Autism jobs in reading, england

DFN Project SEARCH offer an evidence-based supported internship model which takes place entirely in the workplace.  The programmes provide continuous support to young adults with a learning disability, and autistic people who are aged between 16 – 24 with an Education Health and Care Plan, or equivalent, in their final year of education.

You will be required to identify opportunities to develop and grow DFN Project SEARCH programmes across a geographical area with the aim of supporting the organisation to ensure that as many people as need it have access to DFN Project SEARCH programmes.

In addition, you will be required to develop strategies to ensure that the operational programmes in your area are achieving at least the average outcomes expected for young people in our programmes and so you must be committed to continuous improvement.

You will be specifically required to develop strong partnerships and train and support colleagues within your area. You may also be required to support colleagues promoting DFN Project SEARCH in other areas, further European projects as required and contribute to the development of relevant UK focussed materials.

As a Programme Specialist you will be expected to:

• Demonstrate effective project planning and preparation so that each project delivers achieves the highest quality programme possible and outstanding employment outcomes for the interns.
• Establish effective working relationships with schools, colleges, local authorities, employers and the project professional staff to promote the building of excellent, high quality partnerships at each site to ensure the effective running of programmes and promote sustainability in a volatile environment.
• Take an active part in decision making, planning and audit processes of each project
• Ensure that you implement DFN Project SEARCH policy and have a clear understanding of required quality standards and criteria which constitute effective teaching and learning
   

Business Development Project Manager

Our client has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Business Development Project Manager, this role will be right at the heart of helping grow and shape the services that make a real difference to people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health.

You will be working for a national charity supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health needs. They put people at the centre of everything they do, so that they get support that truly meets their needs. 

Position: Business Development Project Manager

Location: Homebased, occasional travel will be required (around 25% or less) 

Salary: £38,653

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week 

Contract: Permanent 

Closing Date: Thursday 15th May 2025, the client reserves the right to interview before the closing date so please apply asap. 

About the role: 

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Business Development Project Manager to join our dedicated team. You'll be right at the heart of helping us grow and shape services that make a real difference to people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health.

This role gives you the chance to be involved in exciting and important work that directly influences the future of our services—and the lives of the people we support. This role is all about collaboration, creativity, and bringing plans to life. You’ll work alongside colleagues across the organisation to:

• Support the development of our current services and the growth of new ones, in line with our Business Plan and Strategy

• Manage business opportunities from start to finish, including leading on procurement processes through online portals

• Coordinate and write high-quality tender submissions, ensuring we meet all deadlines and requirements

• Work closely with senior colleagues including the Deputy Chief Business Officer, operational managers, and central support teams to get great results

• Help build and grow meaningful partnerships across different regions

• Contribute to strategic growth by identifying where we can make the most impact and value

This is a home-based role, occasional travel will be required (around 25% or less) mainly for service visits and face-to-face meetings, including some travel to Kent. You don’t necessarily need to drive, as long as you're able to travel when needed, but having access to a car is desirable.

About you: 

We’re looking for a Business Development Project Manager who:

• Has experience working in the social care sector, ideally with people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health

• Understands different service models and is passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred support

• Experience in project management, business development, or service commissioning in social care

• A good understanding of public sector procurement, including using procurement portals

• Has experience managing projects, especially around business development and service improvement

• Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the adult social care sector

• Writes clearly and confidently—particularly when it comes to tenders, reports, and strategic documents

• Can work across different teams and departments, bringing people together and achieving shared goals

• Builds positive relationships with a wide range of people—inside and outside the organisation

• Communicates clearly and professionally, both in writing and in conversation

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Project Manager, Programme Manager, Operational Development Manager, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Business & Service Improvement Lead, Social Care Development Lead, Community Engagement & Development Manager, Stakeholder & Partnerships Manager, Commissioning & Development Manager, Income Generation Manager, ETC… 

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

We are seeking to recruit a highly skilled Key Worker for our Key Worker Service in East Berkshire. The role will be diverse and service user centred and would suit someone with significant experience in supporting young people and young adults with Autism and Learning Disabilities and their families.

The day to day work will involve a flexible approach to coordination and direct support for the young person and their family, as well as providing responsive communication at times of increased need. This is an exciting role which allows for the Key Worker to support families to navigate the system whilst advocating for them and ensuring that their voice is heard.

There will be opportunities for collaboration and co-production and our vision is to provide young person and family centered support, whilst influencing system change to achieve better outcomes for more children,  young people and adults under the age of 25.

The service will be provided across the entire East Berkshire footprint covering: Slough, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Bracknell Forest.Although the team will be “virtual”, there will be frequent (weekly) travel within and across the East Berkshire area, therefore being a car driver with access to a car is essential, as well as being based near the local area. 

The Key Working Function has been developed as a response to the NHS England & NHS Improvement Long Term Plan (LTP) commitment that by 2023/24, children and young people with a learning disability, autism, or both, with the most complex needs will have a designated Key Worker, applying the recommendations made by Dame Christine Lenehan in ‘These are our Children'. The East Berkshire Key Worker Service has been established since 2023 and has developed and evolved over this time. 

