Autism Project Coordinator (Maternity Cover)

COS are child and family centred and provide services for all ages and abilities on the autism spectrum through various therapies, programmes and activities. The centre is a hub for families to meet and enhance development through various therapeutic children’s programmes to support the development of autistic children as well as regular parent programmes, support groups, training opportunities and mental health sessions to increase knowledge, confidence and a support network for parents and carers of autistic children and young people. The role is based at our new centre in the Derry & Strabane District Council area.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Delivery, promotion and development of the Be Ausome @ COS Project, a project funded by the National Lottery People and Communities Fund.

• To provide a youth led, educational and developmental youth provision for children and young people with autism aged 2-19 years old, across mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends to enhance their personal, social and emotional development and increase their social opportunities.

• Foster a welcoming, safe, fun and inclusive environment for young people with autism and their families at our new centre.

• Promote inclusion for all whilst proactively raising autism awareness within your practice and city & district wide.

• Line management responsibility for three part-time staff (project administrator and two support workers).

• Organising events and speakers.

• Role will mainly be Monday-Friday between 9-7pm (however ability to work flexible hours and weekends if ever needed).

• Apply for other funding opportunities.

• Any other responsibilities to fulfil the role as set out by the line manager.
 

Essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage:

• Third level or equivalent in a relevant youth/social work/disability qualification.

• Minimum of 5 GCSE Subjects at Grades A* – C (including English & Mathematics) or equivalent.

• At least 2 years paid experience of working with and/or delivering projects for young people with a disability and/or Carers within a voluntary or statutory sector.

• Working knowledge of the issues affecting children and young people with autism and their families.

• Experience of report writing, monitoring and evaluation.

• Evidence of a working knowledge of information technology systems including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work on own initiative and within a team.
 

The following desirable criterion may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• At least 2 years paid experience of working with and/or delivering projects for children and/or young people with autism within a voluntary or statutory sector.

• Experience in applying for funding.