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Children’s Services

Team Leader – Saturday Morning Activity Group in Bedford

Part-Time: alternate Saturday mornings during term-time

£9.75 per hour (plus holiday pay)

Closing date: Wednesday 22nd February 2023

  • Do you have knowledge of autism?
  • Do you have the experience to lead and deliver exciting and engaging sessions?
  • Are you someone who is wanting to push your skills and knowledge further and lead a team of Support Workers?


    • If your answer is “yes”, you might be the person we are looking for.

    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 Leader at our LOAF (Loads of Autistic Fun) family group to run activities for autistic children and their siblings.

    The ideal candidate will have NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent in health, education, childcare, or social care. Good communication and organisational skills are essential.


    Key aspects of the role involve planning sessions, managing a small staff team and ensuring all policies and procedures are adhered to. Working closely with the Children’s Services team you will continue to support excellent service delivery for our existing and future families.

    Autism Bedfordshire is a great place to work, with a team of dedicated staff making a difference to autistic people and their families lives in Bedfordshire. You will gain valuable experience supporting autistic children and young people across different settings and activities. All of our staff and volunteers are given the opportunity to develop and increase their skills and experience supporting their future career pathways. We provide training and support with continuing personal and professional development. We will pay your planning hours and travel expenses.

    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
    Team Leader Roles and Responsibilities

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

    Team Leader – Youth Group in Flitwick

    Part-Time: alternate Fridays evenings during term-time, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm

    £9.75 per hour (plus holiday pay)

    Closing date: Wednesday 22nd February 2023

  • Do you have knowledge of autism?
  • Are you passionate about SEND?
  • Do you have the experience to lead and deliver exciting and engaging sessions?


    • If your answer to any of these questions is “yes”, you might be the person we are looking for.

    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 Leader at our youth group in Flitwick. You will lead the team the team in setting up fun, safe and interactive activities, as well as supporting young people in peer interaction, and the development of communication and social skills.

    Key aspects of the role involve planning sessions, managing a small staff team and ensuring all policies and procedures are adhered to. Working closely with the Children’s Services team you will continue to support excellent service delivery for our existing and future families.

    The ideal candidate will have NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent in health, education, childcare or social care. Relevant experience and knowledge of autism, SEN and behaviour management would be advantageous. Good communication and organisational skills are essential.

    Autism Bedfordshire is a great place to work, with a team of dedicated staff making a difference to autistic people and their families lives in Bedfordshire. You will gain valuable experience supporting autistic children and young people across different settings and activities. All of our staff and volunteers are given the opportunity to develop and increase their skills and experience supporting their future career pathways. We provide training and support with continuing personal and professional development. We will pay your planning hours and travel expenses.

    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
    Team Leader Roles and Responsibilities

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

    Support Workers Wanted for Saturday Morning Activity Groups in Biggleswade and Leighton Buzzard

    Part-Time: alternate Saturday mornings during term-time

    £9.18 – £9.50 per hour (plus holiday pay)

    Closing date: Wednesday 22nd February 2023

  • Are you adaptable, fast learning and open to change?
  • Do you possess the skills and attributes needed to work with individuals who have varying social, emotional and sensory needs?
  • Do you want to build on your knowledge, understanding and experience of the autistic spectrum and gain practical experience of behaviour management and communication strategies?


    • If your answer to any of these questions is “yes”, you might be the person we are looking for.

    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 join the Autism Bedfordshire team. Successful applicants will provide support for autistic children and young people who attend our LOAF groups in Biggleswade and Leighton Buzzard.

    Key aspects of the role involve assisting in setting up safe areas for activities, promoting social and communication development, supporting children to access and engage with different activities, and supporting and promoting safeguarding practices.

    The ideal candidate will have NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent in health, education, childcare, or social care, knowledge of autism, and experience of managing challenging behaviour.

    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
    Support Worker Roles and Responsibilities

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

    Support Workers – Wanted for Youth Group in Flitwick

    Part-Time: alternate Fridays, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm during term-time

    £9.18 – £9.50 per hour (plus holiday pay)

    Closing date: Wednesday 22nd February 2023

  • Are you adaptable, fast learning and open to change?
  • Do you possess the skills and attributes needed to work with individuals who have varying social, emotional and sensory needs?
  • Do you want to build on your knowledge, understanding and experience of the autistic spectrum and gain practical experience of behaviour management and communication strategies?


    • If your answer is “yes”, you might be the person we are looking for.

    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 join the Autism Bedfordshire team. Successful applicants will provide support for autistic children and young people who attend our Wanted Fun groups.

    Key aspects of the role involve assisting in setting up safe areas for activities, promoting social and communication development, supporting children to access and engage with different activities, and supporting and promoting safeguarding practices.

    The ideal candidate will have NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent in health, education, childcare, or social care, knowledge of autism, and experience of managing challenging behaviour.

    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
    Support Worker 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

    Adult Services

    Support at Home and Supported Living Registered Manager

    Hours: 37.5 (including some evenings and weekends)

    £39,520.00 – £49,249.00 (depending on experience)

    Pension: 4% Employer contribution

    Annual Leave: 25 days + Bank holidays, rising to 28 within 3 years

    Location: Based in Bedfordshire, but travel throughout the East of England will be required

    Reporting to: Adult Services Director

    Closing Date: Wednesday 15th February 2023

    Interviews: Monday 20th February 2023


    Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can really make a difference?

    If so, a new exciting and challenging opportunity has arisen at the centre of our brand-new support at home service.

    In 2023 we will be opening our brand-new support at home service; the successful candidate will be recruiting, training, and implementing this new structure and service with the support of our Adult Service Director. Together with a small bespoke team, you will manage our support at home service, this post will be based central office/properties in Bedford alongside over seeing support workers who are delivering services in people’s homes.

    We are seeking someone who is qualified by experience, with proven leadership capability, a friendly and outgoing personality, and great interpersonal skills.

  • You should have extensive experience of leading others in social care in a homecare service
  • You should have experience of supporting staff out in the community and making sure that autistic adults across Bedfordshire receive the best support and are empowered to live a life of independence and choice
  • You should be skilled at providing direct supervision, coaching, and mentoring to support staff and have the ability to Identify staff training needs
  • You should be able to establish and maintain effective communication with families and relevant others
  • You should have a robust knowledge in all safeguarding matters and be confident to escalate to the Local Authority safeguarding team in a timely, giving clear and concise information and ensuring any follow up actions are implemented where appropriate
  • Ensure that autistic people are supported in a respectful manor where their choices are valued and supported
  • Ensure that the day-to-day physical and emotional health of those living within the residential service is met within a caring and safe environment
  • Ensure that there are good communication channels of information between all those within the service, other Autism Bedfordshire services and other relevant service providers
  • Ensure relevant parties are regularly updated through regular, planned reviews and reports
  • Working with individuals who can display challenging behaviours hurting self or others, running away, throwing things, swearing, shouting
  • A good level of productivity and solution-focused thinking is also essential
  • Undertake such other duties as are required


    • Sounds like you? Then you would be a highly valuable member of the Autism Bedfordshire family.

    If you think this might be the role for you and want to discuss it in more detail, then contact Sharna Raine on 01234 350704 or email:sharna.raine@autismbeds.org

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

    Application Form
    Application Form Guidance Notes
    Job Description and Person Spec

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

    Learning Mentor (Autistic Adults)

    Hours: Part-time hours-up to 30 per month

    Salary: £10.46 per hour plus holiday pay

    Location: BLMK (Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes)

    Line Management: Adult Services Manager

    Autism Bedfordshire has a new opportunity for a new and varied role in supporting autistic adults. Our upcoming projects include workshops, courses and social activities – we need people to help us deliver these much-needed services across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes.

    Our new mentor will offer guidance to autistic adults within our projects and support our group leaders in delivery. You may have some personal experience of autism or a background in teaching or mentoring looking for a new challenge, but most of all we are looking for someone with a positive attitude who wants to make a real difference in their community.

    You will be able to listen sensitively and effectively while offering personalised input to support our membership to access their community and work towards their goals. We can offer you ongoing guidance around autism, people’s needs and effective support strategies.

    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 Description and Person Spec
    All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including a DBS check.

