Description
The Neurodiversity Coach will provide specialist support to neurodivergent individuals across the Restart Programme and the Probation (POPS) service and additional contracts. The role focuses on helping participants overcome barriers, develop strategies tailored to their neurodiverse needs, progress towards employment, and sustain success in work and life.
The postholder will also have the opportunity to deliver high‑quality commercial neurodiversity training, represent the service at events, maintain relationships with stakeholders and employers, and ensure all practices reflect current evidence‑based approaches.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide 1:1 specialist coaching to neurodivergent participants
* Conduct strengths‑based vocational profiling and needs assessments
* Develop personalised action plans that support progression towards employment
* Support with job search, interview preparation, and building workplace confidence
* Provide in‑work support and negotiate reasonable adjustments with employers
* Support individuals on probation who are neurodivergent or display neurodiverse traits
* Deliver practical strategies around executive function, emotional regulation, and communication
* Partner with probation staff and wider justice stakeholders
* Support with life skills, confidence-building, volunteering, and work readiness
* Deliver high‑quality training sessions to employers, partners, and external providers
* Tailor content for sector‑specific needs and organisational requirements
* Support development of training materials, workshops, digital resources, and toolkits
* Build and maintain relationships with employers, DWP, probation services, and community organisations
* Promote inclusive employment practices and influence neurodiversity awareness
* Attend events, fairs, conferences, and community outreach opportunities
* Maintain accurate case notes, CRM records, risk assessments, and progress logs
* Ensure quality and contractual compliance across both Restart and POPS caseloads
* Contribute to reporting, audit requirements, and continuous service improvements
* Maintain awareness of latest neurodiversity research and inclusive practice
* Recommend new strategies, digital tools, and innovative approaches
* Engage in reflective practice and professional development activities
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Qualifications and Specific Skills
* GCSE English and Maths or equivalent (essential)
* Level 2 IT competence (essential)
* Awareness and understanding of neurodiversity (training can be provided) (essential)
* Full UK driving licence (essential)
* Level 3 or 4 qualification in Coaching, IAG, Psychology, SEND, H&SC (or equivalent) (essential)
* First Aid at Work Certificate (desirable)
* Accredited neurodiversity training (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia) (desirable)
* Train‑the‑Trainer accreditation (desirable)
Experience
* Supporting neurodivergent individuals (professional or lived) (essential)
* Coaching/mentoring/teaching/support work (essential)
* Working with vulnerable people (essential)
* Working to targets or structured outcomes (essential)
* Working in probation or justice services (desirable)
* Delivering training or group facilitation (desirable)
* Employer engagement or workplace adjustments (desirable)
* Understanding and awareness for clients with multiple and complex difficulties (desirable)
Knowledge
* Barriers to learning and employment (essential)
* How to support customer and promote independence (essential)
* Support strategies for various customer specific needs (essential)
* Comfortable working in community settings and travelling within the region (knowledge of local community/work environments) (essential)
* Understanding of neurodiversity and its impact (essential)
* Knowledge of reasonable adjustments (essential)
* Awareness of safeguarding and data protection (essential)
* Knowledge of mental health, disability, health inequalities, and the Equality Act 2010 (desirable)
* Local labour market knowledge (desirable)
* Co‑occurring mental health needs (desirable)
* Knowledge of justice sector pathways (desirable)
Skills
* The ability to work under pressure in a highly performance driven organisation (essential)
* Strong communication skills (essential)
* Excellent organisation and planning (essential)
* Coaching and motivational skills (essential)
* Accurate documentation and reporting (essential)
* Ability to work independently (essential)
* The ability to reflect on your own performance to support quality improvement (essential)
* The ability to manage time effectively and plan your own workload (essential)
* Strong organisational and caseload‑management skills (essential)
* Excellent communication skills (in person, telephone, written) (essential)
* Ability to build effective relationships with clients, employers, and multi‑agency partners (essential)
* Conflict resolution skills (desirable)
* Training design skills (desirable)
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, reasonable adjustments can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy
Please get in contact with recruitment@acorntraining.co.uk to discuss alternative options you may require, or alternative application methods
Acorn Training is an award-winning training provider with over 17 years of experience, recognised for its dedication to diversity and inclusion values.
Our tailored services are delivered across eight training centres and within the local communities we serve.