, Pembury, TN2 4QU

Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday 9:00am – 17:00pm)

Salary: £15.71 - £16.33 per hour (dependent on experience)

Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement:

As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Aspens' mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Ready to make a real difference?

We are looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable and motivated Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner to join our team and help improve the quality of life of the people we support.

About the role:

As a PBS Practitioner, you will support the development and implementation of person-centred, function-based interventions that help people achieve positive outcomes. Working under the guidance of a PBS Specialist, you will manage your own caseload and work closely with support teams, families and other professionals.

You will play an important role in helping staff understand and implement positive behaviour support strategies, promoting proactive approaches that build skills, encourage independence and improve people's everyday experiences.

What will you be doing?

• Support holistic assessments to understand behaviours of concern and identify their possible functions.
• Monitor and review Positive Behaviour Support plans, ensuring strategies remain effective and appropriate.
• Promote proactive and preventative approaches, replacement behaviours and skills development.
• Support the design and implementation of reactive strategies where appropriate.
• Coach and model good practice to help staff confidently implement recommended strategies.
• Deliver bespoke training and support staff to use appropriate communication systems.
• Work collaboratively with families, advocates, social workers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Complete Quality of Life assessments, helping people access meaningful activities and participate in their communities.
• Promote Person-Centred Active Support and help embed best practice across services.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and support teams, including contributing to service improvement plans where needed.

What we are looking for?

We are seeking someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, particularly those with complex needs or who display behaviours of concern.

Essential experience and knowledge:

• Experience working with autistic people and/or people with learning disabilities.
• Experience supporting people with complex needs and behaviours of concern.
• Experience completing functional assessments and developing function-based Positive Behaviour Support plans.
• Knowledge of environmental strategies, skills building and reinforcement-based approaches.
• Understanding of the PBS framework and Person-Centred Active Support.
• Strong communication, coaching and teamwork skills.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

• An advanced PBS qualification at Level 3 or above.
• A Level 3 or above teaching or training qualification.
• Active Support Coach training.
• Knowledge of Makaton or PECS.
• Experience designing bespoke training, delivering Active Support training, completing PBS quality audits or supporting team management.
• Knowledge of the STOMP programme.
• A valid UK driving licence.

Why join Aspens Charities?

At Aspens, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. We're passionate about supporting people to build independence, achieve their goals and enjoy the things that matter to them.

You'll receive training and ongoing support to develop your skills, grow in confidence and progress in your career. This is an opportunity to build your leadership experience while making a genuine difference to the lives of the people we support.

If you are passionate about positive behaviour support, enjoy coaching others and want to help people live fulfilling and meaningful lives, we would love to hear from you.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive paid training and excellent career progression opportunities, including recognised qualifications in health and social care
• Flexible work arrangements, with the option to take on additional bank shifts
• Nest Pension and Death in Service benefit
• Access to a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Blue Light Card discounts
• 20% discount at Aspens High Street Stores for all staff
• Discounted staff menu available at the Bluebell Café (Pembury)
• Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £250 for every successful referral
• Employee recognition programmes, including 'Employee of the Month'

If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you'll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we'll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need.

Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don't already have one) and satisfactory employment references.