AsIAm is Ireland’s National Autism Charity based in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. AsIAm is a fast paced, growing organisation with a vision to create a society where every autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued, and respected. The organisation’s purpose is to advocate for an inclusive society for autistic people that is accessible, accepted and affirming. AsIAm works to support the Autistic community and our families to fully engage in Irish life and build the capacity of society to facilitate true inclusion.
A key expectation of everyone who works for AsIAm is that they demonstrate our values; Perseverance, Same Chance and Service. Our values come into play throughout everything we do at work – how we work together and how we deliver services to the people we support and to the people we work alongside.
AsIAm is seeking an Autism Healthcare Accessibility Co-ordinator who will report to the Head of Training and Accreditation and will play an integral role in making HSE facilities, services, and overall healthcare environments more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for Autistic individuals and their families. This will involve identifying and addressing physical, sensory, and communication-related barriers. In essence, this programme of work is a critical catalyst for transforming the HSE into a more accessible, equitable, and supportive healthcare provider for the autism community in Ireland. By addressing barriers and empowering autistic individuals, the Officer can help ensure that the HSE delivers truly inclusive, person-centred care.
The role will suit a passionate, empathetic, and innovative individual who is committed to advancing the inclusion and well-being of autistic individuals within the healthcare system. The post-holder will have experience of project management and in supporting Autistic people and family members.
We particularly welcome applications from within the autism community.
General Responsibilities:
• Enhance the Patient Experience - By creating Autism-Friendly environments and supporting autistic individuals throughout their healthcare journey to improve the overall patient experience. This includes ensuring autistic individuals feel respected, accommodated, and empowered to advocate for their needs.
• Foster Community Collaboration - work closely with disability advocates, autistic individuals, and their families to ensure a collaborative, community-driven approach to creating Autism-Friendly healthcare environments.
• Drive Systemic Change – develop policies, guidelines, and training programmes to drive systemic changes within the HSE to embed inclusive practices and a neuroaffirmative culture across the entire healthcare system.
Specific Responsibilities:
• Staff Training and Development: Design and deliver advanced understanding autism, sensitivity, and inclusive service delivery training programs for HSE staff
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support to help staff implement accessibility practices as they relate to Autism
• Conduct comprehensive accessibility assessments of HSE facilities, identifying barriers and opportunities for improvement
• Develop and oversee the implementation of autism accessibility design guidelines and physical environment modifications
• Ensure signage, wayfinding, and sensory considerations (lighting, acoustics, etc.) are optimized for autistic individuals
• Create accessible, user-friendly resources (e.g., toolkits, templates, online guides) to support the implementation of autism accessible practices.
• Promote the dissemination of these resources across the HSE and within the broader healthcare community.
• Establish inclusive policies, procedures, and standards for providing accessible and supportive healthcare services to autistic individuals
• Create comprehensive guidelines for HSE staff on communicating effectively, recognizing sensory needs, and delivering person-centred care
• Analyse data, gather stakeholder feedback, and drive continuous refinement of the HSE's Autism-Friendly efforts
• Promote the sharing of best practices and learnings across the HSE and the broader healthcare sector
• Lead on project evaluation following one year of programme being in place
• Development of Best Practice for Autism Accessibility in Healthcare Guidelines
• Extensive Knowledge of Autism- relevant degree in occupational therapy, nursing, disability studies, or a related field, with a focus on autism or accessibility. Alternatively, a combination of lived experience, autism-related certifications, and a demonstrable track record of success in similar roles could also be considered.
• Healthcare Sector Experience- Substantial experience working within the healthcare industry, preferably in a patient-facing, clinical or client services role.
• Strong understanding of healthcare systems, policies, and service delivery models.
• Accessibility and Inclusive Design Expertise.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering engaging, interactive training programs for diverse audiences.
• Ability to foster staff buy-in and create a culture of Autism-Friendly practices.
• Proven track record of building partnerships and fostering meaningful connections with the autism community.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with autistic individuals, families, and advocacy groups.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies to oversee the implementation of large-scale initiatives.
• Experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure the impact of programs.
• Ability to think strategically and advocate for the integration of Autism-Friendly practices within the organisation's priorities
• Skilled in navigating complex bureaucratic environments and driving organisational change
• Extensive experience of delivering and managing project within budget, with experience in managing government funded projects an advantage.
• Experience in working within a Section 39 organisation and understanding of compliance in this regard.
This is a 1 Year fixed term contract.
Salary will align with HSE Consolidated Pay Grade for relevant clinical qualification.
The role is based in AsIAm’s head office in Blackrock, Dublin and is Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with a requirement for travel. Given the nature of the role, the role holder is required to have a degree of flexibility with regard to working hours as the role will require some evening and weekend work. Hybrid working arrangements can be facilitated for this role in agreement with the line manager.
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter to Vikki May, HR Manager, at careers@asiam.ie
The closing date for receipt of applications is 28 February 2025.
AsIAm actively supports inclusion in the workplace and will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by candidates throughout the interview process for this position
AsIAm is an equal opportunities employer which reserves the right to practice positive discrimination as set out by the Employment Equality Act, 1998.
AsIAm actively support inclusion in the workplace and will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by candidates throughout the interview process for this position.
AsIAm is an equal opportunities employer who reserves the right to practice positive discrimination as set out by the Employment Equity Act, 1998.
