Autism Independence | Bristol (community-based role)
We’re looking for an Outreach Youth Worker / Social Navigator with direct experience supporting autistic young people or those with a learning disability to deliver one-to-one, community-based support within a small, purpose-driven CIC.
This role is ideal for someone who is relationship-focused, person-led, and confident supporting young people with complex needs in real-life settings (not just group or centre-based work).
About us
Autism Independence supports families from ethnically diverse communities in Bristol who have an autistic young person or a learning disability.
We help young people and families navigate services, overcome barriers, and build confidence, independence and connection within their communities.
The role
You’ll work directly with young people aged 14–25, providing long-term, person-led support to help them:
- Build confidence and independence
- Navigate services (education, health, housing)
- Advocate for themselves and make informed choices
- Access opportunities in their community
This is not a short-term or group-only support role - you’ll build ongoing, trusted relationships and support young people at their own pace.
What you’ll be doing
- Providing1:1 outreach support in community settings
- Supporting young people in meetings, decisions and systems
- Delivering group activities and workshops when appropriate
- Helping young people build independence and self-advocacy
- Working with families and community networks
- Keeping accurate records and contributing to reporting
- Using trauma-informed, culturally competent approaches
About you
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has direct experience working with autistic young people and/or those with a learning disability (professional or lived experience)
- Is confident building trusting, long-term relationships with young people
- Understands person-led, strengths-based and rights-based work
- Can adapt communication styles to different needs and backgrounds
- Has a good understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
- Is comfortable workingflexibly in community settings (not just office-based)
This role may not be for you if
- You only have experience in schools, classrooms or short-term interventions
- You prefer structured, centre-based or group-only youth work
- You are not comfortable working one-to-one with young people in community settings
- You do not have experience supporting young people with additional needs
Desirable experience
- SEND, EHCPs or transitions to adulthood
- Group facilitation or peer support
- Working across cultures or with multilingual communities
- Lived experience of disability, neurodivergence or caring
Key details
- Location: Bristol (community-based, some office/home working)
- Hours: 20 hours per week (flexible, including some evenings/weekends)
- Salary: £13,218.40 (£24,791 FTE equivalent)
- Contract: Fixed-term (4 years, subject to funding)
- DBS check required
Why join us?
- Build meaningful, long-term relationships with young people
- Work in a small, values-driven organisation
- Make a visible difference in underserved communities
- Training, supervision, pension and holiday included
Apply
Please email [email protected] for the full job description and application form.
Closing date: Friday 12th June 2026
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Application question(s):
- 1. Do you have direct experience supporting autistic young people or young people with a learning disability?
2. This role involves providing one-to-one support to young people in community settings (not just group or centre-based work). Are you comfortable with this?
3. Do you have experience working with safeguarding responsibilities or supporting vulnerable young people?
Work Location: In person
