Purpose: to take forward community and volunteering development as the VAA locality worker within a specific geography. As a locality development worker you will be expected to work at strategic and operational level and take forward the strategic decision making of VAA within locality partnership settings. More specifically post holders are expected to develop a competence in the following areas of work

• Young people and volunteering- working with schools, communities and voluntary orgs to develop further the saltire awards and accredited qualification outcomes.
• To build a capacity of voluntary organisations, volunteering groups and aspiring social enterprises.
• To work in partnership with Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Community Planning Partnership (CPP) developments at an operational level.
• To develop local empowerment opportunities through meaningful community engagement approaches with local communities, organisations and volunteer movements.
• To promote and develop local volunteering including my street volunteering, and build buoyant volunteering cultures where all people are inspired to volunteer.
• To facilitate and co-facilitate volunteer management and volunteer skills training.
• To facilitate and support local Third Sector forums.
• Support Social prescribers within the area by making links and feeding back.
• Build Community assets and opportunities.
• Help support the start-up of organisations by helping with constitutions and organisations support.
• Work in partnership with our HSCP and CPP colleagues.
• Support volunteering by promotion, identify opportunities and matching individuals.
• Small community group support PVG, Governance etc.
• Make links with local health workers in order to identify other opportunities through VAA online directory system and other means to prevent people being placed on care packages. ]
• Working with communities and voluntary organisations to promote Saltire and accredited qualification outcomes.
• Build capacity of volunteering groups and aspiring Social Enterprises first point of contact.
• Facilitate and co -facilitate volunteer management and skills training.
• Engage with communities and groups to establish needs and wants in order to promote preventive work around mental health and wellbeing.

This list is not exhausted you may be required to carry out other duties, and also you may be required to work in the evenings and at weekends.

Be Here, Be You, Create Change

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic people? Do you have leadership skills and a desire to mentor and develop others? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Our Clannalba Service is on the lookout for a Senior Autism Practitioner to join our fun, supportive, and friendly team. Located in the beautiful village of Lamington, we provide essential care and support to nine autistic adults. This is a hands-on role that combines leadership with direct support, ensuring high-quality care aligned with Social Care Standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead & Mentor: Provide guidance, coaching, and reflective sessions to support staff, sharing your autism expertise to enhance the quality of care.
• Direct Support: Be actively involved in the day-to-day support of individuals, ensuring that their needs and wishes are at the heart of everything we do.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, families, and external agencies to implement personalized support plans.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards of care through regular assessments and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Recruitment & Development: Play a key role in the recruitment process, identifying and nurturing talent to strengthen our team.
• On-Call Rotation: Take part in an on-call rota, ensuring the service operates smoothly and efficiently.

Requirements:

• Previous experience working in autism support, with demonstrated leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• A strong understanding of Social Care Standards.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to participate in the on-call rota.

Join us and take the next step in your career, leading a dedicated team and making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with autism.

Scottish Autism offers you:

Staff wellbeing is priority, and we strive to ensure all colleagues feel valued and supported at work. We provide an excellent benefits package which includes a competitive salary and a personalised learning pathway for all. We keep it simple with 3 pay points. You progress at your pace as you develop. We benchmark regularly to ensure the rates are competitive.

• Exceptional training and career development opportunities
• The chance to lead a values-driven team committed to the highest standards of care
• 32 days holiday pro rata (which increases with your length of service)
• Sector leading training from day one, including fully funded support to complete your necessary SVQ and LMC
• A supportive work environment where your input is valued
• Non-contributory life assurance scheme
• Workplace Pension (Employer matched up to 9%)
• Discount platform
• Employee Assistance Programme.

This post is subject to a PVG Disclosure check. All new employees must have applied to register with the Scottish Social Services Council within 3 months of starting in post and be registered within 6 months. Scottish Autism cover all the costs of PVG membership and SSSC Registration for employees.

Valuing diversity and promoting equal opportunities is at the heart of our vision, mission, and values. We encourage and welcome applications from people with lived experience of autism.