About this role
Job summary We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our innovative and forward-thinking Children's Neurodevelopmental Service.The successful candidate will play a key role in providing diagnostic assessment and time-limited support for autistic children and young people across Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Our Neurodevelopmental Service is a small, friendly, and supportive multidisciplinary team comprising dedicated professionals who share a common vision of improving outcomes for autistic children, young people, and their families.
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate a strong interest in autism and neurodivergence.
- A genuine passion for supporting neurodivergent children and young people.
- Have experience of collaborative and multidisciplinary working.
- Be committed to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families.
- Possess excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
- Thrive in a busy environment and be able to manage competing demands effectively.
- Show enthusiasm for developing specialist knowledge and skills within neurodevelopmental services.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a passionate team committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering meaningful support to neurodivergent children and young people across West Wales.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as an autonomous Practitioner within the Neurodevelopmental service undertaking skilled diagnostic assessments,time limited post diagnostic interventions and discharge management of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. They willmanage a caseload that includes complex developmental, behavioural and communication disorders, mental health issues and transition fromchildren's services.
The post holder will be responsible for planning, organising, and implementing highly specialist occupational therapy provision within the Children's Neurodevelopmental Service, working closely with the Team Leader and Clinical Lead to ensure effective, evidence-based service delivery and evaluation using outcome measures. The post-holder will support the Health Board Lead for ASD in the implementation and monitoring of National and Local Policies, including NICE and other good practice documents and contribute to the development of training/educational material and delivery of specialist training or educational workshops relating to Autism and Neurodiversity. There will also be a requirement to work alongside other Occupational Therapy Departments within the organisation.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 16/11/2026.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge Essential
Degree/ diploma in Occupational Therapy HCPC Registration Master's level qualification in related field or equivalent experience Evidence of continued professional development In-depth knowledge of Autism and the needs of children, young people and their families Well-established specialist knowledge and/or training of a broad range of assessment tools relevant to ASD Knowledge of legislation in relation to Mental Health, trauma, Autism, Learning Disabilities across health, social care and education Knowledge of strategic direction and legislation in relation to Autism on a local and national level Knowledge of NICE guidelines
Desirable
Evidence of formal training and experience in the use of DISCO, ADIR, ADOS or 3DI Autism assessment tools Group work Certificate Supervision Certificate/Experience Teaching Qualification/Experience Member of BAOT Evidence of specialist post graduate training in Sensory Processing
Experience Essential
Substantial experience within children's services, working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum Evidence of clinical experience in providing OT assessment and interventions for autistic children and young people Experience of supervising staff Experience of working across a range of agencies and experience of providing consultation advice and support to professionals and stakeholders
Desirable
Experience of delivering training Experience in data collection and analysis Experience of developing and implementing new systems, packages of care or service provision
Other Essential
Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner Flexible approach to service delivery
Desirable
Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address Ty Gwili
Bronwydd Road
Carmarthen
SA31 2AJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)