    Team Leader

    Part-time: up to 6 hours per month, alternate Thursday evenings

    £9.75 per hour (plus holiday pay)

    Location: Bedford

    We are looking for an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic person to help run our evening social group in Bedford.

    These groups provide an opportunity for autistic adults to socialise, gain confidence and develop their skills. The group meets regularly and enjoy a range of different activities such as attending the local cinema, bowling and visiting different restaurants in and around Bedford.

    Key aspects of the role involve planning sessions, working directly with the adults who access the sessions and ensuring all policies and procedures are complied with.

    The ideal candidate will be an approachable person with experience of working with autistic adults, be decisive and quick thinking.

    For further information please contact us on 01234 214871 or emailrecruitment@autismbeds.org
    To apply, please download an application form, guidance notes and the person spec below.

    Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org.

    Application Form
    Application Form Guidance Notes
    Job Description and Person Spec

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

    Team Leader (Adults Services)

    Hours: Up to 6 hours per month

    Salary: £9.75 per hour (plus holiday pay)

    Location: Milton Keynes

    Line Management: Adult Services Manager

    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 exciting new position will work closely with a brand-new team that’s mission is to improve the lives of the Autistic community across Milton Keynes. If you want to be part of a team that is genuinely passionate about making a difference to others this could be an opportunity for you.

    Responsibilities:
    To help plan, supervise and run scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities subject to guidance from the Adult Skills Tutor and Support Officer.

    Planning:

  • In partnership with the service users, help develop plan and deliver session themes and locations with due regard given to any significant risk factors.
  • Regularly inform service users of upcoming sessions.
  • Allow time to integrate new service users into the sessions.


    • Health, Safety and Welfare:

  • Ensure that information detailing staff, volunteers and individuals in our care’s specific medical and welfare requirements is sourced and stored in line with Autism Bedfordshire’s Data Protection Policy.
  • Ensure that measures are put in place to make provision for the specific medical and welfare requirements of staff, volunteers and individuals in our care at all times.
  • Ensure that sites are checked for safety, suitability and hazards prior to the beginning of, and following the end of scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities.
  • Ensure that hazards are recorded and reported to the Senior Team Lead and Service Manager, and that appropriate action is taken to ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of all people on site.
  • Ensure that Health, Safety and Welfare policies are implemented and that relevant notices are displayed as required.
  • Make certain that training, resources and procedures are in place to ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of all people on site.
  • Ensure First-Aid provisions are readily accessible and that these locations are clearly signposted.
  • Document all accidents, near misses and incidents – Reporting these to the Adult Skills Tutor and Support Officer in accordance with the Health, Safety and Welfare, Data Protection & Confidentiality policies.
  • Allocate appropriate supervision to high risk areas for all scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities.


    • Fire and Emergency Procedures:

  • Ensure specific fire and emergency evacuation requirements for facilities accessed by Autism Bedfordshire are adhered to.
  • Ensure that all people on site document their arrival and departure times in the Fire Register.
  • Ensure all people on site are made aware of the Fire and Emergency Evacuation Procedure.
  • Carry out a Fire and Emergency Evacuation practice once per academic term, timing and recording this in the relevant files.


    • Policies and Procedures:

  • Carry out all operations in line with Autism Bedfordshire’s Policies and Procedures.
  • Ensure all paid staff and voluntary workers have access to Autism Bedfordshire’s Policies and Procedures and carry out their duties within these directives
  • Support and promote Autism Bedfordshire’s Safeguarding Policy.
  • Report safeguarding concerns to Autism Bedfordshire’s Safeguarding Officer.
  • Adhere to the Autism Bedfordshire Data Protection & Confidentiality Policies.
  • Ensure all confidential material is kept in secure storage in line with Autism Bedfordshire’s Data Protection & Confidentiality Policies.
  • Ensure all paid staff and voluntary workers have signed Autism Bedfordshire’s Data Protection & Confidentiality Policy.


    • Administration and Other Duties:

  • Develop and maintain good working relationships with venues accessed by Autism Bedfordshire’s services.
  • Ensure premises are left clean and tidy following scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities and that breakages are reported to the Development Team.
  • Inform the Management Team of information becoming apparent that will either directly or indirectly affect the running of scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities.
  • In conjunction with Senior Team Leaders carry out administration work as required to assist the running of scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities.
  • Where required carry out additional duties not specified in the Terms of Association in agreement with the Management Team.


