Job Introduction
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks if relevant to their role.
Join Us as an Autism and Neurodiversity Lead
The National Autistic Society helps create a world that works for autistic people and within National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policies and legislation reflect their needs. We have a rewarding opportunity for an Autism and Neurodiversity Lead within the Influencing and Research Team. If you share our values and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Visit our website to find out more about who we are: https://www.autism.org.uk/
About the Team
You’ll be part of the Influencing & Research directorate, working closely with colleagues nationally and with probation services across the region. The team works collaboratively with criminal justice partners and other organisations to improve outcomes for autistic and neurodivergent people within the justice system.
About the Role
As the Autism & Neurodiversity Lead (Probation), you’ll be accountable for delivering a high‑quality regional neurodiversity service within probation. You’ll provide specialist autism and neurodivergent expertise, supporting probation practitioners and people on probation through consultation, assessment, training, and strategic advice, while helping shape best practice across the service.
What You’ll Do
- Deliver and develop the Probation Neurodiversity Service, responding to referrals and providing expert consultation, assessment, and specialist support for complex cases.
- Build strong relationships with probation leaders and practitioners, promoting the service, delivering training, and providing strategic advice on autism‑inclusive practice.
- Gather insights, maintain accurate records, and feed back strategic issues and solutions to probation leaders to improve outcomes for neurodivergent people.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience working with “front line” staff, to provide consultation, training, and support
- Strong knowledge of autism practice and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders and frontline staff.
- A proactive, organised professional with experience working collaboratively across services and confidence delivering training and written reports.
Click here for the Job Description
This advert is for a part time position at 14 hours per week across 2 days, on a fixed term basis until 31.03.2027
This role is remote.
What we can offer you
- Pension – Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
- Annual Leave – 33 days (including public holidays). You can buy or sell leave each year.
- Training – Great induction and training, including autism training.
- Discounts – Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
- Healthcare – Cash plan for permanent staff.
- Life Assurance – 2x your base salary.
- Flexible Benefits – Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
- Support – 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
- Mindfulness – Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
- Blue Light Card – Eligibility for discounts.
About our application process
You will be required to upload your CV. If you are providing a supporting statement, please consider the following:
- Look at the job description and person specification.
- Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
- Give examples if you can.
We might close this job advert early if we get lots of suitable applications.
To protect our autistic adults & children at the National Autistic Society, some roles require employees to have a criminal background check. Possession of an Enhanced DBS Check either on the Update Service or conducted within the last 12 months would be preferable but not essential if its applicable to your role.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people.
We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.
Important Information
Agencies need not apply.
Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.