Sunderland to share in charity's jobs boom with dozens of new city vacancies available

Sunderland is to share in an autism charity’s jobs boom with dozens of vacancies waiting to be filled across the city.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The North East Autism Society (NEAS), which was founded on Wearside 40 years ago, has announced plans to create around 250 positions over the next 18 months as demand for its services grows.

The roles, which include carers and teaching assistants, will take the number of people employed by the charity beyond the 1,000 mark.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thornhill Park School, which moved to a new home in Portland Road, Plains Farm, Sunderland, in March, is among its services expanding following an increase in the number of its pupils from 45 to 80.

The Sunderland-founded North East Autism Society is creating 250 new positions.The Sunderland-founded North East Autism Society is creating 250 new positions.
The Sunderland-founded North East Autism Society is creating 250 new positions.

Newton Aycliffe, South Bank and the Blyth Valley are among the other locations where vacancies exist.

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, with Mr Phillipson adding that no-one should be put off by a lack of previous experience in dealing with autistic and neurodiverse children.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A five-day induction programme introduces new recruits to the society and covers areas such as health and safety plus an initial explanation of autism and neurodiversity.

Thornhill Park School, in Plains Farm, Sunderland, is among the society's services expanding after pupil numbers increased from 45 to 80 since the school moved to its new home in March.Thornhill Park School, in Plains Farm, Sunderland, is among the society's services expanding after pupil numbers increased from 45 to 80 since the school moved to its new home in March.
Thornhill Park School, in Plains Farm, Sunderland, is among the society's services expanding after pupil numbers increased from 45 to 80 since the school moved to its new home in March.

This is followed by three months of intensive on-the-job training.

Mr Phillipson said: “We invest a great deal of time and money in training and mentoring, so that our staff have the confidence to deliver these vital services.

“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. 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“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.”

Further information about the roles is available from www.ne-as.org.uk.

Read More
Read more: Your questions about autism answered

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Related topics: