Autism practitioner jobs

TreeHouse school is an Ofsted 'Outstanding' non-maintained special school, providing support and education to 112 autistic pupils aged 4 -19. Our mission is to stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights and create opportunities for them.

Please note, this role may not meet Skilled worker visa sponsorship criteria.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HTLA) to join our team. This is a fantastic progressive opportunity where you will support the Class Teacher in contributing and delivering high quality learning and teaching.

This is a full time, permanent role. The hours are 8.30am - 4.35pm.

What's on offer for you?

• Term time only role (yet paid across 52 weeks)
• Free healthy breakfast available everyday
• We put mental health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do; the SLT practise “compassionate leadership”
• State of the art training including person centred approaches, positive behaviour support, medical training and understanding sensory needs
• Working with Autism/learning disability industry experts across our school and our charity
• Eye test vouchers, season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme, to help you balance your work, family, and personal life
• Continuous professional development including access to coaching and mentoring as well as e-learning and online training course

What the role involves?

• Taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an agreed system of supervision.
• Working with identified curriculums and supporting specific subjects as well as helping with lesson planning.
• Developing learning resources, delivering lessons and supporting the assessment of learning.
• Supporting extra-curricular activities such as education visits and recording/reporting pupil outcomes. 
• At times, will be the lead practitioner in the class delivering whole class teaching without the teacher present.

Start date: September 2026

***Please note, applicants who have applied in the past 6 months will not be shortlisted for this role***

Closing date for role: Thursday 16th of April

Outcome of the shortlisting: Friday 17th of April

Interview dates: W/C 20th of April

(The interview process will include a 30 minute interview, 20 minute microteach followed by a written task).

For more information about this vacancy please find the recruitment pack attached.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Contract: 9 Months Fixed Term (potential to become Permanent)

Hours: 35 per week

Flexible Arrangement: 2 days per week in office

About the Role

You will play a key role in delivering Norwood’s marketing and communications strategy, with a focus on events and community engagement.

Working closely with your peer Senior Marketing Executive and the wider Marketing, Fundraising and Events teams, you will lead the planning and delivery of campaigns that drive engagement, attendance and income.

You will take ownership of event marketing from concept through to delivery, ensuring activity is creative, well coordinated and delivered to a high standard.

About Norwood

Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK.  We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

At Norwood, you will make a real difference every day.  You will be part of a supportive and inclusive team where kindness is shown in how we care, respect shapes how we work together, belonging ensures everyone feels valued, and empowerment enables people to thrive.

We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.

You will:

• Lead marketing and communications for corporate and community events
• Act as the main marketing contact for fundraising and engagement events
• Develop and deliver integrated campaigns across digital, print and social channels
• Work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to deliver high-quality outputs
• Support flagship activity including Norwood’s Annual Dinner and key appeals
• Shape creative concepts that engage supporters and reflect Norwood’s mission

This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to see their work make a visible difference.

Your Day to Day

You will:

• Manage marketing projects from planning through to delivery, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met
• Coordinate all elements of campaigns including content, design, data and supplier input
• Work with external agencies, printers and designers to deliver campaigns efficiently
• Write and develop content for social media, email campaigns, publications and marketing materials
• Support the development of event communications, including promotional campaigns and supporter journeys
• Contribute to publications including donor magazines, newsletters and campaign materials
• Source stories, imagery and content that bring Norwood’s work to life
• Update website and digital platforms, ensuring content is accurate and engaging
• Work collaboratively across Marketing, Fundraising and Community Engagement teams

Your impact will be seen in:

• Strong attendance and engagement across events
• High-quality, consistent marketing output
• Campaigns that connect with supporters and communities
• Increased visibility of Norwood’s work and impact

Qualifications, Experience & Training

Essential

• Proven experience in a marketing role delivering campaigns from concept to launch
• Experience managing multiple projects and working to tight deadlines
• Strong content writing skills across a range of channels
• Experience coordinating internal and external stakeholders
• Strong understanding of marketing channels including digital, email and social media
• Experience using data and analytics to inform marketing decisions
• Experience working with CMS platforms and email marketing tools
• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Experience of event marketing and fundraising campaigns
• Marketing or related degree
• Experience within a similar setting support people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Reward and Benefits

• 21 days annual leave + Jewish Festival & High Holy Days + 8 Bank Holidays (FTE)
• Enhanced parental pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health cash plan covering dental, optical, and therapy treatments, with virtual GP access, private consultations, and wellbeing tools via the My Medicash App
• Blue Light Card scheme access
• Cycle to Work scheme
• £300 refer-a-friend bonus
• Career development pathway
• Free on-site parking
• A supportive, experienced team and management.