    • Scheduled Activities:

  • Promote social and communication development through stimulating activities appropriate to age range and abilities.
  • Where required arrange for refreshments to be provided for individuals accessing our services.
  • Ensure that Risk Assessments have been completed for all scheduled activities, visiting external agencies and main venue facilities prior to use.
  • Provide feedback from individuals accessing our services to the wider team.


    • 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 Description and Person Spec

    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

    Learning Mentor (Autistic Adults)

    Hours: Flexible – Zero-hours contract

    Salary: £10.46 per hour plus holiday pay

    Location: Venues across Hertfordshire

    Line Management: Adult Services Manager

    Autism Hertfordshire has a new opportunity for a new and varied role in supporting autistic adults. Our upcoming projects include workshops, courses and social activities – we need people to help us deliver these much-needed services across Hertfordshire.
    Our new mentor will offer guidance to autistic adults within our projects and support our group leaders in delivery. You may have some personal experience of autism or a background in teaching or mentoring looking for a new challenge, but most of all we are looking for someone with a positive attitude who wants to make a real difference in their community.
    You will be able to listen sensitively and effectively while offering personalised input to support our membership to access their community and work towards their goals. We can offer you ongoing guidance around autism, people’s needs and effective support strategies.
    If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, then please email our Adult Services Manager at elizabeth.cook@autismherts.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
    Job Description and Person Spec
    All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including a DBS check.

    Team Leader (Adults Services)

    Hours: Zero-hours contract (2- 3 hours per month on a Wednesday evening)

    Salary: £10.46 per hour (plus holiday pay)

    Location: Stevenage

    Line Management: Adult Services Manager

    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 exciting new position will work closely with a brand-new team that’s mission is to improve the lives of the Autistic community across Hertfordshire. If you want to be part of a team that is genuinely passionate about making a difference to others this could be an opportunity for you.
    Responsibilities:
    To help plan, supervise and run scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities subject to guidance from the Adult Skills Tutor and Support Officer.
    Planning:

  • In partnership with the service users, help develop plan and deliver session themes and locations with due regard given to any significant risk factors.
  • Regularly inform service users of upcoming sessions.
  • Allow time to integrate new service users into the sessions.

    • Health, Safety and Welfare:

  • Ensure that information detailing staff, volunteers and individuals in our care’s specific medical and welfare requirements is sourced and stored in line with Autism Bedfordshire’s Data Protection Policy.
  • Ensure that measures are put in place to make provision for the specific medical and welfare requirements of staff, volunteers and individuals in our care at all times.
  • Ensure that sites are checked for safety, suitability and hazards prior to the beginning of, and following the end of scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities.
  • Ensure that hazards are recorded and reported to the Senior Team Lead and Service Manager, and that appropriate action is taken to ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of all people on site.
  • Ensure that Health, Safety and Welfare policies are implemented and that relevant notices are displayed as required.
  • Make certain that training, resources and procedures are in place to ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of all people on site.
  • Ensure First-Aid provisions are readily accessible and that these locations are clearly signposted.
  • Document all accidents, near misses and incidents – Reporting these to the Adult Skills Tutor and Support Officer in accordance with the Health, Safety and Welfare, Data Protection & Confidentiality policies.
  • Allocate appropriate supervision to high risk areas for all scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities.

    • Fire and Emergency Procedures:

  • Ensure specific fire and emergency evacuation requirements for facilities accessed by Autism Bedfordshire are adhered to.
  • Ensure that all people on site document their arrival and departure times in the Fire Register.
  • Ensure all people on site are made aware of the Fire and Emergency Evacuation Procedure.
  • Carry out a Fire and Emergency Evacuation practice once per academic term, timing and recording this in the relevant files.

