Specialist Nurse

The Family Psychologist Ltd - Clinical Psychology and Assessment Service; Larkhill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Generous annual leave

Supportive MDT

Job summary

The Family Psychologist Ltd - Clinical Psychology and Assessment Service in the UK is seeking a Specialist Nurse to contribute to neurodevelopmental assessments across the lifespan within a strong MDT.

The role involves using advanced assessment skills, supervising colleagues, and helping shape integrated NHS pathways for ADHD and autism, including ADOS-2, DIVA and QbTest-supported decisions.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with NMC registration.
• Non-Medical Prescriber QbTest trained.
• DIVA and Young-DIVA experience for ADHD assessments.
• ADOS-2 trained, with two years of neurodiversity assessment experience.
• Strong commitment to neurodiversity and neuro-affirming practice.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments using ADOS-2, DIVA and DIVA-Young.
• Contribute to MDT discussions and decision-making with clear clinical reports.
• Support development of integrated pathways to ensure consistent care across the lifespan.
• Provide clinical supervision and leadership within the MDT.

Skills

Clinical assessment

MDT collaboration

Neurodevelopmental expertise

Leadership support

Education

NMC registered nurse

Tools

QbTest

ADOS-2

DIVA

Young DIVA

Job description

As a Specialist Nurse, you will have the opportunity to use your advanced assessment skills within a highly supportive multidisciplinary team, undertaking comprehensive face-to-face neurodevelopmental assessments whilst helping to shape and develop innovative NHS services. We value clinical autonomy, protected assessment time and collaborative decision-making, enabling you to deliver high-quality, person-centred care. The successful candidate will join a strong multi-disciplinary team (MDT) providing NHS and independent neurodiversity assessments and support across the lifespan.

A key element of this role will be undertaking comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments, including assessment for ADHD and autism using structured tools such as the Young DIVA and DIVA for ADHD and gold-standard autism assessment measures such as the ADOS-2, alongside contributing to high-quality, evidence-based diagnostic decision-making.

You will collaborate with and may provide supervision within our growing multidisciplinary team, working alongside experienced colleagues in Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Education, Psychology and Social Work.

We would welcome applications from enthusiastic Registered Nurses (Child, Adult, Learning Disabilities or Mental Health branch), who are passionate about enhancing the lives of neurodivergent children and adults.

Salary

Agenda for Change Band 6 (£39,959 - £48, 117) with the opportunity to progress to Band 7 with appropriate training and experience.

Main duties of the job

As a Specialist Nurse, you will bring advanced skills to offer high-quality nursing perspectives and neurodevelopmental input. This will include complex assessment, formulation, diagnostic decision-making, intervention, and consultation as well as advocating for clients and their families.

You will undertake comprehensive autism and ADHD assessments using recognised tools such as the ADOS-2, Young DIVA and DIVA, alongside administering, scoring, and interpreting QbTest as part of a holistic assessment process.

A key part of the role will involve contributing to MDT discussions, supporting clear and collaborative diagnostic decision-making, and producing high-quality clinical reports. You will also support the development of integrated pathways to ensure consistent and seamless experiences of care for individuals and their families.

You will have the opportunity to further develop your supervisory and leadership skills, with experience of working collaboratively across MDTs. As part of our supportive and progressive team, you will contribute to a dynamic and compassionate service, ensuring that individuals and their families remain at the centre of care.

We believe that high-quality clinical work happens when clinicians are supported, trusted and given the time they need to do their best work.

You will be well supported by our Divisional Team Leaders, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Managing Director and other senior clinicians.

Overview of our organisation

The Family Psychologist is an established multidisciplinary assessment and support service delivering NHS and independent neurodevelopmental, psychological and educational services across the Midlands and the UK.

Whilst we are an Independent Provider, we hold the NHS contract for Adult 16+ Autism Assessments as well as being a key Under 18's Right to Choose provider for both Autism and ADHD within Herefordshire & Worcestershire. We are committed to the provision of accessible and inclusive services working to the NHS core values of: Working together for patients; Respect and dignity; Commitment to quality of care; Compassion; Improving lives: Everyone counts.

Beyond these values, we offer

A warm, close-knit and supportive multidisciplinary team environment where collaboration is valued.

