We are looking for a Facilitator who can support the running of our Self-Directed Learning Community, based at our community centre in Bury. The Learning Community is open 3 days per week (term time) with up to 12 autistic young people accessing the provision each day.

Working with neurodivergent young people on an individual and group basis to facilitate their learning and enable their views to be heard across the community. 

• Be a Positive Presence in the non-hierarchical community
• Working 1:1 or in small groups to facilitate and support learning
• Facilitating community meetings
• Enable the views of community members to be heard along with
  their participation in democratic decision making
• Model effective conflict resolution
• Support the enrolment and induction of new students
• Organise trips and activities to meet the needs and interests of the
  learners
• Liaising with parents, professionals and other stakeholders as
  needed
• Support the development of the space, providing psychological
  safety as the community grows
• Administrative tasks, record keeping and report writing.
• Creating, uploading and monitoring content on our social media
  pages

First and foremost we are looking for a person who is open to learning and challenging themselves while supporting young people in the Spectrum Gaming way. Our views and approach in supporting autistic young people are different to the norm, where autism is seen through the medical model and as something negative. Therefore, the ideal candidate will be highly motivated, passionate and enthusiastic about supporting autistic young people.

We welcome applications from those with a professional background in Education, SEND, Healthcare and/or Psychology.

Essential:

• Qualifications in specific academic subjects are not required, however
  must show evidence of CPD and proactive approach to own learning.
• Has or willing to achieve Prevent Duty training.
• Has or is willing to achieve first aider for young people.

Experience - Essential:

• Experience working with a variety of young people 1:1 and in groups.
• Committed to community-based ways of working.
• Experience of supporting autistic young people.
• Experience working in a trauma informed way.

Your Skills, Knowledge and Understanding  - Essential:

• Being attuned to what children are playing, interested in, and working on.
• Views education as the sum of everything a person learns that supports them towards living a satisfying and meaningful life
• Believes that young people are best placed to be in control of their own education, rather than the adults around them.
• Understands that young people are innately driven to do well, and that they do well if they can.
• Has (or is willing to develop) the skills to act as a self-directed learning facilitator.
• Good communication and influencing skills.
•  Able to maintain a supportive and nurturing learning environment underpinned by self-directed learning principles.

Desirable:

• Understanding of wider educational context within schools, Higher Education, government and alternative education