James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Neurodevelopmental Specialist

The closing date is 29 January 2026

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Neurodevelopmental (NDD) Specialist to provide clinical expertise and leadership. This is an exciting time for our NDD service at the Newberry Child Development Centre, as we significantly expand our team to be able to deliver our newly launched Neurodevelopmental pathways. This role will involve the assessment and diagnosis of children and young people with neurodevelopmental differences, including Autism and ADHD.

The post holder will also act as a senior member of the clinical team, assisting with shaping, embedding and leading a high-quality, timely and equitable NDD assessment service.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced health care professional passionate about making a meaningful difference to neurodivergent children, young people and their families. If you are a compassionate, autonomous professional who wants to work in a fast paced, innovative and evidence-based field of practice, this could be the ideal role for you.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

Provide clinical expertise and leadership within the Neurodevelopmental pathway, ensuring delivery of safe, effective and evidence-based practice.

Assist with the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of NDD assessment and diagnostic pathways.

Work collaboratively with Paediatricians, Psychologists, Therapists, education and other external stakeholders to ensure integrated care.

Offer clinical expertise, and provide senior oversight, case discussion and supervision to the multidisciplinary team.

Contribute to service planning, workforce development, performance monitoring and quality improvement.

Support a culture of compassionate, family-centred and neuro-affirming practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Neurodevelopmental practitioner passionate about making a meaningful difference to neurodiverse children and young people.

About us

We want to attract the best and brightest people to work with us and that means we will look after you from the moment you apply for a role at the Trust and throughout your career with us. Our staff are central to everything we do, and we believe that investing in you is crucial if we want to enable you to reach your full potential.

Details

Date posted

16 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

177-ELEC-7729819

Job locations

Newberry Child Development Centre

Lowestoft Road

Gorleston

NR31 6LA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the Job description and person specification that accompanies this advert added for further details

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the Job description and person specification that accompanies this advert added for further details

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree (or equivalent) in Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Nursing
  • Current HCPC or NMC Registration
  • Relevant clinical courses in the field of Autism / Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Registered member of specialist college e.g. RCOT, RCSLT

Desirable

  • Leadership course
  • Membership of relevant specialist group e.g. Children and Young People Specialist Section

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Experience of working within the speciality of Neurodevelopmental disorders, across a range of different settings.
  • Evidence of post graduate training in the specialism e.g. Sensory integration, PECS, Elklan, Developmental Trauma and Attachment.
  • Trained to clinical reliability in administering the ADOS 2
  • Knowledge of strategies used to support children and young people with Neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Knowledge and experience of safeguarding children.
  • Experience of supervising and supporting junior colleagues, students and volunteers.

Skills, abilities and competencies

Essential

  • Communication skills including empathy, motivational and assertiveness skills. Ability to resolve conflict.
  • Ability to act as an autonomous practitioner, organising, prioritising and delegating workloads as appropriate
  • Ability to work flexibly across clinical areas and adapt to the needs of the service
  • Ability to teach / train and motivate others
  • Experience of engaging in and delivering clinical supervision
Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree (or equivalent) in Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Nursing
  • Current HCPC or NMC Registration
  • Relevant clinical courses in the field of Autism / Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Registered member of specialist college e.g. RCOT, RCSLT

Desirable

  • Leadership course
  • Membership of relevant specialist group e.g. Children and Young People Specialist Section

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Experience of working within the speciality of Neurodevelopmental disorders, across a range of different settings.
  • Evidence of post graduate training in the specialism e.g. Sensory integration, PECS, Elklan, Developmental Trauma and Attachment.
  • Trained to clinical reliability in administering the ADOS 2
  • Knowledge of strategies used to support children and young people with Neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Knowledge and experience of safeguarding children.
  • Experience of supervising and supporting junior colleagues, students and volunteers.

Skills, abilities and competencies

Essential

  • Communication skills including empathy, motivational and assertiveness skills. Ability to resolve conflict.
  • Ability to act as an autonomous practitioner, organising, prioritising and delegating workloads as appropriate
  • Ability to work flexibly across clinical areas and adapt to the needs of the service
  • Ability to teach / train and motivate others
  • Experience of engaging in and delivering clinical supervision

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Newberry Child Development Centre

Lowestoft Road

Gorleston

NR31 6LA


Employer's website

https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/work-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Newberry Child Development Centre

Lowestoft Road

Gorleston

NR31 6LA


Employer's website

https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/work-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Paediatric Matron

Sarah Fitzsimons

sarah.fitzsimons@jpaget.nhs.uk

01493442322

Details

Date posted

16 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

177-ELEC-7729819

Job locations

Newberry Child Development Centre

Lowestoft Road

Gorleston

NR31 6LA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)