Autism and Self Advocacy Lead

Are you an experienced self-advocate with lived experience of Autism and a passion for advocating for other autistic individuals?

Flexibility: Full-time hours with the potential for part-time discussions. Our flexible working policy supports a balance between work and personal life.

Development Opportunities: Engage in a wide range of training and potentially pursue qualifications related to autism, supported by MacIntyre.

Do you believe in the power of individuals with lived experience leading training and planning initiatives, empowering autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities to strengthen their own self-advocacy skills?

If your answer is yes, MacIntyre has a fulfilling opportunity for you as an Autism and Self-Advocacy Lead. This role is a chance to significantly contribute to enhancing the lives of autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities, focusing on empowerment through self-advocacy. Your work will be at the heart of our values, ensuring every individual feels heard and supported. Your efforts will directly influence the quality of support we provide, making a significant impact on the lives of the people we support and how we are viewed in the wider community.

What Your Role Entails

• Interested in education and making a difference? You'll be tasked with developing training materials on autism that reflect the true experiences of the individuals we support. This effort will help our staff deliver better support.
• Like sharing insights and making an impact? You'll have the chance to present at conferences and public speaking events, helping to boost MacIntyre's reputation as a reliable source of autism support.
• Good at connecting with others? You'll work directly with the people we support, finding the best ways to communicate with them to improve their ability to advocate for themselves. Your approach will be customised, taking into account each person's unique needs and preferences.
• Have a knack for noticing the little things? You'll visit our support facilities and schools to talk with staff and those we support, looking for ways to improve the care and environments we provide. Your goal will be to help create spaces that encourage well-being and growth.
• Able to guide others through changes? You'll support individuals moving to more independent living situations from more supported settings. Your support will help make these transitions smoother and more tailored to each person's needs.

What Youll Gain

• You'll receive training focused on communicating effectively with autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities, alongside in-depth knowledge on autism to enhance your expertise.
• This position offers more than just work; it's an opportunity to significantly affect people's lives, aiding individuals to lead satisfying lives and creating a wider appreciation for neurodiversity.

Were Looking For

• Someone whos genuinely enthusiastic about advocating for Autism and eager to contribute positively both individually and within the community.
• An individual with solid communication abilities, ready to share knowledge through public speaking and training.
• A person whos attentive, caring, and motivated, with the flexibility to travel as needed for this meaningful role.

Don't worry if you're unsure about having the right experience; let's have a chat!

About us
MacIntyre is a national charity which supports over 1,200 people with a learning disability and/or autism.

We were founded in 1966 by the visionary parent of a child with disabilities and have been growing steadily ever since. We celebrate and develop everyones unique gifts, talents and contributions.

Pay and Rewards

We provide a range of benefits to reward and thank our staff which includes:

• Six weeks' annual leave including statutory public holidays
• Workplace Pension scheme MacIntyre will contribute 3% of your salary to all eligible employees
• MacIntyre Staff Savings Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
• Health Cash Plan which provides money back on core health treatments such as: optical, dental, physiotherapy, chiropody (at reduced cost)
• MacIntyre Sick Pay (qualifying period)
• Life assurance scheme offering valuable benefits to your dependents
• MacIntyre Rewards Scheme which recognises and rewards staff
• MacIntyre Perks which offers up to 6% discount off leading retailers including Tesco, Curry/PC World, Costa and many more
• Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street for emergency and social care staff.
• Enhanced DBS Certificate (cost paid by MacIntyre)

How to apply
If this job sounds like the right fit for you, click on the Apply button on the MacIntyre website, complete some brief details and upload your CV.

Alternatively if you would prefer to complete a manual application form, call us 01908 357 016 and we will send an application form to you.

Please note: we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today.

COVID-19 Information

We will take every precaution to keep you and everyone involved safe during the recruitment process and your employment with MacIntyre. We encourage all our employees to follow Government advice and get vaccinated against COVID and flu.

Safer Recruitment and Diversity statement

MacIntyre safeguards and promotes the welfare of the children, young people and adults we support. Therefore we work with successful candidates to complete appropriate checks prior to joining.

MacIntyre is committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion among our workforce. We want our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and the people we support. As part of this commitment, our accessibility toolbar allows you a number of options: read adverts in another language (including Welsh for our Services located in Wales), change the font to Open Dyslexia, change the colours, and many others. Just click the button marked Accessibility at the top of the screen.