Family Support Worker - Autism

Action for ASD

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking to expand our team of staff who work with families, children and young people with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Conditions at the Autism Support Centre, Burnley.

We want enthusiastic workers to provide practical support for parents and carers of newly diagnosed children and young people who live in East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen in the community and to support children and young people with an ASC at social and leisure activities and opportunities at the Autism Support Centre.

If you have any questions or queries please contact the Childrens Services manager, Amy Whittle, on 01282 415 455 or email amy@actionasd.org.uk.

Main duties of the job

Job Summary:

To provide practical support for parents and cares of newly diagnosed children and young people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and provide information, advice, training and support.

To work with children and families to provide early intervention which would include advice, information and positive strategies.

To support children and young people with an ASC at social and leisure activities and opportunities at the Autism Resource Centre.

To support parents, children and young people via a virtual platform during online social sessions and activities.

To work as part of a team, including volunteers, and the Childrens Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager to provide fun and accessible play and social opportunities for autistic children and young people.

To work with families/carers to enhance their understanding of autism and provide them with advice and support when required.

To support and co facilitate our cygnet programmes alongside other team members

About us

Action for ASD was incorporated as a charity in 2001. We provide childrens services and adult services. We are also commissioned by East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen CCGs to provide the adult (16+) autism diagnostic pathway including post diagnostic counselling within East Lancashire.

The Objects of the Charity as defined in its Memorandum of Association are:

a) To relieve those persons who are diagnosed with Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) by the provision of support, advice, information and assistance to those individuals with Autistic spectrum disorders, their families and carers and associated professionals.

b) To increase public awareness regarding the difficulties and circumstances of people with Autistic spectrum disorders and their families and carers, and to encourage acceptance within the community.

The Charitys mission is to make a difference to the lives of those with an ASD in East Lancashire and to support their families and carers.

Date posted

13 May 2021

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£18,327 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

1 years

Working pattern

Part-time, Home or remote working

Reference number

B0390-21-4993

Job locations

King Edward House

9 Finsley Gate

Burnley

Lancashire

BB11 2HA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Tasks

  • To provide Information, Advice, Signposting and Guidance to families of autistic children and young people
  • To update the Family Support database which records all enquires, referrals and contact with parents/carers/individuals/professionals, ensuring that this is accurate, non-judgemental, factual and up to date.
  • To monitor and evaluate all services provided by the Family Support Team, and to obtain feedback from parents on the usefulness of the information provided and the outcomes they have achieved as a result of the Family Support involvement.
  • To attend meetings, in a supportive and enabling role with parents/carers and individuals so they can put their own views forward and/or take notes.
  • To assist with the development of pro forma letters and packs on a range of topics, suitable to send to service users both in written and electronic format.
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with the local community, local schools, statutory bodies, other voluntary sector organisations and other staff within Action for ASD.
  • Inform the Fundraising Team of any possible fundraising opportunities you may come across, for them to investigate.
  • Inform the Childrens Services Manager of any opportunities to further develop partnerships and links to improve the services offered to individuals with an Autism Spectrum condition and their families.
  • To support the development and delivery of a range of social and play opportunities for children and young people who are affected by autism and to utilise autism specific approaches to support the development of social and communication skills.
  • Undertake direct work with children in consultation to improve motor skills, social skills, communication skills and personal development both at the ARC and other community settings. This may include some personal care.
  • Undertake indirect work with siblings of children with ASD when identified and provide them with age-appropriate information about autism and emotional support as required.
  • To ensure that the Health and Safety and Safeguarding aspects of the activities are adhered to in line with Action for ASDs policy and procedures and follow pre and post sessions checks.
  • To contribute to reports for the Childrens Project Manager, funders and for Action for ASD management when requested.
  • To attend supervision and staff meetings where appropriate.
  • To follow Child Protection Policy and Procedures.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Tasks

