Job summary
As a specialist autonomous Occupational Therapy Lead, the post holder will be a part of a strong, collaborative multi-disciplinary team, offeringdiagnostic assessment of autism and time-limited support to children, young people and their families.
The service currently offers diagnostic assessment of autism to children and young people up to the age of 17 3/4 , but plans are in place toradically redesign the service model incorporating a needs-led, whole system approach.
The role of the Occupational Therapy Lead will be to develop and lead on highly specialist occupational therapy interventions focusing onfunctional impairment and sensory differences that can prevent children and young people achieving their potential.
Main duties of the job
Working as a Lead Clinician within a specialist neurodevelopmental service, the post holder will provide skilled and comprehensive assessments for children and young people referred for ASD diagnostic assessment. This includes the expert use and integration of complex information from a range of sources, such as standardised measures, observations and semi-structured interviews with children, young people and their families, undertaken across clinical, school and home settings as appropriate.
Drawing on an advanced occupational therapy framework and a strong evidence base, the role involves formulating and delivering highly specialist, time-limited interventions that support children and their families, informed by in-depth knowledge of child development and neurodiversity. The post holder will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing specialist expertise, consulting with other professionals to ensure the most appropriate assessments are undertaken, participating in referral triage, and presenting assessment findings at multidisciplinary panels to support diagnostic decision-making.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 10/03/2026
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 10/03/2026
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Extensive postgraduate experience, including relevant experience with children & young people
- Managing a complex caseload
- Inter-professional and multi-agency team working
- Direct involvement with carers and families
- Negotiation of service development
- Evidence of supporting service compliance with clinical governance requirements
- Experience of appropriate delegation, supervision and oversight of staff
- Experience of working in a range of child related settings with complex communication and interaction difficulties
Desirable
- Student supervision
- Key worker/Case Manager
- Negotiation of multidisciplinary working arrangements
- Leadership of clinical networks/ clinical practice groups
- Leading service developments & change
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Professional registration as recognised by HPC
- Evidence of attendance on specialist short courses and advanced training up to Master's level equivalent e.g. Sensory Integration
- Possess highly specialist knowledge underpinned by current evidence-based practice
- Has an in-depth knowledge of ASD and the needs of children, young people and their families
Desirable
- Member of BAOT
- Leadership training
Other
Desirable
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Extensive postgraduate experience, including relevant experience with children & young people
- Managing a complex caseload
- Inter-professional and multi-agency team working
- Direct involvement with carers and families
- Negotiation of service development
- Evidence of supporting service compliance with clinical governance requirements
- Experience of appropriate delegation, supervision and oversight of staff
- Experience of working in a range of child related settings with complex communication and interaction difficulties
Desirable
- Student supervision
- Key worker/Case Manager
- Negotiation of multidisciplinary working arrangements
- Leadership of clinical networks/ clinical practice groups
- Leading service developments & change
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Professional registration as recognised by HPC
- Evidence of attendance on specialist short courses and advanced training up to Master's level equivalent e.g. Sensory Integration
- Possess highly specialist knowledge underpinned by current evidence-based practice
- Has an in-depth knowledge of ASD and the needs of children, young people and their families
Desirable
- Member of BAOT
- Leadership training
Other
Desirable
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).
