Job overview
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and innovative nurse to undertake clinical interviews and observational assessments (DIVA/ADOS/ADI-R) for adults with suspected Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gather valuable background information prior to the patient’s final diagnostic assessment appointment with a senior clinician. The post holder will also be involved in clinical screening of referrals received by the clinic for suitability, and will ensure that sufficient information is gained at referral to safely and effectively manage entry in to the clinic.
The post holder will need to be able to produce clear, concise, accurate and timely written reports.
As well as gathering information on specific ADHD/ASD symptoms, the post holder will be expected to have a good knowledge of common physical and mental health conditions, and be able to collate information about these.
The National Adult ADHD and Autism Outpatient Clinic is a specialist tertiary pathway for adults with ADHD and ASD, therefore there will be opportunity for learning, development and progression. The clinics have strong links with research, including the at Kings College London.
Appointments will involve in-person as well as virtual contact with service users.
Main duties of the job
1. To undertake independent clinical interviews and observational assessments (DIVA/ADOS/ADI-R) with service users and from their families/friends/peers.
2. To ensure that sufficient information is gathered via clinical interview, observational assessment, completion of standard questionnaires and gathering of supportive verbal and written information to allow the service used to progress to the diagnostic assessment with a senior clinician.
3. To assist in the clinical screening of referrals received by the service.
4. To communicate with other members of the teams, with service users, family and other agencies as appropriate. To deal sensitively with telephone and personal enquiries from patients, carers, relatives and other professionals in a sensitive, tactful and polite manner, taking appropriate action where necessary. Ensuring at all times a high level of confidentially.
5. Assist in the collection of regular clinical audit data for the service, as well collecting and compiling information required by the directorate, such as staff training logs, number of assessments completed and other data as requested.
6. To participate and actively contribute to service improvement.
7. To attend relevant reliability meetings for ADOS/ADI, study days and workshops to ensure knowledge and skills are kept up to date.
8. To maintain accurate and up to date records of clinical activity in clinical notes.
9. This will involve lone working at times.
Working for our organisation
About the team:
TheNational Adult ADHD and Autism Outpatient Clinic is a tertiary service that can provide
10. Diagnostic assessment for suspected ADHD and/or Autism.
11. Initiation and titration of ADHD medication, and ADHD medication reviews.
The clinic is accessible to adults who exceed the threshold for their local ADHD/Autism services and meets the clinics eligibility criteria for a tertiary level service.
For a full list of our benefits please visit:
We look forward to receiving your application.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
12. To undertake independent clinical interviews and observational assessments (DIVA/ADOS/ADI-R) with service users and from their families/friends/peers.
13. To ensure that sufficient information is gathered via clinical interview, observational assessment, completion of standard questionnaires and gathering of supportive verbal and written information to allow the service used to progress to the diagnostic assessment with a senior clinician.
14. To be involved in the clinical screening of referrals received by the service.
15. To communicate with other members of the MDT, with service users, family and other agencies as appropriate. To deal sensitively with telephone and personal enquiries from patients, carers, relatives and other professionals in a sensitive, tactful and polite manner, taking appropriate action where necessary. Ensuring at all times a high level of confidentially.
16. Assist in the collection of regular clinical audit data for the service, as well collecting and compiling information required by the directorate, such as staff training logs, number of assessments completed and other data as requested.
17. To attend and participate in team and service meetings.
18. To participate and actively contribute to service improvement.
19. To attend relevant reliability meetings for ADOS/ADI, study days and workshops to ensure knowledge and skills are kept up to date.
20. To maintain accurate and up to date records of clinical activity in clinical notes.
21. To carry out any other duties appropriate to the post as agreed with the Operational Lead/Clinical Lead or Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist.
22. This will involve lone working at times.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
23. Qualified nurse - RNMH/RNLD or Occupational Therapist
24. Professional registration with the NMC (A) or relevant professional body
25. ADI/ADOS trained (A) and proficient in administration and able to demonstrate clinical reliability
Desirable criteria
26. DIVA Trained
Experience & Skills
Essential criteria
27. Post registration experience of working with service users with mental health and/or neurodevelopmental conditions
28. Experience of undertaking nursing assessments and report writing
29. Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
30. Experience of working within an outpatient setting
Desirable criteria
31. Evidence of experience of engaging in complex clinical assessments and treatment formulation
Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria
32. Knowledge of common physical and mental health conditions
33. Ability to work under pressure, independently, dealing with complex clinical information, and work directly with service users
34. Ability to collate information and produce accurate and concise clinical reports
35. IT and data entry skills and ability to use electronic patient information systems
36. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, in a multiagency context and across boundaries
37. Knowledge of issues which may impact on the functioning of individuals with ADHD & Autism
38. Knowledge of NICE guidance pertaining to assessment and management of ADHD/ASD
Desirable criteria
39. Skilled in presenting information to colleagues and/or service users, eg in teaching sessions