Vacancies and Volunteering

Adults Services Bedfordshire Vacancies

Adult Skills Tutor and Support Officer

Salary: Salary: £22,604.00 – £27,790 (FTE) £14,866.73 and £18,526.65

Hours: 25 (including one evening a week)

Line Management: Adult Skills Tutor and Post Diagnostic Lead

Location: Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire

Closing Date: Tuesday 24th September

Interviews: Week Commencing 4th September

Autism Bedfordshire’s services help break down the barriers to social participation for autistic people and their families by providing places where they can go and feel comfortable, accepted, and not judged by society.

We offer a wide range of services across Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Hertfordshire including community-based outreach work, adult skills development courses and workshops, employment support, employers support, daytime and evening social groups, transitions support, benefits advice, and specialist helpline service for autistic adults, families, and their careers. We have been making a difference since 1991 by combining our expertise with innovative approaches and putting the autistic community at the heart of what we do.

This project aims to support individuals across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes to understand and embrace their identity as an autistic person through exploring topics such as understanding autism, managing anxiety, social skills and navigating support available from other community, voluntary services. This will be delivered via adult skills development courses and workshops and social activities which aim to reduce isolation and support the autistic individuals to access services within their own communities.
By accessing this support, autistic adults, as well as their families, will be supported to become empowered.

Key Responsibilities:

If you think this might be the role for you and want to discuss in more detail, then contact:
Emily Cullum (Adult Skills Tutor and Post Diagnostic Lead) on 01234 350704 or email: Emily.cullum@autismbeds.org.

To Apply

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below.
Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org.

Application Form
Application Form Guidance Notes
Adult Skills Tutor and Support Officer – Adult Services Roles and Responsibilities

All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including a DBS check.

If you require any support with the application process, or you wish to request an application form be sent to you, please contact recruitment@autismbeds.org

Helpline and Assessment Officer

Location: Home, with travel across Hertfordshire

Salary: £22,604 (FTE) (Actual Salary: £12,055)

Hours: 20 Hours

Line Management: Adult Services Manager

Closing Date: 4th September 2023

Interviews: 7th and 8th September

Reports to: Post Diagnostic Support Officer and Senior Adult Services Manager

Key Responsibilities

To coordinate and resolve issues highlighted on the helpline

To carry out initial assessments with autistic adults

Create resources to support autistic adults

To create and manage the Adult Services newsletters

To create and maintain accurate records using the internal database

To be an ambassador for and promote Autism Hertfordshire services

To be up to date in the understanding and implementation of Autism Bedfordshire’s policies and procedures

Independently managing their workload and competing priorities

For more information about the role contact Kerrie Lister on 01727 743246 or email: Kerrie@autismherts.org.

To apply

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below.
Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org.

Application Form
Application Form Guidance Notes
Job Specification

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Transitions and Social Co-ordinator

Location: Hertfordshire

Salary: £22,300- £27,790

Hours: 37.5 Hours

Line Management: Adult Services Manager

Closing Date: Thursday 10th August 2023

About Us

Autism Bedfordshire is an independent charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people and their families by providing impactful services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Milton Keynes. Our adult support services primarily focus on working with autistic adults who do not have a learning disability through skill development, advocacy for our membership and social opportunities. This position is to support within our evening social groups, these will run once a month in both Stevenage and St Albans and last for 2-3 hours and will usually be held on a Monday or Wednesday.

Our adult support services primarily focus on working with autistic adults who do not have a learning disability through the following opportunities:

Skill development courses

Social opportunities

Preparing for adulthood

Advocating on behalf of our membership

Pre and post diagnostic support

Parent/carer support

This dynamic and evolving position will work closely with a small but experienced and dedicated team whose mission is to ensure that every autistic adult in Hertfordshire has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life.

The success of this role is greatly dependent on having the right attitude and personality to foster a progressive working relationship with our members and having the adaptability to meet individual needs. An ideal candidate would be an organised individual with the appetite and desire to learn, adapt and develop our existing services.

To apply

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below.
Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org.

Application Form
Application Form Guidance Notes
Job Specification

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All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including a DBS check.

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If you require any support with the application process, or you wish to request an application form be sent to you, please contact recruitment@autismbeds.org

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Keyworker Vacancies

Assistant Keyworker

Location: Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, administrative base at Head Office, Bedford

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working available on occasion)

Line Manager: Keyworker Operational Lead

Contract: 23 months fixed term (potential to renew)

Closing Date: Wednesday 26th July 2023

We have an EXCITING new opportunity to join the Team! We are expanding our Keyworker Team who support those children and young people who are at risk of hospital admission due to their deteriorating mental health.

The Keyworker Function is part of the NHS long Term Plan for All Children and Young People (CYP) with a learning disability, autism or both, in an inpatient setting, to have a named worker/Keyworker by 2024.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/learning-disabilities/care/children-young-people/keyworkers/

We also work with young people who are at risk of hospital admission, family breakdown and entering criminal justice system.

Key elements of the role:

For more information please get in touch with Operational Lead Liz McTernan on the details below:
Liz.mcternan@autismbeds.org

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org.

Job Description and Person Spec
Application Form
Application Form Guidance Notes

All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including a DBS check.

Project Support Officer

Location: Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, administrative base at Head Office, Bedford

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working available on occasion)

Line Manager: Operational Lead – Keyworker Team

Contract: 12 months (maternity cover – potential to extended subject to funding)

Closing Date: Wednesday 26th July 2023

The vision is:

The mission is:

To facilitate the development and implementation of a Keyworking function at a local level by:

Job Summary:

The post holder will assist the Keyworker Team in coordinating community services to support those children and young people who are at risk of hospital admission due to their deteriorating mental health. This role will also assist in organising and facilitating a range of specialised and tailored support services that families can access to improve their lives. The Project Support Officer will be required to confidently engaged with young people and play an active role in our farm project.

The post also requires a high level of organisational skills and multi-tasking to ensure that the project runs smoothly and that there are clear lines of communication with families, colleagues and funders.

For more information please get in touch with Operational Lead Liz McTernan on the details below:
Liz.mcternan@autismbeds.org

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org.

Job Description and Person Spec
Application Form
Application Form Guidance Notes

All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including a DBS check.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteer Support Worker (Adult Services)

Line Management: Adult Skills Tutor and Post Diagnostic Lead

Volunteer expenses reimbursed

Locations: Bedford, Dunstable and Ampthill

Autism Bedfordshire is a local, independent charity that specialises in supporting autistic people and their families. Our groups provide places where they can feel comfortable and accepted.

Do you want to build on your knowledge, understanding and experience of the autism spectrum and gain practical experience of behaviour management and communication strategies?
We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to help run our evening social groups for autistic adults.

Responsibilities: To help plan, supervise and run scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities subject to guidance from the Adult Skills Tutor and Post Diagnostic Lead.
Key duties include:

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org

Application Form

Application Form Guidance Notes

Volunteer Support Worker Roles and Responsibilities (Adult Services)

All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including an enhanced DBS check.

Volunteer Assistant Support Workers Wanted for Summer Activity Schemes in Bedford and Luton

Week 1: Mon 24th– Fri 28th July

Week 2: Mon 31st July – Fri 4th Aug

Week 3: Mon 7th – Fri 11th Aug

Volunteer expenses reimbursed

Closing Date: Closing Date: Friday 30th June 2023

Come and volunteer with Autism Bedfordshire on our summer activity schemes.

Autism Bedfordshire is a local, independent charity that specialises in supporting autistic people and their families. Our groups provide places where they can feel comfortable and accepted.

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic team players to join the Autism Bedfordshire team. Successful applicants will provide support for autistic children and young people attending our summer activity schemes.

Our Summer Activity Schemes are based in Bedford and Luton and provide a wide range of onsite activities and community-based experiences for autistic children and young people aged 3 to 17 years. Each scheme is specifically designed to cater for the different needs, interests, ages, and abilities of those that attend.

Gain valuable experience supporting children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions across different settings and activities.

Autism Bedfordshire summer schemes are fast paced, fun filled action packed days where you will get to see first-hand the difference we are able to make for families.

Key aspects of the role include assisting Support Workers in supporting individuals in our care, assisting in setting up safe areas for scheduled activities, promoting social and communication development through stimulating activities appropriate to age range and abilities.

This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience of supporting autistic children and young people. Our volunteers are given the opportunity to develop and increase their skills and experience supporting their future career pathways.

No experience needed, just the motivation to want to support children with additional needs.

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org
Application Form
Application Form Guidance Notes
ASW Roles & Responsibilities
Date Availability Form 2023

All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including an enhanced DBS check.

Volunteer Assistant Support Workers Wanted for Saturday Morning Activity Groups in in Bedford, Biggleswade, Leighton Buzzard and Luton

Part-Time: alternate Saturday mornings during term-time

Volunteer expenses reimbursed

Come and have fun at LOAF! “Loads Of Autistic Fun”

Loads of Autistic Fun (or L.O.A.F. for short) is a Saturday morning activity group which the whole family can attend. It runs fortnightly during term time from 10am to 1pm and provides an inclusive environment where all children up to age 12 (those with autism and their siblings) and their parents/carers are welcome and supported by trained staff and volunteers.

L.O.A.F. provides a place where autistic children and their families can feel comfortable, accepted and valued. It is a calm, supportive environment that enables the children to feel safe, join in and not be judged if they don’t.

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic team players to help provide support for autistic children and young people at our LOAF (Loads of Autistic Fun) groups.

Key aspects of the role include assisting Support Workers in supporting individuals in our care, assisting in setting up safe areas for scheduled activities, promoting social and communication development through stimulating activities appropriate to age range and abilities.

This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience of supporting autistic children and young people. Our volunteers are given the opportunity to develop and increase their skills and experience supporting their future career pathways.

No experience needed, just the motivation to want to support children with additional needs.

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org

Application Form

Application Form Guidance Notes

ASW Roles & Responsibilities

All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including an enhanced DBS check.

Volunteer Assistant Support Workers Wanted for Youth Groups in Bedford, Kempston, Biggleswade, Flitwick, Leighton Buzzard and Luton

Part-Time: once a fortnight on weekday evenings during term-time

Volunteer expenses reimbursed

If your answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then why not come and join us, volunteering at our youth groups.

For young people aged 10-17 we have evening youth groups, which provide social opportunities for young people with lower-level support needs. The youth groups provide a safe and inclusive environment for autistic young people to access a variety of activities including games, social activities, arts and crafts, cooking, sports and community experiences, e.g., swimming, ice-skating, bowling, eating out and visiting parks and museums.

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic team players to help provide support for autistic children and young people at our LOAF (Loads of Autistic Fun) groups.

Key aspects of the role include assisting Support Workers in supporting individuals in our care, assisting in setting up safe areas for scheduled activities, promoting social and communication development through stimulating activities appropriate to age range and abilities.

This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience of supporting autistic children and young people. Our volunteers are given the opportunity to develop and increase their skills and experience supporting their future career pathways.

No experience needed, just the motivation to want to support children with additional needs.

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org

Application Form

Application Form Guidance Notes

ASW Roles & Responsibilities

All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including an enhanced DBS check.

Volunteer Assistant Support Workers Wanted for Girls’ Group in Dunstable

Part-Time: once a fortnight on Thursday evenings during term-time

Volunteer expenses reimbursed

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic team players to provide support for autistic children and young people at our Girls’ Group in Dunstable.
The Girls Youth Club is a fortnightly activity group based in Dunstable for autistic girls aged10-17. It aims to build confidence, self-esteem, support friendships and develop communication skills. Each session offers a variety of activities based on the interests of attendees.
Key aspects of the role include: assisting Support Workers in supporting individuals in our care; assisting in setting up safe areas for scheduled activities; promoting social and communication development through stimulating activities appropriate to age and ability.

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org

Application Form

Application Form Guidance Notes

ASW Roles & Responsibilities

All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including an enhanced DBS check.

If you require any support with the application process, or you wish to request an application form be sent to you, please contact recruitment@autismbeds.org

Charity Shop Volunteers

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to join our charity shop teams in Bedford and Dunstable.

Supported by our small, friendly team you can get involved in:

• sorting clothes
• spotting premium items
• serving customers
• pricing goods
• creating window displays.

We’ll need you to:

• be friendly and approachable
• have common sense
• use your own initiative
• work as part of a team.

Previous experience is not necessary as long as you are responsible, enthusiastic and can demonstrate customer service skills.

Training will be provided, and time commitment is flexible. We can reimburse your reasonable local travel expenses for shifts of over 4 hours, and we will be able to provide a reference to prospective employers.

This is a great opportunity to gain and develop your experience in the competitive retail sector, make new friends, and help Autism Bedfordshire provide care and support for people living with the challenges of autistic spectrum conditions.

Position Details

Commitment Level: Regular Volunteering

Location: Bedford and Dunstable

Interests: Shops / Retail

Availability: Flexible

For further information please call 01234 214871 or email: recruitment@autismbeds.org

To apply please download an application form, guidance notes and the roles and responsibilities below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org

Application Form

Application Form Guidance Notes

Role description

Autism Bedfordshire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults in its care. To ensure that this is achieved we expect all employees to share this commitment and staff working with these vulnerable groups will be recruited and selected in line with safer recruitment policies and practices.