Bolster Community
Autism Connect Practitioner
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Role: Autism Connect Practitioner
Reports to: Head of Services
Responsible to: Interim CEO
Base: Bolster Community, Unit 1 Whitegates Enterprise Park, Killeavy Road, Newry, BT35 6UA
Hours: 30 hours per week
The post holder will work flexibly to meet service needs, including regular evening work (typically one to two evenings per week, until 8.30pm-9.00pm) and occasional weekend working.
Fixed term contract until July 2029
Salary: £27,924 FTE (pro rata to £22,339.20 per annum for 30 hours per week)
Benefits:
- Pension: 6% employer contribution (subject to conditions)
- Annual Leave: 25 days per annum + 11 statutory holidays (pro-rata)
- Health Care: Axa Business Care (subject to conditions)
How to Apply:
To apply for this role please email completed application forms to victoria@bolstercommunity.org by 12pm Noon on Tuesday 25 August 2026. Application forms can be downloaded at Community NI using the following link: https://www.communityni.org/job/autism-connect-practitioner
Who We're Looking For:
To design, develop and deliver responsive programmes and person-centred supports for autistic adults across all age ranges, identifying unmet needs and implementing innovative interventions that promote wellbeing, independence, confidence, social inclusion and personal development.
The post holder will provide one-to-one mentoring and emotional support, facilitate high-quality group programmes and workshops, and support autistic adults to access appropriate services and opportunities within their communities. The role will focus on direct delivery, relationship-building and achieving positive outcomes for participants through neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Programme Development and Delivery
- Identify gaps in provision and emerging needs within the autistic adult community.
- Design, develop and implement programmes, workshops and interventions that address identified needs.
- Develop creative and innovative approaches to supporting autistic adults across different life stages.
- Deliver structured programmes, workshops and support interventions in community, virtual and service-based settings.
- Evaluate programme effectiveness and participant outcomes to inform continuous improvement.
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One-to-One Mentoring and Support
- Provide person-centred mentoring and support to autistic adults.
- Build trusting, professional relationships that promote confidence, resilience and self-advocacy.
- Offer appropriate emotional support while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Support individuals to identify goals and develop practical strategies to achieve them.
- Provide constructive challenge where appropriate to encourage personal growth and independence.
- Signpost individuals to relevant statutory, voluntary and community services.
- Support individuals to navigate services and understand available options.
- Manage expectations sensitively and realistically whilst maintaining a strengths-based approach.
- Maintain accurate records of engagement, actions and outcomes.
Group Facilitation
- Plan and facilitate engaging group sessions, workshops and peer support opportunities.
- Create welcoming, inclusive and psychologically safe environments.
- Adapt facilitation approaches to meet diverse communication and sensory needs.
- Encourage participation, relationship-building and peer learning within sessions.
- Use a range of interactive methods to maximise engagement and learning.
- Respond positively and flexibly to individual support needs that arise during group activities.
Community Engagement and Partnership Working
- Develop positive working relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders.
- Advocate for autistic adults and promote autism acceptance and inclusion.
- Maintain awareness of local services, opportunities and support pathways.
- Represent the Autism Connect Service at meetings, events and networking opportunities as required.
Administration, Monitoring and Compliance
- Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with organisational policies and GDPR requirements.
- Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes.
- Support the collection of outcome data and impact information.
- Work in accordance with safeguarding, health and safety and organisational policies.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.
Personnel Specification
Essential Criteria
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- Relevant qualification in Social Care, Community Development, Psychology, Education, Counselling, Youth Work, Occupational Therapy, or a related field.
- Significant equivalent experience supporting autistic adults.
- Demonstrates a sound understanding of autism and neurodiversity, recognising the diverse strengths, experiences and support needs of autistic adults.
- Knowledge of person-centred, strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches that promote autonomy, inclusion and wellbeing.
- Awareness of emotional wellbeing and mental health challenges affecting autistic adults, including appropriate support and referral pathways.
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, professional boundaries and ethical practice when supporting vulnerable adults.
- Knowledge of community, statutory and voluntary support services relevant to autistic adults and their families.
- Experience supporting autistic adults through one-to-one and group-based interventions.
- Experience designing and delivering activities, programmes or workshops to meet identified needs.
- Ability to assess needs, provide appropriate support and signpost to relevant services.
- Strong relationship-building, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and reporting outcomes.
- Excellent organisational, emotional support and problem-solving skills.
- Full driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle.
- Flexibility to work regular evening hours and occasional weekends to meet the needs of the service.
Desirable Criteria
- Training in Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, Coaching, Counselling Skills or related disciplines.
- Involvement in co-producing services with autistic people.
- Experience developing new projects, programmes or service initiatives.
- Delivery of peer support or community-based programmes.
- Knowledge of employment, education, independent living and social inclusion pathways for autistic adults.
- Understanding of wider neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette syndrome.
This Job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be reviewed depending upon operational requirements and staffing levels.
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