Education and Services for People with Autism

ESPA is an established charity supporting autistic people to live fulfilling and independent lives. We are looking to recruit dedicated and compassionate Support Workers to join our residential services in the Sunderland area. Could this be you?

Service: No 8 The Cedars, SR2
Salary: £25,057.50 per annum

ESPA offers all staff an excellent employment package which includes:

6 weeks paid holiday increasing to 8 weeks
Company Pension Scheme
Life Assurance
Meals provided on shift
Company sick pay scheme up to 3 months full pay
Intensive 2-week Induction with continuous training and development
Excellent Career Progression
Family Friendly Policies

We are looking to appoint individuals who enjoy working with people, are caring and who want to support Autistic people to enjoy a lifestyle of their choice.

These positions will require an Enhanced Disclosure with the Disclosure and Barring Service. ESPA do not offer sponsorship.

For an application form please e-mail [email protected]

Closing date for completed applications – 31st August 2026

🌳😊 Geoff and Jason had a lovely day out at Herrington Country Park today! 😊🌳

The pair enjoyed a walk around the park before making their way up the hill to the viewing boulders. After taking in the fantastic views, they found a bench, sat down, and watched the world go by for a while. ☀️🌿

Sometimes it's the simple things that make for the best days, and Geoff and Jason certainly made the most of the fresh air, beautiful surroundings, and good company. 💚

🐴 Kevin and Michael's first trek out at their horse riding session! 🐴

The lads headed out for a few miles and absolutely loved every minute of it. Meanwhile, poor Yvonne had to run behind to keep up with them! 😂

Kevin and Michael have come on so much since they started at Shelly's Equine Assisted Therapy, and we couldn't be prouder of everything they have achieved. The confidence, skills, and enjoyment they've gained along the way have been fantastic to see.
If you're looking for a place for horse riding or horse grooming, we at Portland couldn't recommend Shelly's Equine Assisted Therapy highly enough. The support, patience, and dedication shown by Shelly and her team have made a real difference. ❤️🐎

A Trip to Staithes and a Well-Earned Cuppa! ☕🌊
Whilst Kevin was spending some time relaxing at home, Tom and Michael enjoyed a day out in the beautiful seaside village of Staithes. 🌞
They spent time exploring the picturesque streets, taking in the stunning views and enjoying everything the village had to offer. Of course, no trip would be complete without a stop at a cosy little café for a well earned cuppa and a chance to rest their feet. ☕😊
The only challenge came when it was time to head back home... tackling the steep hill back up was certainly harder than coming down! 😅 Luckily, the lovely scenery and warm drink made it all worthwhile.
A fantastic day out filled with fresh air, laughter, and plenty of memories. 💚

Penshaw's Peak and Herrington Tweets! 🐦🌳

Last week brought some wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Kevin and Michael enjoyed a lovely walk up Penshaw Monument, taking in the fantastic views and proving that the uphill climb was definitely worth it! 🚶‍♂️☀️

Meanwhile, Tom took a stroll around Herrington Country Park, keeping a keen eye out for the local wildlife and seeing which birds were about. 🐦 It was a great chance to enjoy some fresh air and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

Spending time in nature is a great way to stay active, relax, and appreciate the beautiful places we have right on our doorstep. 💚🍃

We're looking for Learning Support Assistants for our Social Hub based at The Croft Centre in Sunderland. To apply, please email [email protected]

The role is Term TIme Only, and £12.80 per hour

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, reliable, and have great communication skills.

This is an ideal opportunity for a person keen to gain experience of working within a student facing role in an educational establishment.

We are looking for someone who:

-Has a good level of general education preferably Level 2 English and Math's
-Understands their responsibilities with regards to the Safeguarding of Children, Young people and Vulnerable adults
-Has a positive interest in working with young autistic people.
-Has the ability to work calmly.
-Is caring and dedicated.
-Is prepared to work, at times, in the wider community and outdoors and support some of our more vocational provisions

ESPA offers all staff an excellent employment package which includes:

- 6 weeks paid holiday
- Company Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Meals provided on shift
- Company sick pay scheme up to 3 months full pay
- Intensive induction with continuous training and development
- Excellent Career Progression
- Family Friendly Policies

This position will require an Enhanced Disclosure with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

If you start part way through the academic year, the salary will be reduced based on weeks worked.

