North East Autism Society creating 250 new jobs
The North East Autism Society (NEAS) was formed 40 years ago after a campaign launched by parents, with the backing of the Sunderland Echo.
The award-winning charity now employs 860 people but demand for its services continues to grow, and plans are in place to create around 250 jobs over the next 18 months.
A significant number of those jobs – including carers and teaching assistants – will be in Sunderland, where facilities are being extended at Thornhill Park School.
Since the school was opened just before lockdown, in March, the number of pupils has increased from 45 to 80, and further growth is expected.
The charity’s expansion also includes an extension of the school at the North East Centre For Autism, at Aycliffe, plus new developments in Tees Valley, and additional services in Blyth Valley.
An increase in supported living across the region has also led to a need for more residential care workers.
NEAS chief executive, John Phillipson, said: “This all adds up to a major expansion of the Society’s services across the region, and we will need to recruit a significant number of quality staff to deliver the high standards of care we are known for.”
The focus on induction and staff training has intensified ahead of the recruitment drive, so Mr Phillipson said no one should be put off by a lack of previous experience in dealing with autistic and neurodiverse children and adults.
“These are challenging times economically, with lots of people finding themselves unemployed, but there will be a significant number of opportunities for those considering a change of career,” said Mr Phillipson. “It doesn’t matter if they haven’t previously worked in the care sector, and these roles will come with lots of potential for progression.
“Our existing staff have done an outstanding job in maintaining vital services, and keeping our schools open, throughout the pandemic, and we look forward to expanding our team so we can build on the support we are able to provide for autistic people and their families.”
Recent recruits to NEAS have backed the recruitment campaign by singing the charity’s praises as an employer.
Lindsay Worgan, from Sunderland, spent seven years travelling all over the world while working in merchandising with Disney On Ice. However, she has swapped that role to become a Support Worker for NEAS.
Lindsay, who works part-time shifts at the impressive New Warlands Farm training centre, in County Durham, said: “I really wanted to do something rewarding. I’ve never worked anywhere else where the team is so strong. There’s always someone to help me if I need it – everyone is so supportive.”
Lindsay is studying for a Care Certificate with NEAS and, due to her flexible hours, she has also embarked on an Access to Nursing course at college.
Paul Halford, from Newcastle, had grown tired of his job as a butcher in a supermarket, so he successfully applied for a change of direction with NEAS. He trained to become a support worker at Cedar House, a residential home run by charity at Aycliffe, and now feels completely fulfilled.
Paul said: “It’s just an amazing place and I can honestly say I haven’t looked back. The support I’ve had has been first-class, and the rewards come with seeing the positive results of what you do.”
Emma Aberdeen is another shining example of someone who has thrived with NEAS after taking a new direction in life. Having previously been a team leader with a national pub chain, she is now fulfilling a long-held ambition to work as a Teaching Assistant after joining NEAS.
“It was a massive career change, but it just sounded like the job I wanted to do. I decided to go for it, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made,” she said.
To find out more about vacancies at NEAS, go to www.ne-as.org.uk/