Lead Practitioner – Forensic Autism Service

Lancashire & South Cumbria Nhs Foundation Trust; Rishton; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 7 Lead Practitioner for the Forensic Autism Service in Preston. The role leads clinical interventions for autistic adults over 16 with forensic risk, and provides expert advice within the leadership team.

The post involves safeguarding complex cases, mentoring junior staff, and coordinating care pathways with partner agencies. Must be IT‑literate and able to work independently and within a team.

Qualifications

• Registered professional with current UK registration.
• Post‑graduate qualification or demonstrable relevant experience.
• Experience in autism and forensic services.

Responsibilities

• Lead practitioner for cases and provide clinical leadership to adults over 16 with autism and forensic risk.
• Manage and supervise others; act as mentor/preceptor to junior staff.
• Collaborate with multiple agencies across Lancashire and South Cumbria to support service users.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Autism knowledge

Communication

IT literacy

Education

RMN / RNLD / AHP / Social Worker

Post‑graduate qualification

CPD (continuing professional development)

Tools

Digital clinical records

Information governance

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Forensic Autism Service for a band 7 Lead Practitioner to join our team.

The successful applicant will be the lead practitioner for cases and work as part of the leadership team providing expert advice, direct clinical interventions with service users and families and support and clinical leadership to autistic adults over 16, who are presenting with significant forensic risk.

The successful applicants will carry a caseload of service users with complex needs and will provide specialist risk management strategies and interventions for people referred to the service, and where necessary signpost and refer to appropriate services or agencies.

You will be responsible for the maintenance of high levels of evidence-based clinical practice, contributing to and facilitating Care Processes and Pathways.

The post includes managing and supervising the work of others and acting as a mentor and preceptor for junior staff. The ability to work independently as well as within a team will also be required.

The candidates will also be required to joint work with multiple agencies and service providers across Lancashire and South Cumbria which will require excellent communication skills.

• The successful applicant will be working as part of the leadership team providing expert advice, direct clinical interventions with service user and families and support and clinical leadership to adults over 16 with autism and who have forensic risk.
• You will provide specialist interventions for people referred to the service, and where necessary signpost and refer to appropriate services or agencies.
• You will be responsible for the maintenance of high levels of evidence-based clinical practice, contributing to and facilitating Care Processes and Pathways.
• You will manage and supervise the work of others, and act as a mentor and preceptor.
• The ability to work independently as well as within a team will also be required.
• Candidates will need to be IT literate and have experience using digital clinical records, as well as the desire to explore new ways of engaging with stakeholders using technology.
• The candidate will also be required to joint work with multiple agencies and service providers across Lancashire & South Cumbria which will require excellent communication skills.
• The service operates 5 days a week; Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and covers the whole of the trust footprint.

About us

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.

We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi‑time.

The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.

Details

Closing date: 30 October 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 351-BAY1114-MF

Job locations: Parlick Centre, Guild Park, Preston, PR3 2JH, United Kingdom

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)/ Registered Nurse, Learning Disability (RNLD), Allied Health Professional (OT/SaLT) or Social Worker
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Post‑graduate qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice.

Knowledge

• Post qualifying experience, including significant experience of working within autism and/or forensic services
• Knowledge of the Trust's information sharing protocols
• Be compliant and competent with regards to Information governance including Data Protection Act

Experience

• Evidence of extensive and significant clinical knowledge, skill and experience of working with people with autism.
• Specialist knowledge of interventions relevant to this client group and current models of service for clients with autism.
• Able to take responsibility for decision making in unpredictable work contexts, acting with autonomy

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.

Contact

Clinical Lead: Rachel Chadwick, [e-mail]

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice is available on request.