Group Leader for Guildford ASPIRE (Adult Social Groups)

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks if relevant to their role.

Join Us as a Group Leader (Adult Social Groups)
The National Autistic Society helps create a world that works for autistic people and within National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policies and legislation reflect their needs. We have a rewarding opportunity for a Group Leader (Adult Social Groups) within the Resource Centre Services Team. If you share our values and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit our website to find out more about who we are: https://www.autism.org.uk/

About the Team
Our Resource Centre Services provide opportunities for autistic people to connect, build confidence and develop meaningful relationships in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through our adult social groups, we support autistic adults to strengthen self-advocacy skills, increase understanding of neurodiversity, and participate in activities that promote independence, wellbeing and community connection.

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated Group Leader to coordinate and deliver a well-established monthly face-to-face social group for autistic adults in Guildford. You will plan and facilitate engaging sessions, develop presentations on topics relevant to autistic adults, and help create a welcoming environment where participants can connect with others, share experiences and build confidence. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, families, carers and professionals to ensure the group remains responsive to the needs of those who attend.

You must be able to travel to venues to deliver face to face support and live within Surrey.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and coordinate a monthly face-to-face social group for autistic adults.
• Develop and deliver engaging presentations and activities on topics relevant to group members.
• Plan off-site activities where appropriate and support safe participation.
• Encourage and support autistic adults to develop self-advocacy skills and have a voice in the planning and evaluation of the service.

What We’re Looking For

• Knowledge and understanding of autism and the needs of autistic adults.
• Ability to manage and facilitate groups in social and community settings.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred support.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and liaise effectively with others.

Click here for the Job Description

This advert is for a Bank/Casual position. The group runs on the first Thursday of each month, with 3 hours delivery time per month plus additional time for supervision and training where required.

This role is home-based with face-to-face delivery in Guildford, Surrey.

What we can offer you

• Pension– Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
• Annual Leave– 33 days (including public holidays). You can buy or sell leave each year.
• Training– Great induction and training, including autism training.
• Discounts– Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
• Healthcare– Cash plan for permanent staff.
• Life Assurance– 2x your base salary.
• Flexible Benefits– Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
• Support– 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
• Mindfulness– Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
• Blue Light Card– Eligibility for discounts.

About our application process

You will be required to upload your CV. If you are providing a supporting statement, please consider the following:

• Look at the job description and person specification.
• Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
• Give examples if you can.

For more information about this job please contact: Gemma Fry, Gemma.Fry@nas.org.uk

We might close this job advert early if we get lots of suitable applications.

To protect our autistic adults & children at the National Autistic Society, some roles require employees to have a criminal background check. Possession of an Enhanced DBS Check either on the Update Service or conducted within the last 12 months would be preferable but not essential if its applicable to your role.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people.

We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.

Important Information

Agencies need not apply.

Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.

The National Autistic Society may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist our recruitment team with reviewing applications for this role. All application decisions are made by people and are not determined automatically by AI.