
Would you like to make a positive difference to someone’s life by supporting them to achieve their goals and aspirations?
Whether you’re interested in working with children or adults, full or part-time, in a group setting or on a one-to-one basis, Grampian Autistic Society have a role for you.
We are committed to investing in our staff team to ensure we provide the best quality support services possible to those affected by an Autism Spectrum Condition.
You will receive all necessary training and be supported to achieve relevant qualifications relating to your position to ensure compliance with SSSC registration requirements. You will increase your awareness and understanding of ASCs, have regular supervision and appraisals and agree your own Personal Development Plan.
You will receive a competitive rate of pay, develop your own skill set and be part of a motivated, friendly and supportive staff team. You will also have access to a 24-hour confidential support line.
Current Vacancies
Senior Autism Practitioner (Full-time)
Salary £25,000 per annum
Grampian Autistic Society is recruiting for a Senior Autism Practitioner. who will work across three main identified functions, training and development, assessment and advice and promoting employability.
Grampian Autistic Society (GAS) operates in the North East of Scotland providing services for people who have a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). We were the first local charity in the area to focus specifically on people with this diagnosis.
GAS is therefore looking to recruit someone who has experience working with autism and an ability to pass on knowledge, understanding and experience to support the development of others.
The successful candidate will receive all necessary training and be supported to achieve relevant qualifications to continually develop your awareness and understanding of ASCs.
As a result of our specialism, there have been increased requests for support in three key areas:
Training
You will provide specific ASC training opportunities for parents and professionals e.g. teachers. There is a need for specific training which identifies strategies for working with people with an ASC. Through this training both GAS Staff and external organisations are better informed to provide a service which benefits those who have this condition.
Assessment and Advice
With the increasing awareness of Autism Spectrum Conditions, there has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with this condition. A consequence of this increase has been the need for families and carers to seek advice when supporting people with the diagnosis. There are also people who seek advice and assessment with regards to a diagnosis. A diagnosis can only be provided by a medically qualified practitioner; however people will come to GAS to seek advice as to whether they may have the symptoms which may lead to a diagnosis. GAS will provide information which will be useful when they ask for a medical appointment.
Employment Service
People who have a diagnosis of ASC may have difficulty understanding the social conventions required to enter the workplace. When they come to GAS they participate in a course which helps them identify possible areas of employment, skills required for interviews and expectation of them from an employer. In addition, advice can be offered to employers in order to increase the potential of a successful work opportunity.
Closing date for applications: 22 February 2019.
Outreach Support Workers
Full and Part-Time Positions Available
Flexible hours
Salary £16,711 – £20,053 pro rata
To work with the client group on a one-to-one outreach basis. Experience of community care is essential and a knowledge of Autism Spectrum Conditions is desirable. A clean driving licence and access to a car is also desirable.
Further Information
For full job descriptions/benefit entitlement and application forms please contact:
Becky Rafferty
Grampian Autistic Society
33-35 Carnie Drive
Aberdeen
AB25 3AN
01224 277900
admin@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk
or use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Working at GAS: Karen’s Story

“Hello, my name is Karen and I’ve been working for GAS for over 2 years. I started doing outreach and giving one-to-one support to service users. Then I joined the staff team at the Playscheme. I started at the Playscheme as a support worker then became one of the team leaders. .
I love my job and the variety of things I do to support service users. On outreach this involves giving respite to parents, supporting service users to travel on buses, teaching new recipes, going shopping, supporting service users in new situations with new people, or making phone calls. I have helped set up placements for individuals and supported others in cleaning their flats.
In Playscheme I enjoy interacting with the children through playing games, singing songs, going on outings and seeing them learn new skills and build on others.
I love my job at GAS. I like the fact that even on outreach you are part of a team supporting individuals, both with others who support the same individual or the advice and support other staff can give to me. I find the management team very friendly and approachable. It’s great that different staff bring their own knowledge and experience to the job and so as we share this we can support people better.”
Working at GAS: Luke’s Story

“Hi, my name is Luke and I have worked at GAS for almost 2 years. I started working at GAS part-time as a third year Psychology student. I started in the Playscheme for the first 6 months and then moved over to working in the Outreach Service. Since June 2015, I have been working full-time and I have embarked on a new venture with GAS which is focused on education. This new scheme helps individuals with autism who have had difficulties in school to re-engage with education.
Before coming to GAS I was not sure about what I wanted to do after university, but within weeks of starting, I knew that I wanted to continue working with people with autism and other mental health issues. I had previously worked in retail and insurance but I could not imagine any other career than working with people, as there is no better feeling than helping a service user accomplish even the smallest personal goal.
Working at GAS really complemented my degree in Psychology as I was putting theory into practice. It has also helped me to focus on a career as I am aspiring to be an educational psychologist. At GAS you gain great experience of working with other professionals such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and teachers.
I have been given great support by all members of staff including management which has made me a better support worker. I know that I can turn to any member of staff at GAS and they will be able to support me through any challenges that arise from my job.”
Working at GAS: Rachel’s Story

“As a student teacher, working at GAS has given me the opportunity to earn money while at the same time gaining experience that will be invaluable to my future career as a teacher. Recently, in a Professional Studies workshop at university, we discussed that it’s essential for all teachers to receive autism training. I can’t think of a better way for future teachers to get this than working directly with children one-to-one somewhere like the Jigsaw Playscheme. You learn so much more from the children than any lecture at university will ever teach you!
I know that I will be much more confident going into my probationary year after working at GAS, and more confident knowing that I can make school a better experience for all the children in my class. Another thing is that, if you’re a student teacher and love children, even when it’s challenging it will be a rewarding job because you can really see the positive impact you’re having on the children.”
Our Team

Brian Walsh
General Manager
Responsible for: Overall leadership and management
brian.walsh@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk
01224 277900

Pearl Begbie
Service Manager
Responsible for: Outreach Service and Social Support Groups
pearl.begbie@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk
01224 277900

Nicky McLeod
Children's Services Coordinator
Responsible for: Playscheme and Sibling Support Group
playscheme@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk
01224 277900

TBA
Training & Development Coordinator
Responsible for: Training and Employment Support
training@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk
01224 277900

Becky Rafferty
Administrator
Responsible for: Admin, Quality Assurance, and Service Rotas
admin@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk
01224 277900
Find out more...
For more information, please contact Pearl Begbie on 01224 277900, or use this contact form.
