Neurodevelopmental Practitioner

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Blackwater; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading NHS organization in Cornwall is seeking a qualified Neurodevelopmental Practitioner to join their Adult Autism Assessment Team. The role involves conducting specialist assessments for adults and collaborating with diverse professionals. Candidates must possess a relevant degree, clinical experience in autism, and strong interpersonal skills. This part-time position is aimed at current NHS employees only, providing a unique opportunity to make an impact in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Clinical experience of working with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of Diagnostic Criteria for Autism.

Responsibilities

• Participate in delivery of specialist autism assessments.
• Advise on service delivery issues.
• Work collaboratively with multiple agencies.

Skills

Integration of psychosocial factors

Time management

Excellent interpersonal skills

Empathy

Education

Professional Qualification at degree level (OT/SALT/Nursing/Psychology)

Registration with Health Professions Council or Nursing & Midwifery Council

Tools

ADOS training

Job description

Go back Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Neurodevelopmental Practitioner

The closing date is 12 October 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Neurodevelopmental Practitioner to join our Adult Autism Assessment Team in the beautiful county of Cornwall.

We are looking for a qualified Speech and Language Therapist, Social Worker or Mental Health Nurse to join our current multi-disciplinary team.

This post is available part-time and will be working as part of a small team providing assessments for adults who are querying a diagnosis of autism.

Interview Date: TBC

This job is currently only open to people who already work for the NHS in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly.We are committed to supporting our dedicated staff, so only current employees of the following organisations can apply:

• Cornwall Foundation Trust
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
• Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board

If you do not currently work for one of these NHS organisations, your application will not be considered at this time.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will be required to participate in the delivery of specialist autism assessments.
• Work with a wide range of professionals in a variety of multidisciplinary teams across agencies in a consultative, advisory and collaborative capacity. E.g. other CFT services, Cornwall Council, RCHT.
• Teach /support SLT/ Nursing students on placement.
• Advise the service lead /team manager on issues of service delivery relating to specialist clinical area.
• Represent the autism assessment team appropriately at inter-disciplinary or inter-agency forums as required.
• Use very good interpersonal communication skills within the professional clinical role, to listen to and counsel adults and their families to provide support and empathy, to identify and resolve difficult situations and to manage conflict.
• Work collaboratively and initiate liaison over clinical matters with a wide range of professions from a variety of locations and agencies (health, education, and social, private, voluntary).
• Present and communicate diagnostic outcomes and clinical information in such a manner as to motivate, negotiate with, involve and empower service users and their families, and multidisciplinary colleagues.

About us

We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 4,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 13 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increase the numbers of people who use out services.

Job responsibilities

To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Relevant Experience

• Professional Qualification at a minimum of degree level (eg OT/ SALT/ Nursing/ Psychology)
• Clinical experience of working with autism, other neurodevelopmental disorders, and with adults with complex conditions and needs
• Registration with Health Professions Council or Nursing & Midwifery Council
• Trained to use the ADOS

Skills and Aptitude

• Be skilled at integrating psychosocial, physical, emotional and environmental factors within a holistic patient centered approach during the assessment process
• Skilled in time management and organisational skills, working flexibly either autonomously or as part of a team with the ability to engage and network professionally

Knowledge and Abilities

• Have knowledge of the Diagnostic Criteria for Autism, and features of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and social communication difficulties.
• Have knowledge of differential diagnosis and comorbidities associated with neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. ASD, ADHD, Tic disorders, DCD, Learning disabilities etc.)
• Ability to concentrate for extended lengths of time during clinical activities and diagnostic meetings

Personal Qualities

• Have excellent interpersonal skills with ability to listen well and have empathy, without prejudice
• Ability to communicate and build good relationships with colleagues within a multi-disciplinary team and complement the roles of other professionals

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.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust