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Autism Specialist 1-2-1 Study Skills & Mentor Support - Job Opportunity at Barry Bennett Ltd

Norwich, GB
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: August 25, 2025
Hybrid
£30.20 per hour

Benefits

Competitive hourly compensation structure that positions specialists at premium market rates for specialized disability support services
Comprehensive holiday pay entitlement ensuring financial security during time off, uncommon in zero-hour arrangements
Flexible working arrangements enabling optimal work-life balance through self-directed scheduling and location autonomy
Zero-hour contract flexibility providing freedom to manage multiple commitments while maintaining professional engagement

Key Responsibilities

Deliver specialized one-to-one academic support that directly transforms student learning outcomes by developing critical study skills, organizational competencies, and examination preparation strategies tailored to autistic learning patterns
Design and implement individualized intervention programs with measurable goals and timelines that enhance student autonomy and academic independence in higher education environments
Provide comprehensive literacy support encompassing spelling, punctuation, grammar, and thought presentation accuracy that empowers students to communicate academic ideas effectively
Address complex cognitive challenges including memory retention, information processing, attention management, and numeracy difficulties through evidence-based therapeutic approaches
Utilize course materials as frameworks for developing transferable academic skills while maintaining clear boundaries between subject-specific tuition and study skills development
Support students in recognizing and leveraging their unique autistic strengths while systematically addressing barriers to learning through personalized strategies
Deliver both face-to-face campus support and remote mentoring services, adapting intervention approaches to different learning environments and technological platforms

Requirements

Education

Undergraduate degree with specific autism qualification combinations as defined by DfE criteria, including teaching qualifications and comprehensive autism training

Experience

Substantial experience working with autistic students in Further Education or Higher Education contexts

Required Skills

In-depth understanding of effects of autism on language and learning In-depth knowledge of how disabilities affect areas of learning Awareness of strengths autistic students bring to learning situations Skills to help students make use of their strengths and overcome barriers to learning Ability to support face-to-face on campus and remotely

Certifications

Relevant professional memberships (mandatory and verified prior to interview) Current basic DBS check One of multiple qualification pathways including undergraduate degree with teaching qualification and comprehensive autism training Annual 10 hours of Autism relevant CPD
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The disability support services sector in higher education is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased autism diagnoses and enhanced awareness of neurodiversity in academic settings. Universities are mandated to provide comprehensive support through the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) framework, creating sustained demand for qualified specialists. Government initiatives promoting inclusive education have resulted in expanded funding streams and regulatory requirements for specialized support services, establishing this as a recession-resistant sector with long-term stability. Digital transformation in educational support services has accelerated post-pandemic, with hybrid delivery models becoming standard practice. This shift has expanded the geographic reach of specialists while requiring enhanced technological competencies and remote engagement strategies. The integration of assistive technologies and digital learning platforms has created new opportunities for innovative support delivery methods. Professional standards and qualification requirements for autism support specialists have become increasingly stringent, with the DfE implementing comprehensive credentialing matrices. This regulatory evolution has elevated the profession's status while creating barriers to entry that protect qualified practitioners and justify premium compensation structures.

Salary Evaluation

The £30.20 hourly rate represents competitive market positioning within the specialized disability support sector, potentially generating £25,000-£40,000 annually depending on hours secured. This rate reflects the premium commanded by highly qualified autism specialists and aligns with current DSA funding guidelines for specialized support services.

Role Significance

Typically operates as an independent specialist within a broader network of disability support professionals, collaborating with university disability services, academic staff, and healthcare professionals while maintaining primary responsibility for assigned student caseloads
Mid-level specialist position requiring advanced qualifications and substantial experience, positioning practitioners as subject matter experts within the disability support ecosystem. The role carries significant autonomy in designing and implementing intervention strategies while operating within established regulatory frameworks.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of individualized education support plans for students with complex autism spectrum conditions Creation of comprehensive academic skills development programs addressing organization, memory, and information processing challenges Design of transition support strategies for students moving between educational environments or academic levels Collaboration on institutional accessibility improvements and accommodation strategy development

Success Factors

Deep understanding of autism spectrum conditions and their impact on learning, requiring continuous professional development and evidence-based practice implementation to achieve optimal student outcomes Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling effective relationship building with diverse stakeholders including students, families, academic staff, and healthcare professionals while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries Strong organizational and time management capabilities essential for managing multiple student caseloads, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance obligations across varied educational settings Adaptability and technological proficiency necessary for delivering effective support across face-to-face and remote modalities while maintaining engagement and learning effectiveness Professional resilience and emotional intelligence required for supporting students through academic challenges while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries and self-care practices

Market Demand

High demand driven by increasing autism diagnoses, regulatory requirements for university accessibility, and limited supply of qualified specialists meeting stringent DfE criteria

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Comprehensive autism spectrum knowledge is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation for all intervention strategies and determines the specialist's ability to recognize, understand, and address the complex learning challenges faced by autistic students in higher education environments Teaching qualifications and pedagogical expertise are mandatory requirements that enable effective knowledge transfer and skill development while ensuring compliance with professional standards and regulatory frameworks governing educational support services Experience working with autistic students in educational contexts provides the practical foundation necessary for understanding real-world challenges and developing effective, evidence-based intervention strategies that produce measurable outcomes

Beneficial Skills

Research and evaluation skills would enhance the specialist's ability to contribute to evidence-based practice development and program effectiveness measurement within the evolving disability support services sector Knowledge of assistive technologies and digital learning platforms would expand service delivery capabilities and enable innovative support approaches in increasingly technology-integrated educational environments Understanding of mental health and co-occurring conditions would provide comprehensive support capabilities addressing the complex needs profile typical of autistic students in higher education settings

Unique Aspects

The role combines study skills development with specialized autism mentoring, requiring dual expertise that commands premium compensation and creates significant professional differentiation in the marketplace
Stringent qualification requirements aligned with DfE standards create exclusive practitioner community with enhanced job security and professional recognition
Hybrid delivery model enabling geographic flexibility while maintaining direct student contact essential for effective intervention outcomes
Integration with national DSA funding system provides stable revenue streams and clear compensation structures uncommon in traditional educational roles

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years of specialized practice, with opportunities for leadership roles emerging as expertise and reputation develop within the sector

Potential Next Roles

Senior Autism Specialist or Lead Practitioner positions involving team supervision and program development responsibilities Disability Services Coordinator roles within university settings managing comprehensive support programs Independent consultancy opportunities providing specialized autism support services to multiple institutions Training and development specialist positions delivering professional development to disability support teams

Company Overview

Barry Bennett Ltd

Barry Bennett Ltd operates as one of the UK's largest providers of specialized disability support services for students receiving Disabled Students' Allowance funding. The company has established a comprehensive national network delivering personalized support services across multiple universities and educational institutions, positioning itself as a market leader in the specialized education support sector.

Market leadership position within the UK disability support services sector, with established relationships across major universities and comprehensive service delivery capabilities that differentiate the organization from smaller regional providers
Norwich location provides strategic access to the East Anglia region's major universities while offering lower cost of living compared to London markets, creating attractive value proposition for both specialists and clients
Professional environment emphasizing flexibility and practitioner autonomy, with zero-hour contracts enabling work-life balance while maintaining high professional standards and regulatory compliance requirements
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