Job overview
Band 6 Specialist Autism Practitioner Permanent, 0.6 WTE (3 days a week)
We are seeking a motivated Band 6 practitioner to join our supportive neurodevelopmental diagnostic team. The primary focus of this role is delivering Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessments as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). The post holder will also contribute to ADHD assessments where required.
Applicants MUST have previous experience working with neurodiverse individuals and a well-grounded understanding of autism. Experience in learning disability and mental health is also advantageous.
This is a fast-paced and rewarding position, suited to someone who is a clear thinker, highly organised, and able to work efficiently in a pressurised environment. You will manage a busy caseload, complete structured diagnostic assessments, and produce clear, timely reports. We are particularly interested in someone who can bring a positive energy to the team, innovation, efficiency, and strong clinical thinking to their work to support the continued development of the service.
The service operates across six days, with one Saturday per month required, paid at the appropriate Agenda for Change enhanced rate with time off in lieu.
In return, you will join a friendly and experienced team who are passionate about delivering high-quality assessments. You will benefit from regular supervision, peer support, and opportunities to further develop your diagnostic skills within a collaborative MDT.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is a developing specialist practitioner who supports the delivery of diagnostic assessments and post-diagnostic recommendations for children and young people with social communication difficulties and/or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD.
The post holder will work with senior clinicians and contribute to multidisciplinary assessment and formulation processes.
They will have experience and developing competency in ASD assessment and will support assessments using tools such as:
·Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
·Autism Diagnostic Interviews (ADI-R) / Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3di)
They will contribute to formulation, MDT discussions, and feedback to parent(s)/carer(s), schools, and other professionals.
Working for our organisation
Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, and one of Britain’s leading healthcare providers.
The Barts Health group of NHS hospitals is entering an exciting new era on our improvement journey to becoming an outstanding organisation with a world-class clinical reputation. Having lifted ourselves out of special measures, we now have the impetus and breathing space to chart a fresh course in which we are continually striving to improve all our services for patients.
Our vision is to be a high-performing group of NHS hospitals, renowned for excellence and innovation, and providing safe and compassionate care to our patients in east London and beyond. That means being a provider of excellent patient safety, known for delivering consistently high standards of harm-free care and always caring for patients in the right place at the right time. It also means being an outstanding place to work, in which our WeCare values and behaviours are visible to all and guide us in how we work together.
We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Recognized Health Professional degree or equivalent degree in Education – nursing, social work, clinical/education psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, Specialist Teacher
2. Registered member of Professional Body
3. Applied knowledge of issues relating to the SEN Code of Practice
4. Established knowledge of the theory and practice relating to ASD and ADHD / Neurodiversity
5. Evidence of post-graduate training in clinical areas related to children with ASD,
Desirable criteria
6. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
7. Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised or similar e.g. DISCO, 3Di etc
Experience
Essential criteria
8. Experience of working with children and / or young people with social communication disorders and/or ASD and/or ADHD
9. Experience of organising and ensuring care of equipment and resources
10. Experience of working with children and / or young people with social communication disorders and ASD / ADHD in a resourced provision or special school setting
11. Experience of multidisciplinary working within health and / or education
Desirable criteria
12. Experience of working in deprived socio-economic, inner-city areas
13. Experience of working in an ASD / ADHD diagnostic team
14. Clinical experience of working with bilingual families
Skills
Essential criteria
15. Time management, organisation, delegation, and prioritisation skills
16. Excellent interpersonal skills
17. Good analytical and reflection skills
18. Ability to work without on-site, direct support from colleagues when carrying out visits
19. Flexible and able to work in different situations / locations
20. Competent IT skills
21. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
**Visa Sponsorship Information**
Recent changes to UK immigration policy on the Health and Care Visa and Skilled Worker Visa could mean that this role is not eligible for sponsorship or that you may not meet the eligibility criteria.
Sponsorship can only be offered if this post and any individual offered employment meet all the Home Office’s requirements under the UK Skilled Worker visa scheme.
If you are applying from outside the UK or will require sponsorship, please mention this clearly in your application.
To be eligible for sponsorship, the following conditions must be met:
22. Eligible role: The position must be on the UK Skilled Worker visa list. You can check your eligibility here: -.
23. Salary threshold: The role must meet the minimum salary set by the Home Office. Please note that for roles employed under Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions, the High-Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) is not included when calculating the basic salary for the purposes of sponsorship.
24. Skill level: The role must meet the minimum skill requirement of RQF Level 6 or above (graduate level).
25. English language: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher.
26. Other criteria: Applicants must meet all other criteria as set out by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)