    • Policies and Procedures:

  • Carry out all operations in line with Autism Bedfordshire’s Policies and Procedures.
  • Ensure all paid staff and voluntary workers have access to Autism Bedfordshire’s Policies and Procedures and carry out their duties within these directives
  • Support and promote Autism Bedfordshire’s Safeguarding Policy.
  • Report safeguarding concerns to Autism Bedfordshire’s Safeguarding Officer.
  • Adhere to the Autism Bedfordshire Data Protection & Confidentiality Policies.
  • Ensure all confidential material is kept in secure storage in line with Autism Bedfordshire’s Data Protection & Confidentiality Policies.
  • Ensure all paid staff and voluntary workers have signed Autism Bedfordshire’s Data Protection & Confidentiality Policy.

    • Administration and Other Duties:

  • Develop and maintain good working relationships with venues accessed by Autism Bedfordshire’s services.
  • Ensure premises are left clean and tidy following scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities and that breakages are reported to the Development Team.
  • Inform the Management Team of information becoming apparent that will either directly or indirectly affect the running of scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities.
  • In conjunction with Senior Team Leaders carry out administration work as required to assist the running of scheduled Autism Bedfordshire activities.
  • Where required carry out additional duties not specified in the Terms of Association in agreement with the Management Team.

    • Scheduled Activities:

  • Promote social and communication development through stimulating activities appropriate to age range and abilities.
  • Where required arrange for refreshments to be provided for individuals accessing our services.
  • Ensure that Risk Assessments have been completed for all scheduled activities, visiting external agencies and main venue facilities prior to use.
  • Provide feedback from individuals accessing our services to the wider team.

    • If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, then please email our Adult Services Manager at Elizabeth.cook@autismherts.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
    Job Description and Person Spec
    All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including a DBS check.

    Other Vacancies

    Keyworker

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

    Salary: £31,713 – £37,819 annually

    Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible and hybrid working available)

    Line Manager: Keyworker Operational Lead

    Contract: 23 months fixed term (potential to renew)

    Closing date: 5.00pm Friday 27th January 2023


    The Key Worker Service 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/Key Worker by 2024.
    Children and young people keyworkers

    The postholder will work across the local system with families, to ensure children and young people with the most complex need that are at risk of admission to hospital or are currently in a mental health provision due to deteriorating mental health, receive appropriate personalised, integrated support.

    The role will enable a whole ‘System’ (that is the NHS, Local Authority and the third sector) change and work with our children, young people and their families and carers in a person-centred way, helping to bring their voices to life and achieve their aspirations and successful outcomes.

    The ideal candidate will have experience of working with children and young people with mental health conditions and multi-disciplinary/multi-agency working. You will have knowledge of autism (across the spectrum/SEN/Disability) and be willing to undertake specific training to support individual complex needs.

    You must be willing to work flexible hours and you will need to be a car owner/driver.

    If you would like to discuss the role further, then please contact:liz.mcternan@autismbeds.org

    To apply please download an application form below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org.

    Application Form
    Job Description and Person Spec

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

    Qualified Lifeguard

    Location: Pilgrims Prep School, Bedford

    Salary: £15 per hour

    Hours: Friday’s 11:15 – 13:45

    Contract: Casual


    We are looking for a qualified Lifeguard to provide support during our 1:1 therapeutic swim sessions for autistic young people.
    To be considered for this role you will need a valid National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).
    The ideal candidate will have some knowledge or previous experience of SEND, as well as being adaptable and flexible.
    For more information please contact:liz.mcternan@autismbeds.org
    To apply please download an application form and guidance notes below. Return your completed form to recruitment@autismbeds.org.

    Application Form
    Application Form Guidance Notes

    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

    Volunteers Needed

    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

  • Do you want to gain valuable work experience for future careers?
  • Are you interested in making a positive contribution locally?
  • Have you got lots of energy?
  • Would you enjoy working with children who have special needs?


    • 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

  • Do you want to gain valuable work experience for future careers?
  • Are you interested in making a positive contribution locally?
  • Have you got lots of energy?
  • Would you enjoy working with children and young people who have special needs?


    • 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

    Shop Vacancies

    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.

    All vacancies are subject to safer recruitment processes including a DBS check.
    Please refer to the following polices and procedures when applying
    Child Protection Policy
    Child Protection Policy – Appendices
    Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy and Procedure
    Safer Recruitment Policy and Procedure