About this role
Job summary
The Autism Advisory TeamOccupationalTherapist will be part of a newly established, specialist multi-disciplinary team created to strengthen autism-informed practice across inpatient and community mental health services in North Central London. Thisrole supportsthe localdelivery ofNCL'sInpatient Quality Transformation Plan (IQTP), which aims to improve the identification, experience and outcomes of autistic adults, reduce inequalities, and develop a more skilled and confident workforce. The post holder will contribute to a team that offers specialist autism-focusedconsultation,guidance and training to front line staff across five boroughs. The teamoperatesina consultative, non-caseload model, supporting inpatient wards, community mental health teams and wider system partners to embed reasonable adjustments, improve personalised care planning and promote earlier intervention.Ongoing case management willremain with the referring service.
Main duties of the job
Within this model, the Occupational Therapist will provide specialistautism informedoccupational therapyexpertise, with a particular focus on autistic adults diagnosed later in life and those who have not previously accessedappropriate occupational therapy and sensory/environmental support. The post holder will deliver specialist (non diagnostic)OT assessments whereappropriate, including sensory and environmental considerations, functional assessments and (whereindicated) functional behaviour assessment input. They will translate assessment findings into clear, practical recommendations and reasonable adjustments that can be implemented by inpatient and community teams, ensuring these are documented appropriately within agreed clinical records and team processes.
A key part of the role is enabling others to work more effectively with autistic adults. The postholder will provide consultation to clinicians on sensory and environmental adaptations, daily living and occupational functioning, and practical strategies to support engagement and reduce distress.
About us
North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.
Our Five-Year Strategy:
We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home. With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.
Why NLFT?
We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities. We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme Excellent internal staff network
In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.
Job description Job responsibilities
Demonstrate highlyspecialist knowledge of autisminformed occupational therapy practice underpinned by current evidence-based best practice.
Providespecialist sensory/environmental assessments and develop sensory profiles whereindicated, translating findings into practical ward/community adjustments.
Support assessment of occupational performance factors impacting engagement, regulation, independence, and participation in care planning.
To apply advanced clinical reasoning toidentifyoccupational therapy goals as part of the overall care plan.
To consider both physical and mental health needs as part of the occupational therapy process.
Monitor and manage OT assessment activity and waiting lists within the teams remit, ensuringprioritisationand risk considerations are applied appropriately.
Produce highquality written outputs from assessments, ensuring recommendations are practical,implementableand tailored to the relevant setting (inpatient or community).
To take a lead role in the education,supervisionand training of more junior members of staff, supportworkersand occupational therapy students
To ensure client needs and theircarersare central to service delivery, and that individual spiritual beliefs, customs and values are respected.
This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Recognised degree or equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy Health and Care Professions Council registration. Highly developed communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to explain complex functional/sensory needs and recommendations clearly to service users, carers and professionals.
Desirable
Postgraduate training/courses relevant to autism, sensory integration/sensory processing, mental health, or neurodevelopment.
Experience Essential
Advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills, including the ability to assess, prioritise and manage risk within a specialist assessment pathway. Ability to produce high-quality written assessment outputs and practical recommendations suitable for implementation by multi-disciplinary teams. Clear evidence to demonstrate specialist experience and clinical skills for working with autistic people
Desirable
Knowledge of Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADIR).
Experience Essential
Specialist knowledge of autism-informed practice and reasonable adjustments, including how sensory/environmental factors can impact distress, engagement and participation Experience of completing functional assessments. Experience of teaching and training others, using a variety of complex multi-media materials suitable for presentations within professional settings.
Desirable
Experience in developing online workshops and digital materials for families and carers
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 North London NHS Foundation Trust
Address St Ann's Hospital
St Ann's rd
London
N15 3TH
Employer's website https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)