Healtcare Assistant / Autism Champion

Job summary

The purpose of the role is to provide high-quality and compassionate care as a Health Care Assistant, while also acting as the Autism Champion for the ward. The postholder will work within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to co-produce care with patients, adapt environments and interventions for individuals with ASC, and model relational approaches for the wider team. Protected time will be allocated to fulfil the Autism Champion responsibilities effectively.

Main duties of the job

Autism Champion (Protected Role Responsibilities) Act as the ward lead for ASC-informed care and promote environmental and interpersonal adjustments for patients with ASC diagnoses or traits. Deliver direct interventions and co-produce support plans in areas such as: sensory profiling, communication passports, daily activity plans, and post-meal de-escalation. Attend weekly MDT and CPA meetings to advocate for ASC-related needs and preferences. Provide in-the-moment coaching and training to ward staff on ASC-informed practices, in line with trauma-informed relational principles. Lead on the development and regular auditing of ASC care plans and patient feedback tools. Collaborate with the Patient Inclusion Lead, Psychology, and Occupational Therapy to ensure care is collaborative, inclusive, and flexible. Support families and carers in understanding the environmental and emotional needs of patients with ASC. Role will include, sensory needs, communication passport (with support from a competent person) self-harm reduction, de-escalation post feeds, daily activity plans, sleep hygiene plans, personal hygiene plans, interventions and measures (with Psychology) and 1:1 sessions. Keep up to date with best practice and research in ASC and complex mental health care, contributing to policy, guidance, and service improvemen

About us

Ellern Mede is a leading specialist mental healthcare provider, offering tailored care for individuals of all ages (8+). With over 25 years of dedicated service, Ellern Mede is recognised for its positive outcomes and ability to provide personalised care for individuals with severe and complex mental health needs. Alongside our recognised expertise in eating disorders, we support people with a range of complex and co-occurring needs. We take a holistic approach, shaping care to support the individual's long-term recovery and independence. We work nationally and internationally with NHS commissioners, insurers, overseas governments, and private funders to provide bespoke inpatient placements

Details

• Date posted: 17 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £13.10 an hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: oc-1786960039-7ZGGJ
• Job locations: Barnet, EN5 5EE, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

The postholder will work within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to co-produce care with patients, adapt environments and interventions for individuals with ASC, and model relational approaches for the wider team. Protected time will be allocated to fulfil the Autism Champion responsibilities effectively.

• Act as the ward lead for ASC-informed care and promote environmental and interpersonal adjustments for patients with ASC diagnoses or traits.
• Deliver direct interventions and co-produce support plans in areas such as: sensory profiling, communication passports, daily activity plans, and post-meal de-escalation.
• Attend weekly MDT and CPA meetings to advocate for ASC-related needs and preferences.
• Provide in-the-moment coaching and training to ward staff on ASC-informed practices, in line with trauma-informed relational principles.
• Lead on the development and regular auditing of ASC care plans and patient feedback tools.
• Collaborate with the Patient Inclusion Lead, Psychology, and Occupational Therapy to ensure care is collaborative, inclusive, and flexible.
• Support families and carers in understanding the environmental and emotional needs of patients with ASC.
• Role will include, sensory needs, communication passport (with support from a competent person) self-harm reduction, de-escalation post feeds, daily activity plans, sleep hygiene plans, personal hygiene plans, interventions and measures (with Psychology) and 1:1 sessions.
• Keep up to date with best practice and research in ASC and complex mental health care, contributing to policy, guidance, and service improvement.