Due to investment into autism diagnostic assessment services in Cheshire, we are delighted to be able to offer a band 6 to band 7 development opportunity. Band 6 during training period. Progression to Band 7 upon completion of training associated with competency programme.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and dynamic Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Specialist Teacher, Trainee Psychologist, Social Worker or Mental Health Nurse to develop knowledge, skills and experience of autism. Working within our CAMHS autism diagnostic assessment team, you will join an established team of advanced specialist autism practitioners. A programme of formal and informal training and support will be available - including an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) training course. You will be working as part of a team who are committed to improving the long-term outcomes for autistic young people and their families.

This post is a full-time temporary position for 12 months due to the Autism assessment waiting list initiative . Part-time and secondment requests will be welcomed and considered.

Main duties of the job

In line with our CWP Autism Strategy you will be working with others to identify the strengths as well as the needs of each young person; supporting them to understand the diagnostic outcome and what it means for them. You will also be working with the local autism community hub. CWP are dedicated to working in partnership to ensure that the unique profile of each person is understood, and support is tailored.

You will be working with the young person, their family and other agencies to identify each individual profile and to explore whether the autism diagnostic criteria has been met. You will be working as part of a multi-disciplinary team across organisations. After the diagnostic review has taken place, you will be offering feedback which is focused on understanding, and next steps towards achieving each individual's own aspirations in life.

You will be supported to agree a working pattern that suits you as well as the service. A flexible mix of face-to-face clinics and remote working can be established. This allows the best possible service for families and the best possible work-life balance for members of the team.

CWP hosts CANDDID, the Centre for Autism Neurodevelopmental disorders and Intellectual Disabilities, which carries out research education and training including a post-graduate course in neuro-developmental differences, and it holds an annual international conference.

About us

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) supports thousands of vulnerable people across Cheshire and Merseyside. We provide physical, mental health and learning disability services to a total population of around one million people.

We offer a variety of roles at all levels, so whether you are just starting out in your career or you are looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, CWP is the right employer for you.

Visit our 'Working for us' pages on our website to find out more about why you should choose CWP.

CWP are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

We welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.

Job description Job responsibilities

Please download a copy of the job description for a full copy.

Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.

To ensure that we continue to provide Outstanding for Care (as recently been awarded by CQC), CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trusts Values and Behaviours in their everyday life. Therefore, if you are invited to interview, you will be undertaking a Values Based Interview/Assessment, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.

Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and Behaviours which are the 6 Cs Communication, Competence, Courage, Care, Compassion and Commitment. A Guide to completing your application form can be accessed on the right side of this page under the job description.

The Supporting Information Section in your application should therefore reflect your understanding of the Trusts Values and associated Behaviours. You will be expected to provide us with examples from work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviour.

If your disability meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer YES to the question: Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme? Please also inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.

All new clinical support staff will be required to have completed or working towards the Care Certificate (CWP In-house 2 day training to be completed within 6 months of start date).

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. Please note that DBS costs will be waived for applicants who are being recruited for COVID-19 reasons.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £13 per year applies. Please see attached Update Service Applicant Guide document for further information.

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.

If you experience any technical difficulties or need help when making an application please contact our Recruitment Team on 01244 393100 and quote the vacancy reference number.

Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Registered nurse / Registered with Heath Care Professionals Council (HCPC) in a discipline relevant to the service
• Degree in health care field or equivalent experience in the health care field

Desirable

• Training in the use of specialist diagnostic assessment tools related to neuro-developmental difference
• Enthusiasm to attend masters level postgraduate courses relevant to the specialist area

Knowledge and Expertise Essential

• Post registration knowledge that is relevant to the specialist area
• Ability to assess / plan / evaluate care to young people and families
• Support families in crisis
• Demonstrate excellent record keeping
• Demonstrate ability to chair meetings and contribute to team discussions
• Ability to deliver training to other professionals and services
• Knowledge of national and local priorities and changing trends in the specialist area
• Working knowledge of child protection issues

Desirable

• Experience with quality initiatives
• Ability to manage conflict situations to an amicable resolution
• Confidence / experience in managing potentially challenging situations

Experience Essential

• Post registration experience of working with autistic individuals
• Direct experience of working with people with complex needs (i.e. co-existing differences and difficulties)
• Experience of undertaking projects

Desirable

• Experience of teaching and mentoring others
• Experience of working with autistic children and young people in a variety of mental health services

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

373-CYP0824