Advisory Teacher for Social Communication and Autism

Salary: Soulbury Scale Points 8 - 11, £54,661 - £59,360 a year
Location: Council House
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent and Temporary / Fixed Term (2 years) roles available
DBS Requirement: Yes
Closing Date: 17th November 2026

The Opportunity
The Specialist Teaching and Psychology Service (STePS) is seeking to appoint an Advisory Teacher for Social Communication and Autism to join the Social Communication and Autism Team.

The post will provide specialist autism-focused advice, guidance, support and intervention to enable autistic children and young people to access, participate and achieve in mainstream education settings, including enhanced provision.

You will work directly with children and young people, as well as with schools, settings, families and other professionals. A key part of the role will be supporting schools and settings to develop their understanding and practice through advice, modelling, coaching and training.

What you’ll be doing
• Providing specialist advice to SENCOs, school staff, colleagues, parents/carers and other relevant agencies, identifying strengths and differences and developing effective approaches to support Autistic children and young people and those with Social Communication needs.
• Observing, assessing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the progress, achievement and attainment of children and young people on caseload and using the information to inform planning, advice and practice.
• Providing targeted support to promote learning, participation and independence, working alongside education staff to support the development of sustainable approaches.
• Designing and delivering engaging training for schools, settings and other professionals, focused on building knowledge, skills, confidence and effective practice in supporting Autistic children and young people and those with Social Communication needs.
• Identifying when additional specialist advice or support is required and working with colleagues and other services as appropriate.
• Contributing to the development and improvement of the service.

About you
You will have a strong knowledge and understanding of autism and inclusive practice, with the ability to apply this effectively in educational settings.

You will be able to build positive professional relationships, work collaboratively with schools and other professionals, and provide clear advice, guidance and support.

We are looking for someone with:
• Specialist knowledge of autism and autism-informed approaches.
• The ability to assess needs and develop appropriate support strategies.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to influence and support others to develop their practice.
• A commitment to inclusion and ongoing professional development.

Relevant experience of teaching autistic children and young people in educational settings is essential.

Due to the nature of this role involving substantial contact with children, the successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check as part of our Safer Recruitment process.

Who We Are
At Derby City Council, we're proud to deliver over 250 essential services that support our residents, communities and businesses. Guided by our vision to create an Inclusive, Green, Growing and Vibrant City, we put people at the heart of everything we do.

Our values shape how we work every day. We believe in Great People, One Team, we're Bold in embracing change, Strong in delivering for our communities, and We Care about making a positive difference.

Join us and you'll be part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation where you can develop your career while helping to shape Derby's future.

Why join Derby City Council?
At Derby City Council, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people. Alongside the opportunity to help shape the future of Derby, you'll benefit from a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:

Financial Benefits
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – a secure, defined benefit pension with life cover
• Team Derby Rewards – discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme – a salary sacrifice scheme for leasing a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle
Work-Life Balance
• Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years' service (plus bank holidays, depending on your contract)
• The option to purchase additional annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for many roles
• Flexible retirement options, where eligible
• Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities
Learning and Development
• Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to support your growth
• Leadership and management development programmes, mentoring and professional qualifications
• Modern workspaces designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing
Health and Wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training
Community and Inclusion
• Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year
• Recognition through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards
• The opportunity to join one of our Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity

At Derby City Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Whatever stage you're at in your career, you'll be joining an inclusive organisation where you'll be supported to develop, feel valued and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve.

Some benefits are dependent on your role, contract or length of service.

How to apply
If you would like to apply for this vacancy via an application form, please submit an application via the Derby City Council website.

The closing date for this vacancy is specified at the top of the advert. Applications received after midnight on the closing date will not be accepted.

Applying using your CV
We recognise that people apply for roles in different ways and want our recruitment process to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you would prefer to apply using a CV rather than completing an application form, please complete the attached Declaration Form and send it, together with your CV, to clare.lambert@derby.gov.uk.

When applying by CV, please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role. We strongly recommend that you also include a supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification, as this will help us assess your suitability for the post.

Applications submitted by CV must include a completed Declaration Form to be accepted. The Declaration Form can be found at the bottom of this advert.

We also encourage you to complete the attached Equalities Form and return it to recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk. This is entirely optional and will not affect the outcome of your application.

Important Information
Links to the full Job Description and Person Specification are available below.

Before submitting your application, please read our guidance on completing the application form and ensure your supporting statement clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification.

All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the role.

Where a DBS requirement is indicated at the top of this advert, the successful candidate will be subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of our safer recruitment process.

Where a Market Rate Supplement is indicated at the top of this advert, it is paid in addition to the basic salary and is subject to regular review. The supplement may be reduced or withdrawn and will reduce in line with incremental progression and pay awards.

The Council has a legal obligation to consider suitable redeployment opportunities for employees at risk of redundancy. Consequently, this vacancy may be withdrawn before the advertised closing date if it is filled through the Council's redeployment process.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Derby City Council, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role can choose to apply through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We are also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, recognising our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. Members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their close family members who meet the essential criteria are also eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including during your application, interview or onboarding, we'll work with you to provide the support you need.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or need assistance with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK: 18001 01332 640844) or email recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk.

Please see here for Job Description
Please see here for Person Specification
Please see Declaration Form for CV Applications here
Please see Equalities Form for CV Applications here
Please see here for DBS Code of Conduct