Autism Practitioner - Orkney

Autism Practitioners

Orkney Area Services

Range of positions available: full time, part time, flexible & relief work

£24,092 - £25,530 (inclusive of island allowance) / £12.52 - £13.27 per hour

Sleepover Rate - £87

Reference: SA582

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team in Orkney! Established in 2013, the Orkney service has been growing steadily over the years. We are looking to recruit committed and enthusiastic individuals to support autistic adults to be part of the Orkney community, engage in local and person-centred activities and to live a full life.

At Scottish Autism we acknowledge the specialist support our staff provide to autistic individuals, therefore those doing support work are known as Autism Practitioners.

As an Autism Practitioner, experience of working within social care is desirable but not essential as we are seeking to appoint people who are willing to learn, develop into the role and who share our organisational values: Collaboration; Compassion; Change Makers; Contribution. We provide outstanding training and are continuously improving to ensure all our Autism Practitioners are supported and have the skills to deliver a quality service.

Autism Practitioners will with other team members to:

· Continually develop and implement personalised support plans for the supported individual,

· Build positive relationships with the supported individual,

· Work in partnership with the supported individual, their family, support network and health professionals,

· Work with stakeholders to ensure the supported individual’s life goals and aspirations are at the centre of their support.

On a day-to-day basis, Autism Practitioners enable supported individuals:

· To make informed choices using their preferred communication methods,

· To take part in their chosen activities, including day trips off the island, attending local events, shopping, going on holiday etc. Practitioners can expect to go out and about with supported individuals to places of interest,

· To complete all necessary tasks which enable them to maintain their homes, including paying bills and supporting them to make the decisions that matter to them.

· To live as independently as possible with support with various life skills and may include support with personal care.

As part of your role, you will be required to undertake shift work, including weekends and evenings.

We encourage and welcome applications from people with lived experience of autism.

“Working for Scottish Autism has been the most rewarding and fulfilling job I have ever had. The Supported Individuals are a joy to work with as are fellow work mates. No two days are the same every day is varied. You feel you have a huge sense of purpose and you feel satisfied that you have done a good job. Excellent training is given. The training is very informative and interesting. The skills you get will enhance any career. The management team are incredibly supportive and extremely understanding. They are always there with a sympathetic ear.” - Current Autism Practitioner, Orkney

Scottish Autism offers you:

Staff wellbeing is priority, and we strive to ensure all colleagues feel valued and supported at work.

We provide an excellent benefits package which includes a competitive salary and a personalised learning pathway for all.

We keep it simple with 3 pay points. You progress at your pace as you develop. We benchmark regularly to ensure the rates are competitive.

· 32 days holiday pro rata (which increases with your length of service)

· Sector leading training from day one, including fully funded support to complete your necessary SVQ

• Non-contributory life assurance scheme
• Workplace Pension (Employer matched up to 9%)
• Discount platform
• Employee Assistance Programme.

These posts are subject to a PVG Disclosure check. All new employees must register with the Scottish Social Services Council within 6 months of starting in post. Scottish Autism cover all the costs of PVG membership and SSSC Registration for employees.

Closing Date: 26th April 2024

Valuing diversity and promoting equal opportunities is at the heart of our vision, mission and values.

Registered charity number is SC009068