Autism Session Lead

Autism Session Lead

​Hours: 37.5 hours per week (including either a Saturday or Sunday, with a day off during the week)

​Salary: £25,400 per annum

​Location: Daisy Chain (Barn, site-wide, and outreach locations)

​Job Brief

​The Autism Session Lead will play a key role in the planning and delivery of tailored, engaging sessions that support the social, emotional, educational, and personal development of autistic and/or neurodivergent young people. Working across our main site, including the barn and garden environment and wider Daisy Chain services, they will inspire and encourage young people through personalised 1:1 and small group programmes.

In the barn, the post holder will also work collaboratively with animal technicians, applying their autism knowledge to co-develop animal-assisted interventions and experiences that benefit the young people. These sessions aim to promote well-being, confidence, responsibility, and curiosity through interaction with animals and nature.

​The role includes weekday and weekend delivery (with either Saturday or Sunday worked each week, and a day off during the week). The post holder will also be involved in afterschool social clubs, family activity days, holiday programmes, and high needs sessions across the site.

​The Autism Session Lead will also be expected to attend at least one residential stay during school holidays, supporting a group of young people in a setting away from home. This includes supporting their social development, engagement in planned activities, and overall well-being throughout the residential experience.

​Daisy Chain is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

​Key Responsibilities

​Autism Support and Session Delivery

• ​Deliver personalised sessions that promote communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence for autistic and/or neurodivergent young people.
• ​Plan and facilitate activities in areas including sensory exploration, healthy living, emotional regulation, transitions, relationships, and autism understanding.
• ​Provide 1:1 or small group support in a variety of settings, including afterschool clubs, holiday sessions, weekends, and residentials.
• ​Encourage participation in both structured and informal educational, social, and recreational activities across all facilities.
• ​Maintain detailed and accurate records of sessions, progress, and safeguarding matters in line with Daisy Chain procedures.

​Barn and Animal-Based Programming

• ​Support and supervise safe animal interaction sessions for young people.
• ​Collaborate with animal technicians to design and deliver bespoke, animal-focused interventions that promote confidence, responsibility, and engagement.
• ​Ensure animal supervision and safety standards are consistently met.

​Teamwork and Leadership

• ​Work independently or alongside other session leads to ensure a cohesive and supportive programme offer.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers and support staff as needed.
• Build and maintain supportive relationships with young people and their families.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend at least one residential holiday stay with a group of young people.
• Comply with Daisy Chain’s Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and GDPR policies at all times.
• Promote equality of opportunity and inclusion in all activities.
• Maintain and protect the integrity of the Daisy Chain brand and ethos.
• Attend regular staff meetings and contribute to service development and continuous improvement.
• Undertake training and development relevant to the role.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the role as required.

Person Specification

Experience

• ​Proven experience working directly with young people in a formal or informal setting – E&I
• Experience supporting autistic and/or neurodivergent individuals – E&I
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver personalised development sessions – E&I
• Experience working with or caring for animals – D&I
• Experience in the voluntary or charity sector – D&A
• Familiarity with safeguarding procedures – E&I

Qualifications

• Relevant Level 3 childcare/education qualification or equivalent experience – E&A
• Willingness to undertake a Level 3 Autism qualification if not already held, independently alongside their role – E&I
• Animal care qualification – D&A
• First Aid Certificate – D&A
• Team Teach or equivalent behaviour training – D&A

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth understanding of autism and associated needs – E&I
• Knowledge of effective strategies to support personal development for neurodivergent individuals – E&I
• Understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures – E&I
• Ability to plan, organise and deliver engaging, appropriate activities – E&I
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – E&I
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to working with both young people and animals – D&I
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and overnight residentials – E&I

Pay: £25,400.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bereavement leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Paid volunteer time
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Work Location: In person