Job summary
We have a 0.7 wte vacancy for an Autism Assessment Practitioner.Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you have the skills and experience to develop high-quality service provision with, and for, people querying an autism diagnosis? Then this is the job for you!
MPFT are looking for a creative, passionate, innovative, and experienced practitioner to help us develop the adult autism assessment service for people in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.
You will be helping us to develop the current adult autism assessment service in Telford and Wrekin, and to expand MPFT's adult autism assessment service into Shropshire County.
Shropshire has two well established "Autism Hubs"; one in Telford and one in Shrewsbury. Both Hubs are part of the Community, Voluntary and Social Enterprise (CVSE) sector and are partners with MPFT in the delivery of our adult autism assessment offer.
You will have close working relationships with colleagues in the Autism Hubs and multi-disciplinary team of practitioners within the adult autism assessment pathway, including psychologists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists.
You will have experience and knowledge in person-centred and evidence-based approaches to diagnosing autism.
You will have knowledge of co-production.Appropriate clinical supervision and CPD opportunities will be provided.
For an informal discussion please contact Emma Mair or Mary Fairgrieve via contact details.
Main duties of the job
To contribute to the multi-disciplinary Autism assessments of Adults in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
To support in triaging referrals, undertaking standardised assessments, contributing to diagnostic discussions, providing feedback to families, and writing diagnostic reports.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Ensure the delivery of high-quality Autism assessments within the Adult Autism Assessment team. The work is with people aged 18 years and above who have identified concerns around their social communication and interaction and have consented to or made a self-referral for an autism assessment. The majority of the work involves contributing to and leading on specialist assessments for Adults with complex social, interaction and communication difficulties. This would include the use of standardised assessment tools e.g. ADIR, ADOS. To ensure assessments are provided in line with NICE Guidance as well as other relevant local and national documentation. Demonstrate high personal standards in clinical practice. Responsible for prioritising workload, allocation of work to oneself and other staff, and to cover all levels of priority of work within the service. To make clinical judgements backed up by clinical reasoning and recommendations regarding appropriate actions/sign posting in consultation with multi-disciplinary staff and in accordance with the service specification. Knowledge of national, regional and local drivers underpinning service delivery. Up to date knowledge and experience of clinical developments for professionals working within Neurodevelopmental pathways and mental health services. Adhere to relevant Professional Code of Practice, Standards and Guidelines, and understand how to raise concerns if poor practice is witnessed. Implement highly developed physical skills pertinent to the area of specialism, for example manual handling, computer and keyboard skills, health and safety, de-escalation skills and driving As required, supervise junior staff; provide clinical advice/supervision support, leadership and professional supervision, in line with Trust Policies. Participate in staff appraisal and performance reviews as identified. Provide a learning environment to support students (multidisciplinary) undergoing training and assist new and junior members of staff, peers and other disciplines to develop professional competence. Actively engage in the organisations clinical governance initiatives, for example to participate in audit, clinical supervision and bringing critically evaluated evidence and research into practice. Participate in research within area of clinical expertise where possible to raise understanding and awareness of good clinical practice. To attend regular meetings with the wider multidisciplinary team, as agreed in the Operational Policy. Maintain accurate contemporaneous records and other documentation relating to work with service users in accordance with Midland Partnership Foundation Trust NHS Trust Polices, legal requirement and Professional Code of Conduct. Record statistical data as required, using agreed information technology within the Specialist Care Group. Utilise technology/equipment to record and input relevant and essential information in line with local and national policies/procedures. Responsible for ensuring actions are carried out where safety alerts are issued. The post holder may require access to a vehicle for business purposes e.g. to attend meetings and events The post holder has a personal duty of care in relation to the safe use of equipment. The post holder is expected to work independently on a regular basis. There is an expectation that they will receive regular managerial and clinical supervision plus professional supervision as appropriate. The post holder will be responsible for contributing towards multi-disciplinary Autism assessments. Where identified they will be responsible for offering recommendations or signposting/referring on to other service providers to meet needs where appropriate. Ensure adult and child safeguarding procedures are followed as per mandatory and statutory training. To participate, when required, in recruitment, selection and induction of junior/support staff. Continuously develop depth of knowledge in field and support others to do so. Provide training and supervision for peers and staff regularly as a routine part of staff and service development as required (as often as daily for new staff).