We're looking for a Functional Skills (Maths) Tutor to join our team at Tithebarn college

The role includes:

-Planning and conducting initial and diagnostic assessments
-Designing engaging learning programme’s to meet individual needs
-Supporting the planning and coordination of Functional Skills exams
-Gathering evidence for accredited and non-accredited RARPA portfolios
-Setting and reviewing individual Functional Skills targets for each learner
-Working with learners from Entry level up to Level 2
-Working with some learners who may present with behaviour that challenge

In return, we can offer you:

-6 weeks paid holiday increasing to 8 weeks
-Company Pension Scheme with Life Assurance
-Company sick pay scheme up to 3 months full pay
-Intensive Induction with continuous training and development
-Excellent Career Progression
-Family Friendly Policies

*PGCE/Cert Ed or equivalent L5 qualification required.*

Closing date: Friday 28th August 2026
Please email [email protected]

We're looking for Support Workers to join our Croft Centre team in Ashbrooke, Sunderland

This is an excellent opportunity for those out there who would like to extend their knowledge in supporting adults with very diverse needs including many different associated conditions related to ASD, sensory impairments and health conditions. We support adults in many different activities based out in the community and in-house,
£24,960 per annum
 6 weeks paid holiday increasing to 8 weeks
 Day shifts Monday to Friday
 Meals provided on shift
 Company sick pay scheme up to 3 months full pay
 Intensive Induction with continuous training and development
 Company Pension Scheme/Life Assurance

ESPA do not offer sponsorship and the position is subject to an enhanced DBS

We're hiring a Team Leader for our Annitsford/North Tyneside service.

Salary: £29,500

Location: North Tyneside NE27

Contract: Full Time 37.5 hours per week

Annual Leave: 6 Weeks (including bank holidays) increasing to 8 weeks

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

For an application form please contact our Human Resources team on 0191 5165080 or by email: [email protected]

For an informal chat about this position please contact Clare Wheatley Registered Manager on 07730817908/0191 5165080 or to make an enquiry contact on [email protected]

Closing date for completed applications: 03 August 2026

ESPA are looking to recruit a Team Leader to work into a Supported Living service in North Tyneside supporting 3 young men, as well as providing outreach support to a young man in his own tenancy in Tynemouth. Applicants will need to be experienced in delivering services of excellence to autistic adults and young people with complex needs. You must have a mature, confident and compassionate character and approach to your work. Knowledge and experience of positive behavioural approaches is essential, as is the ability to model best practice at all times in the workplace.

Experience of managing a staff team or supervisory experience is also essential, as is a proactive approach to all matters relating to the delivery of an efficient and responsive service.

o A knowledge of CQC and their role is necessary

o A flexible approach to your work would be essential

o The successful candidate will have strong leadership qualities and be committed to providing a service that prioritizes the safety, wellbeing and progression of the people being supported

o Candidates would need to be experienced in conflict resolution and be able to manage sensitive situations with discretion

o The successful candidate will need to be available to be part of a senior on call team and provide sleep in cover if necessary

o Minimum qualification Level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma and a willingness to work towards completion of Level 5 Health and Social Care Diploma

ESPA offers all staff an excellent employment package which includes:

6 weeks paid holiday increasing to 8 weeks

o Company Pension Scheme/Life Assurance

o Meals provided on shift

o Company sick pay scheme up to 3 months full pay

o Intensive Induction with continuous training and development

o Excellent Career Progression

o Family Friendly Policies

We're looking for a Support Worker to join the team at Ware Street, our day centre in Stockton on Tees.

£12.80 per hour

The shifts are Monday to Friday with shifts between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

Meals are provided on shift
6 weeks paid holiday, increasing to 8 weeks
2 weeks intensive training with continuous training and development
Driving licence advantageous, but not essential

For an application pack, please email [email protected]