Principal Therapist

Who We AreThe National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.Who We Are Looking ForWe are looking for individuals who have a passion to work in an organisation that specialises in autism, supporting autistic adults or children on the autism spectrum live the life they choose. This role is based in our school, the main part of your role will be to support our pupils during the dayYour QualitiesPatient, inspiring, caring and sensitive towards the needs of vulnerable peopleGood listeners, able to report and record information accuratelyTeam players, able to work independently with little support as requiredResilient, able to work proactively with challenging behaviourWilling and able to provide personal care to individualsIndividuals who value diversity, health and safety and are committed to safe working practice.You May Also Havea personal connection to autism or a desire to work with people with autismreal life experience supporting autistic adults or children with autism in a paid or voluntary capacity.This is a term-time permanent contract, 35 hours per week, and the pay is £48,270.00 per annum.To View The Job Description Please Click Here.What we can offer you:Auto-enrolled pension schemeExcellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferencesOnline staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, shopping discounts etc)Healthcare Cash PlanLife AssuranceA portfolio of salary sacrifice and other flexible benefits at reduced costsAccess to a 24-hour employee assistance programme & a Headspace AppYour holiday entitlement is 12 weeks, which must be taken within the existing school holidays for your school. This is to ensure our pupils receive the continuous support they require while at school. This additional holiday will also replace any long service days.You are not entitled to take holiday during the school term.We are passionate about supporting autistic people into work, and particularly welcome applications from autistic people. We help autistic people from all backgrounds and strive to represent the same diversity in our staff and volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from all minority groups, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. Together, we can create a society that works for autistic people.Where You Will Be WorkingRadlett Lodge SchoolAbout Our Application ProcessWhen providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.For more information about this job please contact Paula Walker, Head of Therapy, at Paula.Walker@nas.org.ukWe do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.We are an equal opportunities employer. Please click here  to view the safeguarding policy and please click here to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex-offenders.