Resources for Autism, Referral Advice Officer
Location: Birmingham, BAYC office – remote considered but local knowledge essential.
Hours: 10 hours per week.
Salary: Pro‑rata salary: approx. £6,994 pa (£26,228 FTE pa).
Duration: Ongoing, dependent on funding.
Reports to: Coordinator.
About Resources for Autism (RfA)
Since 1997, Resources for Autism has grown into a major provider of services and support in London and the West Midlands, with a turnover of around £2.5 m per year. Our mission is to support and enable autistic people to live happy and fulfilling lives. We are a values‑driven organisation operating under the principles of Inclusion, Creativity, Compassion, Courage, and Expertise.
The Role
Family Information & Waiting List Administrator – first point of contact for families seeking short‑break services in Birmingham. The role involves managing referrals, signposting families, and maintaining the waiting list for short‑break services.
Main Responsibilities
* Respond to referrals and signpost internally and externally.
* Pass referrals to relevant RfA services with basic details for further contact, assessment or placement on the waiting list.
* Provide information, advice and signposting via phone and email to families seeking short‑break services.
* Keep up to date with statutory and voluntary autism, wellbeing and youth services available in Birmingham.
* Work closely with the RfA team to ensure accurate information about services offered to children, young people, parents/carers, and clarity on criteria for access.
* Update and maintain records on RfA’s database.
* Follow up calls with a summary of information via email.
* Attend team meetings and share information on changing trends in referrals.
* Provide an efficient and welcoming access point for families, working as part of a team supporting effective service delivery.
* Flag families requiring additional or urgent support to Manager/Coordinator to maintain link to targeted support and continuity of intervention.
* Manage the waiting list and gather relevant information for appropriate service allocation.
* Uphold and adhere to the values of RfA at all times.
* Ensure compliance with RfA’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
* Promote equality in the workplace and in our services.
* Undertake other duties as required, commensurate with the role.
Flexible Working
Some occasional evening work may be required.
Person Specification – Essential Skills
* Friendly, empathetic listener.
* Experience working successfully in a people service delivery position.
* Knowledge and understanding of autism.
* Understanding of safeguarding in a CYP delivery context.
* Experience in an administrative role.
* Skills in communicating effectively with members of the public over phone, email and in person.
* Experience of data collection, IT and monitoring processes.
* Ability to support data and administrative systems under direction.
* Knowledge of local services in Birmingham.
* Values-driven and passionate about making a difference to marginalised voices.
* Neuro‑affirmative approach to autism.
Desirable Skills
* Understanding of partnership and multi‑agency working and ability to work well alongside colleagues with different roles.
* Previous experience working within a coproduction lens.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills adaptable to different populations.
* Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
* Good understanding of safeguarding.
* IT skills: proficient with Office 365.
* Self‑starter, able to work independently.
* Non‑judgemental, compassionate.
Training
Training in the Children’s Act and Child Protection is required and will be provided.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
* Actively promote the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children, young people and vulnerable adults accessing our services.
* Follow organisational safeguarding policies, procedures and codes of conduct at all times.
* Maintain clear professional boundaries and model safe, respectful and appropriate behaviour.
* Recognise and respond to safeguarding, welfare or behaviour‑related concerns, reporting promptly in line with procedures.
* Work in a way that reduces risk and supports positive behaviour, emotional regulation and communication needs.
* Contribute to a culture where safeguarding concerns are shared appropriately, listened to and taken seriously.
Benefits
* Flexible working patterns with option to work in a hybrid way.
* 25 days of leave (pro‑rata for part‑time roles) each year plus 8 bank holidays and 3 Celebration days for religious or significant occasions.
* Access to ongoing training and progress in areas of interest.
* Wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Programme.
* Enrollment into pension scheme.
* Supportive, values‑driven working environment.
EEO Statement
We particularly welcome applications from global majority, LGBTQIA+ and disabled candidates, and as a neuro‑affirming employer we are committed to diversity and inclusion.
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