Job description
Job responsibilities
Ensure the delivery of high-quality Autism assessments within the Adult Autism Assessment team. The work is with people aged 18 years and above who have identified concerns around their social communication and interaction and have consented to or made a self-referral for an autism assessment. The majority of the work involves contributing to and leading on specialist assessments for Adults with complex social, interaction and communication difficulties. This would include the use of standardised assessment tools e.g. ADIR, ADOS. To ensure assessments are provided in line with NICE Guidance as well as other relevant local and national documentation. Demonstrate high personal standards in clinical practice. Responsible for prioritising workload, allocation of work to oneself and other staff, and to cover all levels of priority of work within the service. To make clinical judgements backed up by clinical reasoning and recommendations regarding appropriate actions/sign posting in consultation with multi-disciplinary staff and in accordance with the service specification. Knowledge of national, regional and local drivers underpinning service delivery. Up to date knowledge and experience of clinical developments for professionals working within Neurodevelopmental pathways and mental health services. Adhere to relevant Professional Code of Practice, Standards and Guidelines, and understand how to raise concerns if poor practice is witnessed. Implement highly developed physical skills pertinent to the area of specialism, for example manual handling, computer and keyboard skills, health and safety, de-escalation skills and driving As required, supervise junior staff; provide clinical advice/supervision support, leadership and professional supervision, in line with Trust Policies. Participate in staff appraisal and performance reviews as identified. Provide a learning environment to support students (multidisciplinary) undergoing training and assist new and junior members of staff, peers and other disciplines to develop professional competence. Actively engage in the organisations clinical governance initiatives, for example to participate in audit, clinical supervision and bringing critically evaluated evidence and research into practice. Participate in research within area of clinical expertise where possible to raise understanding and awareness of good clinical practice. To attend regular meetings with the wider multidisciplinary team, as agreed in the Operational Policy. Maintain accurate contemporaneous records and other documentation relating to work with service users in accordance with Midland Partnership Foundation Trust NHS Trust Polices, legal requirement and Professional Code of Conduct. Record statistical data as required, using agreed information technology within the Specialist Care Group. Utilise technology/equipment to record and input relevant and essential information in line with local and national policies/procedures. Responsible for ensuring actions are carried out where safety alerts are issued. The post holder may require access to a vehicle for business purposes e.g. to attend meetings and events The post holder has a personal duty of care in relation to the safe use of equipment. The post holder is expected to work independently on a regular basis. There is an expectation that they will receive regular managerial and clinical supervision plus professional supervision as appropriate. The post holder will be responsible for contributing towards multi-disciplinary Autism assessments. Where identified they will be responsible for offering recommendations or signposting/referring on to other service providers to meet needs where appropriate. Ensure adult and child safeguarding procedures are followed as per mandatory and statutory training. To participate, when required, in recruitment, selection and induction of junior/support staff. Continuously develop depth of knowledge in field and support others to do so. Provide training and supervision for peers and staff regularly as a routine part of staff and service development as required (as often as daily for new staff).
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Relevant professional registration in one of the following: Nursing / Speech and Language Therapy / Occupational Therapy / Other Allied Health Professional. Extensive post-registration experience.
Desirable
- Training and experience in completing: ADOS, ADI-R.
- Post Graduate Training in Mental Health and/or Neurodevelopment.
Experience
Essential
- Experience working with adults with significant social communication difficulties.
Desirable
- Experience of working in community settings and of autonomous decision making.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work with people in a supportive and empathic way.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Relevant professional registration in one of the following: Nursing / Speech and Language Therapy / Occupational Therapy / Other Allied Health Professional. Extensive post-registration experience.
Desirable
- Training and experience in completing: ADOS, ADI-R.
- Post Graduate Training in Mental Health and/or Neurodevelopment.
Experience
Essential
- Experience working with adults with significant social communication difficulties.
Desirable
- Experience of working in community settings and of autonomous decision making.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work with people in a supportive and empathic way.
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).
