Are you a qualified Teaching Assistant (Level 2 or Level 3) or Support Worker with experience in Autism, ADHD and/or learning disabilities and looking for a unique role?
Are you kind, calm under pressure, and passionate about people? Do you want to work somewhere that genuinely makes a difference every day?
We’re looking for a warm, reliable and thoughtful person to join our team at The Glowsticks Project. This is a unique hybrid role – part support worker/teaching assistant, part catering assistant – where your energy will go towards creating a safe, empowering and welcoming environment for autistic people, individuals with ADHD, and people with learning disabilities.
You don’t need café experience (we’ll provide a full training package!) – but you do need empathy, patience, and a deep respect for the people we support.
Your role will include:
· Supporting people with additional needs to build confidence, skills and friendships.
· Helping with food prep, drink service and general hospitality.
· Keeping the café space clean, safe and calm.
· Being part of a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-positive and inclusive team.
This is not just another Café job – it’s a values-driven, community-rooted position. We’re looking for someone who shows up for people, thinks on their feet, and wants to grow alongside us.
The Glowsticks Project is a Middlesbrough-based neurodiversity charity supporting autistic people, individuals with ADHD, and people with learning disabilities through inclusive, creative and therapeutic spaces. Our café is more than just a café – it’s a training hub, a social lifeline, and a safe space for those who often feel excluded elsewhere.
******************************
Purpose of the Role
To deliver both support work and hospitality duties in our social café, ensuring that our service users feel safe, respected, included and valued, while also helping to keep café operations running smoothly.
*******************************
Key Responsibilities
Support Responsibilities (approx. 70%):
· Build safe, respectful relationships with neurodivergent people.
· Offer emotional and practical support to individuals with diverse needs.
· Support service users to learn new skills and engage socially.
· Be vigilant to safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately.
· Model safe, calm, inclusive behaviour at all times.
Café/Hospitality Responsibilities (approx. 30%):
· Assist with hot and cold drink preparation, including basic barista training.
· Help prepare light and main meal food options and serve customers.
· Maintain cleanliness and food hygiene standards.
· Keep the environment sensory-considerate and clutter-free.
· Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to uphold standards.
Additional Info
· Full training provided
· DBS check required (we will arrange this)
· Opportunities for progression and additional responsibilities
· We strongly encourage applications from neurodivergent individuals and those with lived experience of disability or exclusion. For an exceptional candidate, possessing significant and relevant lived experience, we are prepared to waive the requirement for one years prior professional experience working with autistic individuals.
### Essential Requirements A minimum of 1 year's experience supporting autistic individuals in either a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEND, education or support work setting. A strong understanding of autism and neurodiversity. The ability to adapt your communication and support style to meet individual needs. A positive, proactive and solution-focused attitude. A trauma-informed approach to support.
Apply by sending your CV and a short cover letter to [email protected] If you need to apply in a non-traditional format (video, voice note, etc.), we welcome that too!
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Working with people with autism: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
