Job summary
We are seeking a Specialist Allied Health Professional (AHP) to join the Children and Young People's Neurodevelopmental Partnership (CYPNP) in Somerset. This role focuses on delivering high-quality Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people aged 5--17 years within the Neurodevelopmental diagnostic pathway. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), you will provide specialist input and advice on communication and sensory aspects of presentations, ensuring bespoke, holistic assessments tailored to individual needs.
The post is countywide, requiring flexibility to travel across Somerset to deliver community-based assessments. We will consider your circumstances to limit travel where possible.
If you're passionate about making a real difference to the lives of children and young people with neurodevelopmental needs, we'd love to hear from you - apply today and join our supportive, forward-thinking team!
Main duties of the job
Work as a specialist AHP within the Autism/ADHD assessment team for children and young people aged 5--17.
Carry out comprehensive assessments as part of the MDT, using structured observations, clinical interviews, and standardised tools.
Provide expert advice to MDT colleagues on communication and sensory aspects of presentations.
Support dual-diagnosis assessments for Autism and ADHD.
Contribute to post-diagnostic support, including psychoeducation and strategies for managing sensory and environmental challenges.
Deputise for the SLT/OT lead when required.
Maintain accurate records and contribute to strengths-based assessment reports.
Participate in service development, audit, and research activities.
Work flexibly across Somerset to deliver assessments in community settings.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Specialist OT/SLT/Nurse, you will:
- Hold a clinical caseload and co-lead Autism and ADHD assessments alongside colleagues from Community Paediatrics, CAMHS, Nursing, and Clinical Psychology.
- Gather developmental histories through parent/carer interviews and structured observations.
- Use and interpret standardised assessments such as Conner's Questionnaires, SNAP, QB Testing, and ADOS.
- Provide holistic assessments to understand each young person's strengths and needs in context.
- Offer specialist advice on occupational therapy, speech and language, or nursing aspects to inform diagnostic decisions.
- Support post-diagnostic interventions, including sensory processing strategies, environmental adaptations, and organisational skills.
- Communicate effectively with families and professionals, including delivering sensitive feedback and diagnoses.
- Contribute to service development initiatives and attend multidisciplinary meetings.
- Ensure compliance with Trust policies, safeguarding procedures, and professional standards.
- Travel across Somerset as required, with consideration given to minimise travel where possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Specialist OT/SLT/Nurse, you will:
- Hold a clinical caseload and co-lead Autism and ADHD assessments alongside colleagues from Community Paediatrics, CAMHS, Nursing, and Clinical Psychology.
- Gather developmental histories through parent/carer interviews and structured observations.
- Use and interpret standardised assessments such as Conner's Questionnaires, SNAP, QB Testing, and ADOS.
- Provide holistic assessments to understand each young person's strengths and needs in context.
- Offer specialist advice on occupational therapy, speech and language, or nursing aspects to inform diagnostic decisions.
- Support post-diagnostic interventions, including sensory processing strategies, environmental adaptations, and organisational skills.
- Communicate effectively with families and professionals, including delivering sensitive feedback and diagnoses.
- Contribute to service development initiatives and attend multidisciplinary meetings.
- Ensure compliance with Trust policies, safeguarding procedures, and professional standards.
- Travel across Somerset as required, with consideration given to minimise travel where possible.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy/speech and language therapy or nursingHPC registration and RCOT/RSLT/RCN registrationRelevant post-graduate training in the form of short courses in a range of areas of Paediatric Occupational Therapy/Speech and language therapy or Nursing
Desirable
- Evidence of post-graduate training in ADHD, Sensory Processing or AutismMembership of CYPF Specialist Section
Experience
Essential
- Significant post-graduate experience in Occupational Therapy/Speech and language therapy or nursingProven experience of Paediatric Occupational Therapy/SLT or nursingExperience of training othersExperience of contributing to service developmentExperience of supervision of others
Desirable
- Evidence of experience in contributing to ADHD/Autism diagnosis as part of a formal or virtual MDT
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Evidence of use of clinical opportunities to acquire specialist clinical skills in at least one area of Paediatric Occupational Therapy/speech and language therapy or nursing Car driver or otherwise mobile with appropriate business insuranceUp to date theoretical knowledge of ADHD and AutismKnowledge of current Educational, Health and National Curriculum issues especially those relevant to ADHD and Autism
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy/speech and language therapy or nursingHPC registration and RCOT/RSLT/RCN registrationRelevant post-graduate training in the form of short courses in a range of areas of Paediatric Occupational Therapy/Speech and language therapy or Nursing
Desirable
- Evidence of post-graduate training in ADHD, Sensory Processing or AutismMembership of CYPF Specialist Section
Experience
Essential
- Significant post-graduate experience in Occupational Therapy/Speech and language therapy or nursingProven experience of Paediatric Occupational Therapy/SLT or nursingExperience of training othersExperience of contributing to service developmentExperience of supervision of others
Desirable
- Evidence of experience in contributing to ADHD/Autism diagnosis as part of a formal or virtual MDT
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Evidence of use of clinical opportunities to acquire specialist clinical skills in at least one area of Paediatric Occupational Therapy/speech and language therapy or nursing Car driver or otherwise mobile with appropriate business insuranceUp to date theoretical knowledge of ADHD and AutismKnowledge of current Educational, Health and National Curriculum issues especially those relevant to ADHD and Autism
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
