Advanced Autism Practitioner

Join Our Team at Gheel Autism Services Advanced Autism Practitioner – Living Options, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Permanent, Part-Time (0.50 WTE) Due to ongoing expansion and exciting further developments, a vacancy has arisen for an Advanced Autism Practitioner - Living Options. This opportunity has been created within our Practice Support Team. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to bring their skills and talents to Gheel! Who We Are At Gheel Autism Services, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with autism through their life journey. Our mission is to enable people to have fulfilling life experiences while promoting autonomy and empowering them to make their own choices. Our services include day and vocational opportunities, outreach support, and various supported living options. We take a strengths-based approach, tailoring personalised plans to meet each individual’s unique needs. Our team is committed to fostering independence, social inclusion, and overall well-being, ensuring that each person achieves outcomes that are meaningful to them. Why Join Us? As part of the Gheel team, you will receive:

• Access to Educational Support Schemes to further your professional development.
• A competitive salary scale ranging from €51,590 to €63,502 (39-hour week).
• Company pension with contributions (including income protection and death-in-service benefits).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave (service-dependent).
• 27 days of annual leave (as per 39-hour week).
• Training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
• Option to join the Health Service Credit Union.
• Access to Health Insurance.

About the Role The role of the Advanced Autism Practitioner is to provide professional autism practice knowledge-based guidance to staff teams in the day-to-day support provision in Gheel Autism Services. They will contribute to the vision for the Practice Support Team in building confident, knowledgeable, skilled practitioners who provide support to autistic people to live meaningful lives. This role has been created to work with teams of support practitioners on embedding the best practices in support theory, as well as offering guidance and support through continuous professional development training. The individual will provide leadership in supporting the development of professional tools for practice, operating in accordance with the policies of Gheel and in collaboration with other professionals. They will deliver low arousal training for practitioners and provide debrief for staff across the organisation. The individual will also work directly with individuals to review their support plan and provide support to the team working with the individual. They will work collaboratively, actively engaging with Regional Network Teams. The successful applicant will provide ongoing support to Autism Practitioners on the professional and timely documentation of need (support planning, risk assessment, goal/future planning). They will put the needs of the individuals supported at the centre of all work, treating them with kindness, dignity, and respect. They will work one-on-one with individuals as required and engage with the team on strategies and interventions as implemented. They will be able to manage their working day on their own accord. The Advanced Autism Practitioner will value each individual supported as individuals and respect their diversity, acting to ensure they are not discriminated against. They will promote the rights and dignity of each person supported and assist individuals in advocating for themselves. Essential Qualifications:

• Level 8 award in Social Care/Studies delivered by an Institute of Technology, DIT or National University of Ireland.
• A qualification received outside the State recognized by NARIC as equivalent to the Irish Level 8 award.
• Relevant third-level qualification at degree level (Level 8) i.e. social work, psychology, and/or allied health.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Post-graduate qualification in Social Care, Autism Studies and/or psychology/allied health or Education/Training.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• At least three years of recent experience in the social care/disability sector.
• Ability to promote independence in individuals with support needs.
• A full, clean driving licence with use of own car for work purposes.
• A thorough understanding of previous experience in leading change.
• Eligibility for CORU Registration.
• Knowledge of National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities.
• Experience supporting individuals with ASD and knowledge of autism.
• Experience in delivering training programmes.
• Working with teams to deliver debriefing and support.

Gheel Autism Services CLG is proud to be an inclusive employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require any adjustments or support to participate fully in any stage of the process, please contact us at recruitment@gheel.ie. Ready to Apply? To join our team, submit your cover letter and up-to-date CV. Applications will be shortlisted based on the evidence provided. The application deadline is Monday, 3rd of March 2025 at 5pm , with interviews scheduled shortly after. Garda Vetting is required, and late applications will not be accepted. Be Part of Our Vision Join Gheel Autism Services and help create a culture of inclusive, independence-focused support. Together, we can empower individuals to live fulfilling lives and achieve their dreams. Apply today to make a difference!#J-18808-Ljbffr