An inclusive culture that recognises and supports individual strengths, needs and circumstances.

A flexible and caring workplace that promotes a healthy worklife balance.

Encouragement and support to develop your skills, confidence and career within the role.

A genuine commitment to your professional growth, with excellent learning, CPD and development opportunities.

A commitment to comprehensive, face-to-face neurodevelopmental assessments, with quality and clinical excellence at the heart of our approach.

A dedicated clinical office, offering a professional, confidential and welcoming space for your work.

An attractive benefits package, including generous annual leave and other employee perks.

You will be helping to deliver our NHS Adult Autism service as well as our NHS Under 18 Right to Choose offering. This is a dynamic role that has seen significant demand in line with the national trend. Resources are available when required to grow the service in line with any capacity restraints.

Our Adult Autism Pathway is well-established, and our team is committed to ensuring the individuals and families have the very best outcomes.

Our CYP Right to Choose Pathway is a newly established pathway within Hereford & Worcestershire. TFP are working with partners and stakeholders to continue to develop a Right to Choose service that these young people and their families can rely on. We are committed to ensuring the young person's futures will not be prohibited or restricted by their neurodivergent profiles, and are passionate about promoting a neuro-affirming community.

You will be a Registered Nurse with a passion for working with neurodiverse individuals and their families across the lifespan. You will bring strong clinical skills, alongside a compassionate and supportive approach, to work collaboratively with others in the team.

You will have the knowledge and skills in neurodiversity and mental health to undertake assessments and deliver evidence-based outcomes, as well as supporting others in this work.

You will understand the importance of collaborative working with the individual and extended family including carers and schools to ensure the right clinical decision is made for the individual. To ensure this is achieved you will liaise with our Interventions and Safeguarding leads where appropriate to ensure a trauma-informed approach is at the centre of everything we do.

You will be an autonomous, reflective practitioner with strengths to bring to a multi-disciplinary team.

We recognise the invaluable contribution Specialist Nurses make to neurodevelopmental services and are committed to creating an environment where nurses can thrive clinically, professionally and personally.

You will be well supported by our Divisional Team Leaders, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Managing Director and other senior clinicians.

Qualifications

A relevant professional qualification as a Registered Nurse (Child, Adult, Learning Disabilities or Mental Health branch) Current professional registration with NMC is required.

Non-Medical Prescriber QbTest trained (Interpretation and administration). DIVA and Young-DIVA experience two years' experience in conducting ADHD neurodiversity assessments using Young DIVA and DIVA. ADOS-2 trained, with a minimum of two years' experience in conducting neurodiversity assessments. A strong commitment to neurodiversity and neuro-affirming practice.

Experience

Extensive experience of delivering comprehensive, evidence-based neurodevelopmental assessments across the lifespan, including holistic clinical assessment, risk assessment and management. Experience of working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and across organisational boundaries, including contributing to and leading multi-professional and interagency meetings. Experience of working with a wide range of mental health and neurodevelopmental presentations across varying levels of complexity, maintaining professionalism in emotionally demanding situations. A strong track record in safeguarding children and young people, and in using equality, diversity, and inclusion frameworks within clinical, supervisory, and leadership practice. Ability to work autonomously, taking responsibility for clinical decision-making while recognising when to seek support. Experience of providing providing clinical supervision and using service user feedback and data to inform service development and improve outcomes.

Demonstrable experience in assessing ADHD using structured clinical tools such as the Young DIVA and DIVA, alongside administering and interpreting QbTest. Experience of completing autism assessments using gold-standard tools such as the ADOS-2 Proven ability to work collaboratively with service users, families, and carers, including shared decision-making and the use of clinician- and patient-rated outcome measures.

Knowledge & Skills

Highly developed ability to synthesise complex clinical information from multiple sources into clear clinical opinions and evidence-based diagnostic recommendations. Demonstrates advanced communication skills, with the ability to convey complex and sensitive information in a clear, compassionate, and professional manner, both verbally and in writing, including during emotionally challenging situations and in line with organisational standards.

Strong knowledge of current best practice in neurodiversity assessments, including the use of structured diagnostic tools such as the, ADOS-2, Young DIVA and DIVA, alongside objective measures such as QbTest, and the ability to integrate clinical interview, observational, and assessment data into robust diagnostic conclusions.

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.