Autism Specialist Practitioner

Autism Specialist Practitioner, Band 6, Tower Hamlets Autism Service (THAS), 0.6 WTE (fixed-term post till August 2027) We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced clinician (Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Nurse or Social Worker) with an interest in developing their skills and experience in diagnostically assessing and working with autistic adults. The successful candidate will work as part of a well-integrated, capable multidisciplinary team delivering high quality evidence-based diagnostic assessment and post diagnostic support services for this group. The Tower Hamlets Autism Service (THAS) is a specialist diagnostic and brief intervention service. Designed in accordance with NICE guidelines, we operate an open referral system, accepting referrals from any source when it is thought that an adult living in Tower Hamlets may be autistic. We use screening tools and specialist assessments (ADOS-2) alongside clinical experience and expertise to diagnose autism spectrum conditions in adults (without a learning a disability). Main duties of the job The main purpose of the role is: - As part of the multidisciplinary team, to screen and assess for autism in adults (without a learning disability). - To plan, organise and facilitate post diagnostic support, individual and group interventions, including profession specific assessments and interventions to those diagnosed by the service. - To provide specialist advice, training, consultation and liaison to support other ELFT staff, social care staff, Primary Care Colleagues and staff in third sector organisations working with autistic adults. This is an exciting career opportunity for a dedicated applicant with existing direct experience assessing and working with autistic adults, or for those with relevant experience who may wish to specialise in this developing field. About us Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations., Kindly refer to the job description and person specification that is attached to the vacancy profile. Job description, Kindly refer to the job description and person specification that is attached to the vacancy profile. Person Specification Education/ Qualification/ Training

• Diploma/Degree in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health nursing or Speech and Language Therapy.
• HCPC registration / or Nursing and Midwifery Council registration.
Desirable
• Trained in the use of ADOS-2.
Experience Essential
• Minimum two years post registration experience as a qualified professional.
• Experience of undertaking assessments and care planning.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural setting, including working with interpreters.
• Experience of working with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions and / or mental health conditions.
Desirable
• Experience of facilitating groups
Knowledge and Skills Essential
• A thorough knowledge of Autistic Spectrum Condition, major mental health disorders and relevant, contemporary, evidence-based intervention strategies/models.
• Knowledge of what clinical governance is and skills in quality improvement of services.
• Knowledge of mental health act, mental capacity act, and other relevant legislation.
• Knowledge and skills in risk assessment and management
Person Specification Education/ Qualification/ Training Essential
• Diploma/Degree in Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health nursing or Speech and Language Therapy.
• HCPC registration / or Nursing and Midwifery Council registration.
Desirable
• Trained in the use of ADOS-2.
Experience Essential
• Minimum two years post registration experience as a qualified professional.
• Experience of undertaking assessments and care planning.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural setting, including working with interpreters.
• Experience of working with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions and / or mental health conditions.
Desirable
• Experience of facilitating groups
Knowledge and Skills Essential
• A thorough knowledge of Autistic Spectrum Condition, major mental health disorders and relevant, contemporary, evidence-based intervention strategies/models.
• Knowledge of what clinical governance is and skills in quality improvement of services.
• Knowledge of mental health act, mental capacity act, and other relevant legislation.
• Knowledge and skills in risk assessment and management