  • To provide Information, Advice, Signposting and Guidance to families of autistic children and young people
  • To update the Family Support database which records all enquires, referrals and contact with parents/carers/individuals/professionals, ensuring that this is accurate, non-judgemental, factual and up to date.
  • To monitor and evaluate all services provided by the Family Support Team, and to obtain feedback from parents on the usefulness of the information provided and the outcomes they have achieved as a result of the Family Support involvement.
  • To attend meetings, in a supportive and enabling role with parents/carers and individuals so they can put their own views forward and/or take notes.
  • To assist with the development of pro forma letters and packs on a range of topics, suitable to send to service users both in written and electronic format.
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with the local community, local schools, statutory bodies, other voluntary sector organisations and other staff within Action for ASD.
  • Inform the Fundraising Team of any possible fundraising opportunities you may come across, for them to investigate.
  • Inform the Childrens Services Manager of any opportunities to further develop partnerships and links to improve the services offered to individuals with an Autism Spectrum condition and their families.
  • To support the development and delivery of a range of social and play opportunities for children and young people who are affected by autism and to utilise autism specific approaches to support the development of social and communication skills.
  • Undertake direct work with children in consultation to improve motor skills, social skills, communication skills and personal development both at the ARC and other community settings. This may include some personal care.
  • Undertake indirect work with siblings of children with ASD when identified and provide them with age-appropriate information about autism and emotional support as required.
  • To ensure that the Health and Safety and Safeguarding aspects of the activities are adhered to in line with Action for ASDs policy and procedures and follow pre and post sessions checks.
  • To contribute to reports for the Childrens Project Manager, funders and for Action for ASD management when requested.
  • To attend supervision and staff meetings where appropriate.
  • To follow Child Protection Policy and Procedures.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree level qualification in children & young people, youth work, counselling Or NVQ Level 3 qualification in children & young people, youth work
  • Driving Licence

Desirable

  • Counselling Skills and Training

Experience

Essential

  • Awareness and understanding of Autism/AS
  • Experience of family support & case load management
  • Understanding of the needs and difficulties of children and young people with a diagnosis of Autism
  • Knowledge of legislation relating to Child Protection
  • Knowledge of SEN

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the use of Visual Structure to Support Individuals With ASC. (Signs, Symbols and Schedules)
  • Knowledge of HSE Requirements (Health and Safety Executive)

Skills and Work Experience

Essential

  • Good Level Communication skills (written and verbal)
  • An ability to work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive
  • Ability to communicate sensitive information to a range of personnel
  • Experience of paid or voluntary work with children and young people with an ASD or SEN
  • Experience of Managing Challenging Behaviour
  • Experience of supporting parents and carers
  • Experience of delivering training or presentations

Desirable

  • Good standard of report writing
  • Knowledge of Computer Applications (Microsoft Office) and use of social media
  • Experience of writing reports and records
  • Working in the Voluntary Sector
  • Experience of Health/Education/Social Care Roles
  • Experience of monitoring projects
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree level qualification in children & young people, youth work, counselling Or NVQ Level 3 qualification in children & young people, youth work
  • Driving Licence

Desirable

  • Counselling Skills and Training

Experience

Essential

  • Awareness and understanding of Autism/AS
  • Experience of family support & case load management
  • Understanding of the needs and difficulties of children and young people with a diagnosis of Autism
  • Knowledge of legislation relating to Child Protection
  • Knowledge of SEN

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the use of Visual Structure to Support Individuals With ASC. (Signs, Symbols and Schedules)
  • Knowledge of HSE Requirements (Health and Safety Executive)

Skills and Work Experience

Essential

  • Good Level Communication skills (written and verbal)
  • An ability to work in settings in which the atmosphere may be highly emotive
  • Ability to communicate sensitive information to a range of personnel
  • Experience of paid or voluntary work with children and young people with an ASD or SEN
  • Experience of Managing Challenging Behaviour
  • Experience of supporting parents and carers
  • Experience of delivering training or presentations

Desirable

  • Good standard of report writing
  • Knowledge of Computer Applications (Microsoft Office) and use of social media
  • Experience of writing reports and records
  • Working in the Voluntary Sector
  • Experience of Health/Education/Social Care Roles
  • Experience of monitoring projects

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

Employer name

Action for ASD

Address

King Edward House

9 Finsley Gate

Burnley

Lancashire

BB11 2HA


Employer's website

http://www.actionasd.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Action for ASD

Address

King Edward House

9 Finsley Gate

Burnley

Lancashire

BB11 2HA


Employer's website

http://www.actionasd.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Children's Service Manager

Amy Whittle

amy@actionasd.org.uk

01282415455

Date posted

13 May 2021

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£18,327 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

1 years

Working pattern

Part-time, Home or remote working

Reference number

B0390-21-4993

Job locations

King Edward House

9 Finsley Gate

Burnley

Lancashire

BB11 2HA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Action for ASD's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)