The Wiltshire Autism Diagnostic Service provides complex specialist diagnostic assessment for those suspected of having autism spectrum disorder, and offers post-diagnostic support to autistic clients and their families / carers/ support teams across Wiltshire.

This is an opportunity to practice and develop your highly specialised skills in a team where staff are committed to developing and delivering services that reflect national standards for best practice.

Our staff choose to work here because it gives them the chance to focus and immerse themselves within the field of adult autism. Feedback from service users repeatedly tells us that we offer services, which can be life changing and are highly valued by the people we support. This makes our work truly rewarding.

AWP offers flexible working in many of our posts, with options often available for flexible hours and a blended approach to home and clinic-based working. We like to grow the skill base of our staff, and encourage people to explore, train and grow through in house and external learning. If you have a strong interest, professional or personal experience in this post, please do contact us to discuss or apply.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will contribute to a range of activities. Primarily, to provide high quality complex diagnostic assessments for adults suspected of having autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, making a psychologically-informed contribution to consultation and training to other professionals, supervision and reflective practice within the MDT, research and service development, and the development and delivery of post-diagnostic interventions to this client group.

We carry out our assessments according to a NICE gold standard pathway, using tools such as the ADOS, ADI-R, CAT-Q, and DISCO.

About us

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care. We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B& NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.

Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.

At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.

You will enjoy the benefits of working in AWP, an NHS Trust that is committed to developing highly skilled workforce and actively encourages professional development opportunities. You will be encouraged and supported to participate in additional training and development activities.

You will also benefit from the generous NHS pension scheme and exclusive NHS discounts.

Job description

Job responsibilities

A demonstrable commitment to working with, and advocating for, this marginalised client group is essential. Experience of working with autistic adults is desirable particularly diagnostic assessment using NICE-recommended tools and experience of developing and delivering innovative, evidence-based initiatives to improve the quality of life of autistic adults. Excellent interpersonal communication and written skills are also essential. Supervision will be provided by an experienced clinical psychologist.

Person Specification

Essential and desirable

Essential

• Postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology.
• Some supervision of assistant psychologists and / or other mental health professionals.
• Psychological assessment (including neuropsychological assessment), formulation and intervention skills.
• Work within multi-disciplinary teams / with other mental health professionals.
• Demonstrable commitment to working with, and advocating for, this marginalised client group.

Desirable

• Post-qualification training in psychological therapies.
• Experience of teaching / training other professionals .
• Specialist assessment and intervention with autistic adults, and severe and enduring mental health problems.

Employer details

Employer name

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Heathwood

Fountain Way

Salisbury

SP2 7FD

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

342-SS181-0923