We are looking for someone who:

• has significant experience of working with individuals with Learning Disabilities and/or who are Autistic and their families.
• has an understanding of mental health and how this may impact this service user group 
• Is tenacious and passionate about advocating for our families, whilst respectfully challenging professionals and working collaboratively with other agencies
• Able to complete frequent visits to service users and have the ability to be flexible to complete visits/meetings at short notice within working hours across the East Berkshire area

A Barnardo's Project Worker 3 job description and person specification is attached to the advert for this role. This is a generic role description in use throughout the organisation to cover all roles at the given salary band. The Additional Information Sheet outlines the specific responsibilities, skills and experience required and it is important that you read this carefully before you apply.

When completing your application form, please refer to the skills, knowledge and experience required as detailed in the Person Specification and also in the Additional Information Sheet. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Sheila Coates Foundation is a registered charity that provides funds for secondary schools or colleges in England in order to support autistic students.

Our current Business Manager is retiring. We are therefore seeking a new Business Manager to join our small team of professionals. With strong knowledge and skills, the Business Manager will ensure that the charity is well administered and meets its governance, financial and employment responsibilities. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Trustees and staff to ensure that our funds make the biggest difference to autistic students.

The role of the Business Manager is to work closely with the Chief Executive, Chair, and the Board of Trustees to ensure the charity is effectively managed and meets its governance, financial, and employment obligations. The Business Manager will also support the charity's development, helping to implement its aims and objectives, ensuring that its projects align with its brand and values, and contributing to areas like grant giving when necessary.

The Business Manager will be accountable to the Board of Trustees and directly report to the Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees. Key responsibilities include overseeing the charity's finances, providing financial updates to the Board, ensuring the charity operates in line with legal and regulatory requirements, and managing policies and systems that ensure the charity functions smoothly.

The Business Manager will oversee financial tasks such as budget management, payroll, year-end statements, liaising with auditors and accountants, and ensuring compliance with relevant financial laws. In terms of management, the Business Manager will support the Board and Chief Executive in their operational and strategic work, manage external service providers like IT and HR services, and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

The role also involves planning and organizing resources to support the charity's development, enhancing its reputation, and staying updated on relevant laws, particularly in finance, charity governance, and employment law.

Sheila Coates Foundation is committed to providing services that embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity. Everyone who benefits from our services or works for us in a paid or voluntary capacity should be safe, empowered to play a part in promoting their own welfare and that of others and able to live a life free from abuse. This applies to all, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or belief.

A brilliant opportunity as Head of Communications and Engagement. You will be excited to take on a brand new position; shaping and delivering a new comms strategy, developing a narrative which helps the charity be more influential in the sector and advocate for the people they support.

This is a part-time, role, working 3 days a week, and is offered as fully remote.

The charity offers bespoke, expert care and support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs across England and Wales. As the social care sector faces continuous and new challenges, the charity is looking for an experienced Communications professional who can shape and drive both internal communications and engagement but also develop their external platform for voice and help to position them within the sector as a strong advocate for reform.

 Your experience:

- Demonstrable senior level experience working in communications and marketing. 

- Understanding of media requirements and capacity of a non-profit organisation.

- Understanding or experience of advocacy in order to represent seldom heard voices.

- Understanding or experience working in the social care sector is highly desirable!

• Location- Home based within the UK, with requirement to travel to regional offices ad-hoc
• Part time, permanent (3 days per week)
• Salary £35,000 for 3 days a week. (Full-time equivalent is £58,333)

I’d love to tell you more about this fantastic role and organisation. Please apply now for more information! Firm closing date 9am Monday 19^th May

Interviews to take place online, w/c 26^th May

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities service in Langley.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.
This role involves working on a rota pattern of 40h each week, to support a client with special needs.

What you'll do:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed
- Carry out support duties to enable customers to integrate into the community including e.g. accompanying the customer to attend benefit agency appointments and meetings, go shopping, to enquire at colleges about possible courses, to visit various public amenities
- Report any observations relating to customers welfare
- Adhere to all the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care, Support & Housing plus those specific to the project including any statutory requirements

About you:
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector

Desirable:
- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

We're looking for 3 kind, compassionate and resilient Support workers to join our Learning Disabilities service in Langley.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.
The role involves working with clients with complex needs in a rota system that includes early, late sleep in, weekend and bank holidays

What you'll do:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed
- Carry out support duties to enable customers to integrate into the community including e.g. accompanying the customer to attend benefit agency appointments and meetings, go shopping, to enquire at colleges about possible courses, to visit various public amenities
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector

Desirable:
- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in Berkshire!

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work: 2x Full Time: 37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Office based at Broadmoor Hospital.  (Because of the nature and location of the role, applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport.)

Salary: Full time starting salary £24242.40 per annum
 
Contract Type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

· Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.

· Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.

· Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

· Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.

· Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.

· Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

· 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!

· Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.

· 1 Community Leave Day per annum.

· Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!

· Auto enrolment Pension plan

· Death in service cover.

· Bike to work scheme.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone.  It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification.  The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ).  If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 16th May 2025 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date: 29th & 30th May 2025

An enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a member of the Disability confidence scheme, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.