About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Autism Practitioner to join our Adult Autism (ASC) Services within the Community Care Division at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, working across Liverpool and Sefton.
We are looking for a motivated and skilled practitioner with a passion for improving people's lives.
You will work within a supportive, experienced team to deliver high-quality, person-centred autism assessments and interventions in community settings.
Knowledge and experience of autism assessments is desirable, with support available to further develop specialist skills.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a service that values collaboration, compassion and high standards of care, making a real difference to those seeking autism assessments, autistic people and their families.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview to meet the panel and learn more about the service and role.
Main duties of the job
CLINICAL, MANAGERIAL, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Manage a defined clinical caseload under the supervision of the Clinical Lead, delivering timely, high-quality autism diagnostic assessments.
Support the multidisciplinary team with diagnostic processes, referral screening and clinical decision-making.
Provide clear advice and information to referrers, service users and carers.
Produce accurate, accessible diagnostic reports for service users,families and professionals.
Deliver assessments and interventions flexibly across community and clinical settings.
Work collaboratively within the MDT and promote positive intra-agency working.
Provide information, education and support to families, carers and partner agencies.
Maintain accurate clinical records and outcome measures in line with Trust and professional standards.
Participate in regular clinical and managerial supervision and caseload reviews.
Contribute to integrated care pathways, service development, audit and quality improvement.
Manage workload efficiently, escalate service delivery concerns appropriately and support delegated projects.
Adhere to Clinical Governance, Trust policies and complaint procedures.Support recruitment, induction, training and mentorship of staff and students.
Maintain professional development through training, supervision and reflective practice.
Participate in audit and research to support evidence-based practice.
About us
Mersey Care is one of the largest trusts providing physical health and mental health services in the North West, serving more than 1.4 million people across our region and are also commissioned for services that cover the North West, North Wales and the Midlands.
We offer specialist inpatient and community services that support physical and mental health and specialist inpatient mental health, learning disability, addiction and brain injury services. Mersey Care is one of only three trusts in the UK that offer high secure mental health facilities.
At the heart of all we do is our commitment to 'perfect care' - care that is safe, effective, positively experienced, timely, equitable and efficient. We support our staff to do the best job they can and work alongside service users, their families, and carers to design and develop future services together. We're currently delivering a programme of organisational and service transformation to significantly improve the quality of the services we provide and safely reduce cost as we do so.
Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles.
Job description Job responsibilities
The post holder will work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide autism assessments for adults without a learning disability.
Assessments will be carried out in line with relevant clinical pathways as outlined within the services operational procedure.
The post holder will demonstrate an attitude which respects and values service users and their carer
All post holders will agree to:Commit to the vision of supporting Mersey Care in becoming a leadingorganisation in the provision of community services, mental health care and learning disability care.
Role model the values of the Trust Continuous Improvement, Accountability, Respectfulness, Enthusiasm, and Support in all activities and interactions.
Challenge the stigma associated with mental health and learning disabilities.
Comply with the Duty of Candour, working across professional andorganisational boundaries to improve services.
Uphold and protect the reputation of the Trust both inside and outside of work, ensuring that actions and behaviours reflect the values and standards of MerseyCare NHS Foundation Trust at all times.
Value the contribution of the patient and service users voice, as well as the views of families and carers.
Maintain their specific knowledge base and develop new skills.
Observe statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults and children.
Actively participate in creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels equally valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Commit to Mersey Cares mission of being an actively anti-racist health care provider and employer.
Take responsibility for the accurate and timely collection and recording of data.
Operate within organisational codes of practice, comply with all health and safety legislation, organisational policies and operating procedures.
Understand and embrace the role of digital technology in the workplace.
Comply with the NHS Constitution in relation to staff responsibilities.
Support the creation of a positive environment and Restorative Just and Learning Culture, participate in related events, share concerns about safety and quality, and speak up against incivility while taking a collaborative approach to improve civility and respect.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Professional Qualification - Nursing or AHP Up-todate professional registration (to be maintained)
Desirable
Further qualifications relevant to ASC Appropriate training in delivery of ASC diagnostic assessments
Skills Essential
Ability to utilise assessment skills and tools effectively Willing to undertake further training (if appropriate) in recognised ASC diagnostic assessment tools. Ability to formulate relevant reports. Ability to delegate and coordinate. Mentorship skills Ability to maintain accurate and up to date clinical records. Flexible approach/creative thinking Ability to communicate in a variety of settings Ability to deal with sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy Able to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues Effective time and workload management Ability to identify and minimise risk effectively IT skills
Desirable
Effective leadership qualities Presentation skills Ability to network and influence decision - making Team building skills
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of ASC and needs of this client group Understanding of current national policy and initiatives in relation to delivery of services for clients with ASC Mental Health Act (1983) Mental Capacity Act Effective Care Coordination Safeguarding Children/Adults Up to date clinical knowledge relevant to the care environment Safety, Privacy and Dignity Guidelines. Evidence based and reflective practice.
Experience Essential
Demonstrate post registration experience Significant experience of work with people with autism/vulnerable adults/mental health difficulties Effective team working within a multi-agency framework. Demonstrate experience of problem-solving approaches Post graduate experience of working with families or carers. Experience of complex case management
Desirable
Supervision of staff Experience of service development Audit and research practices relevant to clinical area.
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.
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 Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Address Rathbone Hospital
Milll Lane
Liverpool
L13 4AW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)