Soft Market Testing AUTISM OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS & YOUNG PEOPLE

Soft Market Testing

AUTISM OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS & YOUNG PEOPLE

Service Categories

Type A - Services providing support to autistic adults Type B - Services providing specialist support to autistic adults (18+)

Description

We have a need for high quality, value for money outreach support services for autistic people with a range of needs across the autistic spectrum.

We are looking for service providers who are able to demonstrate delivery of positive outcomes for autistic individuals and their families. This will include recognition of individual differences and being able to adopt an effective person centred approach to support the needs of the autistic person regardless of functional ability or where they are on the autistic spectrum. We would like to hear from service providers used to working in partnership with other professionals.

The needs of autistic adults without LD can be of a different nature to those with LD, so we want to ensure people have skills to work with those who have a diagnosis of autism only (without LD).

Service user needs include:

Type A (expectations of all services working with autistic people):

Addressing issues of social isolation

Access to employment opportunities

Developing skills and confidence for independence

Travel training

Support to manage and maintain good physical health

Managing frustration and anger

Helping others to understand what reasonable adjustments look like for autistic individuals Support with communication needs including behaviours that challenge.

Type B. (additional requirements expected of a Specialist Autism Service)

Implementing behavioral support and other therapy plans

Be familiar with and able to utilise specialist communication methods such as social stories, or working with selective mutism Able to work systemically with a person's family, where appropriate

Ability to draw upon in house or psychology or occupational therapy

Advanced training qualifications e.g. NAS accredited, NAPPI or similar

The Service:

Must be able to work in and around the City & Hackney area.

Provide consistency and foster trust among autistic users and their families Be prepared to take positive risks in the context of wider risk management planning Use person centred approaches

Provide a supportive framework for their support staff

Support staff must be:

Able to use a range of communication styles Autonomous workers, prepared to work flexibly Able to provide a consistent and reliable service Experienced at working with autistic people Able to work therapeutically to support individuals with change

Registering an interest

If you are interested in participating in the soft market testing exercise please complete the questionnaire sheet attached to this soft market testing on Procontract.

Closing date: 12 noon, Monday 6th December 2021.