• Job Description

  Req#: C9184-23-1916?language=en&page=368&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  We are looking for an enthusiastic band 6 clinician to join our growing team: the Somerset Autism Spectrum Service (SASS). The service provides NICE recommended diagnostic assessments for adults with probable Autism Spectrum Disorder (DSM-5). In addition, the team aspires to offer time limited post diagnostic support for adults who have received the diagnosis. The team currently consists of Psychologists, an Occupational Therapist, Nurse, Team Secretary, Assistant Psychologists and Trainee Clinical Psychologists.

  The successful applicant will have a commitment to offering person-centred, quality services to people with autism, some of whom may be experiencing enduring mental health difficulties. This post will draw heavily on your assessment and communication skills as a fundamental part of the role. The post holder will have relevant HCPC registration and bring with them knowledge and skills from their own profession to integrate into their work with the team. Specialist knowledge and experience of Autism specific diagnostic tools is not a necessary requirement at the point of application as you will receive training in these areas. We would like to appoint a clinician who brings energy and enthusiasm to the team with a willingness to learn and freedom to bring new ideas.

  Main duties of the job

  The post-holder will attend and take an active role in weekly team referrals meetings and will receive regular supervision. There are many opportunities for joint working, both within the team and with colleagues in the Trust. There is opportunity to contribute to training, consultancy, and liaison opportunities as part of this role. It is an exciting time to join the service as we further develop our working practices and grow the team. We are committed to maintaining and building upon links with adults with autism who have experience of using the service and have regular coproduction meetings and we work together with our Experts by Experience to continue to develop services in Somerset for autistic people. There are opportunities to be involved in a range of coproduced projects.

  About us

  We have good links with autism teams within the Southwest, and with Exeter University Clinical Psychology training course and host Doctoral trainees on placement.

  As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression, and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

  The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

  There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

  Date posted

  23 October 2023

  Pay scheme

  Agenda for change

  Band

  Band 6

  Salary

  £35,392 to £42,618 a year pa pro rata

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Part-time

  Reference number

  184-CM5735850

  Job locations

  Glanville House

  Church Street

  Bridgwater

  TA6 5AT

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  The post holder will provide specialist assessments for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), whilst considering differential diagnoses and integrating expertise from their own professional background. To work autonomously within professional guidelines, to integrate your clinical knowledge and expertise to contribute to diagnosis and post-diagnostic work for adults with (probable) autism.

  Please see JD for further details.

  An informal conversation with a member of the current team is strongly recommended prior to application, as this will give you a sense of the breadth of the work and the exciting potential for this role. Please contact Dr Julia Bower (Clinical Psychologist & Team Manager) on 07785459886, Dr Max Buchanan (Clinical Psychologist) on 07741296210 or Shaun Walker (Nurse) on 07741296206.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  The post holder will provide specialist assessments for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), whilst considering differential diagnoses and integrating expertise from their own professional background. To work autonomously within professional guidelines, to integrate your clinical knowledge and expertise to contribute to diagnosis and post-diagnostic work for adults with (probable) autism.

  Please see JD for further details.

  An informal conversation with a member of the current team is strongly recommended prior to application, as this will give you a sense of the breadth of the work and the exciting potential for this role. Please contact Dr Julia Bower (Clinical Psychologist & Team Manager) on 07785459886, Dr Max Buchanan (Clinical Psychologist) on 07741296210 or Shaun Walker (Nurse) on 07741296206.

  Person Specification

  Qualification and Training

  Essential

  • HCPC registration as relevant to this post.

  Desirable

  • Evidence of post qualification learning and development

  Kowledge and Expertise

  Essential

  • Sound understanding of national policies and procedures relevant to Autism oAbility to identify adult protection concerns, raise alerts and participate in safeguarding enquires/investigation/case conferences oAbility to contribute to multi-disciplinary team planning through discussion and negotiation oAbility to demonstrate diagnostic knowledge and application to planning intervention

  Desirable

  • Knowledge of Autism

  Skills and Abilities

  Essential

  • Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives about complex and sensitive issues remaining sensitive and empathetic. oListens to others' views respecting and valuing colleagues and individual patient needs. oProfessional and patient focussed approach. oExcellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan timed activities for staff and patients. oAbility to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner. oAbility to work effectively as part of a team. oAbility to work autonomously and independently.

  Desirable

  • Experience of carrying out supervision to staff where appropriate, and/or providing peer supervision. oExperience of delivering training.

  Personal Qualities

  Essential

  • Ability to organise caseload, workload, and time, and to prioritise tasks when needed. oAbility to develop positive working relationships with a range of professionals, colleagues, Experts by Eperience and patients. oAbility to work as a member of a team oFlexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients and the service. oAct in ways that support equality and diversity.

  Desirable

  • n/a

  Person Specification

  Qualification and Training

  Essential

  • HCPC registration as relevant to this post.

  Desirable

  • Evidence of post qualification learning and development

  Kowledge and Expertise

  Essential

  • Sound understanding of national policies and procedures relevant to Autism oAbility to identify adult protection concerns, raise alerts and participate in safeguarding enquires/investigation/case conferences oAbility to contribute to multi-disciplinary team planning through discussion and negotiation oAbility to demonstrate diagnostic knowledge and application to planning intervention

  Desirable

  • Knowledge of Autism

  Skills and Abilities

  Essential

  • Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives about complex and sensitive issues remaining sensitive and empathetic. oListens to others' views respecting and valuing colleagues and individual patient needs. oProfessional and patient focussed approach. oExcellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and plan timed activities for staff and patients. oAbility to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner. oAbility to work effectively as part of a team. oAbility to work autonomously and independently.

  Desirable

  • Experience of carrying out supervision to staff where appropriate, and/or providing peer supervision. oExperience of delivering training.

  Personal Qualities

  Essential

  • Ability to organise caseload, workload, and time, and to prioritise tasks when needed. oAbility to develop positive working relationships with a range of professionals, colleagues, Experts by Eperience and patients. oAbility to work as a member of a team oFlexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients and the service. oAct in ways that support equality and diversity.

  Desirable

  • n/a

  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).

  Additional information

  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

  Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  Glanville House

  Church Street

  Bridgwater

  TA6 5AT

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  Glanville House

  Church Street

  Bridgwater

  TA6 5AT

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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