Job Summary
Promote the health and well‑being of patients while maintaining a safe, caring, and therapeutic environment based on an individualised approach. Work with the Service Manager to foster training and development among staff.
Responsibilities
* Identify, assess and support people with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism, ADHD, and intellectual/developmental disabilities, within the designated prison.
* Provide adapted psychosocial interventions and support others to deliver similar programmes.
* Hold a complex caseload requiring reasonable adjustments to healthcare provision.
* Advocate for people with neuro‑developmental disorders within the prison system and promote best practice for their safety and wellbeing.
* Stay up to date with research, policy and legislation relevant to neuro‑developmental disorders.
* Collaborate with other neuro‑developmental practitioners working in prisons.
* Offer expert consultancy to the Mental Health Team and contribute to person‑centred pathways within the MDT.
* Develop networks and contacts for additional advice and research resources.
* Maintain professional knowledge of relevant Mental Health legislation.
* Take responsibility for a caseload of clients, maintaining clinical skills.
* Demonstrate a positive attitude to mental health and neurodiversity, fostering respect and dignity for all patients and challenging staff when standards fall below expectations.
* Adhere to professional boundaries at all times.
* Keep abreast of developments in nursing, the prison service and the wider NHS.
* Ensure accurate, timely paper and electronic records in accordance with CNWL policies and the Data Protection Act.
* Implement key local and national policies and support team members where required.
* Lead specific care quality initiatives within the team and service wide.
* Participate in forums beyond health to promote closer working practices meeting patient and carer needs.
* Assist with the planning and implementation of clinical audits, ensuring standards of good practice are met.
Person Specification – Essential
* Registered Nurse (Mental Health/Learning Disability), Registered Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist or Registered Social Worker.
* Further specialist knowledge, post‑registration qualification or significant post‑registration experience.
* Evidence of professional development since registration.
* Clinical experience of assessment, treatment or support of people with Autism, ADHD or intellectual/developmental disabilities in health or social care settings.
* Experience working with, and supporting, acutely mentally unwell people.
* Excellent organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
* Experience contributing to a multi‑agency team (e.g. CPA).
* Risk assessment and management skills.
Person Specification – Desirable
* Post‑registration qualification enhancing clinical work: Diagnostic assessments such as ADOS, DIVA, WAIS.
* Post‑registration qualification: CBT / DBT.
* Experience running intervention groups.
* Experience working in a prison or secure/forensic environment.
* Experience using sensory approaches to address distress or modulate arousal.
* Experience delivering CBT/DBT‑informed interventions adapted for neuro‑developmental needs.
* Experience of Trauma Informed Care.
Skills and Knowledge – Essential
* Knowledge of current challenges and developments in prison health.
* Awareness of NHS issues, NICE guidelines, and current practice around support for personality disorders.
* Awareness of screening tools and assessments for Autism, ADHD and IDD.
Salary and Benefits
Band 7 – £49,387 to £56,515 a year (pro rata if part‑time). Permanent, full‑time contract.
Job Location
HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes, MK4 4DA, United Kingdom.
Closing Date
22 June 2026
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