About this role
Job summary
Highly Specialist Neurodevelopmental Occupational Therapist - IST
The specialist neurodevelopmental Occupational Therapist will take an approach that considers the whole person using a neurodevelopmental affirming focus in addressing existing issues working within a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach to adults with Autism. The role will focus upon 'intense' multi-professional case coordination with a focus upon person centred outcomes to produce autism focused essential lifestyle plans.
The post holder will act within professional boundaries and key area of focus will be upon neurodevelopmental affirming occupational systematic skills teaching, breaking complex tasks into smaller, logical, and sequential steps to facilitate neurodevelopmental learning and skill attainment. An area of focus will be upon use of personalised technology to aid autonomy, independence and daily living skills. Similarly, a specific area of focus will be upon sensory assessment for autistic adults in understanding and enhancing daily function, regulation, and independence and identify difficulties faced within sensory-seeking or avoiding behaviours within the promotion of neurodevelopmental affirming daily living
Interview Date TBC
Main duties of the job
JOB SUMMARY
1 To lead on the development of a high-quality Occupational Therapy service for autistic adults (and co-existing neurodivergent needs, Intellectual Disability ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia etc.).
2 To work as part of the local multi-agency Autism Intensive Support Service to provide co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach to autistic adults.
3 To act as a source of clinical expertise and advice on Occupational Therapy input for autistic adults, within the Croydon Intensive Support Team (IST) for other health professionals and colleagues working within external agencies.
4 To provide a specialised standard of occupational therapy assessment and intervention for a caseload of adults with a wide range of developmental difficulties, many of whom may have complex or multiple pathologies, in line with department priorities and policies.
5 To work across health, education and social services settings combining the traditional roles of both health and social services occupational therapists as part of a specialist autism crisis prevention service for autistic adults, young people and their families.
6 To work frequently as a lone practitioner across a variety of locations within the community, including clients' homes, social care providers and inpatient settings, ensuring that intervention is responsive and sensitive to the social, cultural, linguistic and religious needs of a diverse population.
About us
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provides hospital and community services across Croydon through a range of clinics and specialist centres. Formed in August 2010 from the integration of Croydon Community Health Services and Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust, we employ around 4,100 staff serving a diverse population of over 360,000 people.
Our main site, Croydon University Hospital, is one of the busiest in London. We are also leading the way in delivering more healthcare in community settings and people's homes. Our district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons care for people of all ages across the borough.
Like the wider NHS, we are working hard to meet increasing demand. With the right people on board, we continue to innovate and transform our services to provide the highest quality care for local residents. We place strong emphasis on education, training and career development for all staff.
If you want to make a real difference, challenge yourself and be part of a Trust that's shaping local healthcare, Croydon Health Services could be the place for you.
At Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
Job description Job responsibilities
**********PLEASE SEE JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS POST*********
Person Specification
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS Essential
OT Degree / Diploma HPC registered Post registration training related to neurodiversity and sensory needs. Evidence of self-directed learning and CPD Attendance on other post-qualification courses
Desirable
Lived-experience of neuro-divergence, co-occurring/individual diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or both. OR parent/carer of autistic child/sibling. Master's degree in a relevant subject (Autism, Positive Behaviour Support, ABA). Neuro-developmental Training, postgraduate or diploma
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Essential
Demonstrates a clear understanding of OT skills in relation to adults with neurodiversity. Experience of working in a professional role at Band 6 or above Understanding of national and professional policies, guidance and standards affecting adult services. Excellent clinical knowledge and well established assessment and intervention skills, including use of standardised assessments Understanding and experience of implementing the clinical governance agenda in the NHS Knowledge of working with patients / public Knowledge required to deliver autism service provision to individuals with specialist needs working across the Health and Social care system An understanding of the wide Autism Intellectual Disability Agenda on a national and local basis. Knowledge of NHS agendas and up to date policy Sound, practical understanding of relevant legislation (such as the Mental Capacity Act, the Community Care Act and Intercollegiate document), policies and processes necessary to deliver complex services to vulnerable adults. Knowledge of Governance in a multi-disciplinary setting Practical knowledge and application of current legislation as it is applied to adults at risk Significant experience of working with adults with neurodiversity in a variety of settings. Experience of coaching parents, carers or education staff to implement OT strategies. Experience of the development and implementation of clinical projects. Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary and multiagency setting. Experience working in community settings Experience of goal setting and Evaluation. Experience of evaluating, and implementing evidence based practice. Experience of working with families and carers in a family and child centred approach. Experience within health and/or social care sectors Experience of partnership / collaborative working and of building relationships organisations. Commitment to undertake a health coach qualification. Commitment to professional and personal development. Skilled in active and reflective listening, building trust and rapport quickly Demonstrable skills in supporting behaviour change
Desirable
Specialist equipment Knowledge Considered experience within personalised technology training and systemic skills training Home safety equipment and adaptations knowledge Sound practical understanding of policies, processes and legislation necessary to deliver specialist services to autistic adults Experience of supervising junior staff
SKILLS/ABILITIES Essential
Excellent active listening skills Comprehensive OT knowledge Problem-solving skills Critical thinking skills The ability to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Positive, growth-mindset Team player Ability to communicate accurately and appropriately with members of the public, senior management. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a wider, multidisciplinary team and with autonomy. Ability to provide and receive highly complex sensitive and contentious information. Able to chair (when required) co-ordinate and facilitate meetings. Able to work across professional teams and organisational boundaries. Competent in the use of standard Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Desirable
Influence and leadership skills
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 Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
Address Bernard Weatherill House
8 Mint Walk
Croydon
CR0 1EA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/recruitment/ (Opens in a new tab)