Occupational Health Workplace Assessor

NHS Jobs; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 53,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs is seeking a Workplace Assessor (Neurodiversity) to provide specialist workplace assessments for employees and applicants who are neurodivergent, identifying barriers and required adjustments that promote wellbeing, performance and inclusion, without delivering diagnostic or clinical treatment.

The role supports managers, Human Resources and Occupational Health, delivers training on neurodiversity, and works across Trust sites with occasional travel to promote an inclusive workplace

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive workplace assessments for staff and applicants referred to the service. Identify barriers, strengths and workplace support requirements associated with neurodivergent conditions. Assess the impact of role demands, workplace environments and working practices on individual performance and wellbeing. Formulate practical recommendations for workplace adjustments. Provide evidence-based advice regarding reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.

Job description

Post Title:Workplace Assessor (Neurodiversity)

Pay Band:Agenda for Change

Contract:Permanent

Location / Department:Working Well Centre Newtown Road Worcester

Accountable to:Head of OH and Wellbeing Services

Reports to:Head of OH and Wellbeing Services

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Occupational Health and Wellbeing colleagues, employees and job applicants, line managers, Human Resources, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Staff Networks, Learning and Development, Digital/IT, Health and Safety, Trade Union and staff-side representatives, safeguarding and clinical governance teams.
• External: Access to Work, Specialist workplace adjustment providers, Assistive technology suppliers, Neurodiversity support organisations, Relevant professional networks and agencies

Risk Assessment:

Predominantly display screen equipment and office-based work, with regular virtual and face-to-face consultations. The role may involve lone working, travel between Trust sites, sustained concentration, handling sensitive information and occasional exposure to emotionally challenging conversations. The post holder must follow Trust risk assessment, lone-working, information governance and health and safety procedures.

Job Purpose:

To provide a specialist workplace assessment service for employees and applicants who are neurodivergent or who require support to overcome workplace barriers. The post holder will undertake holistic workplace needs assessments, identify strengths and areas requiring support, and recommend practical, reasonable and proportionate workplace adjustments that promote wellbeing, performance, inclusion and retention. The post holder will act as a subject matter expert in workplace neurodiversity, supporting managers, Human Resources, Occupational Health and employees through the assessment, implementation and review of workplace adjustments. The role contributes to the Trust's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda by promoting equitable access to employment and supporting the development of a neuroinclusive workplace culture. This role does not provide diagnostic assessment or clinical treatment.

KEY DUTIES:

Professional Practice:

• Conduct comprehensive workplace assessments for staff and applicants referred to the service. Identify barriers, strengths and workplace support requirements associated with neurodivergent conditions. Assess the impact of role demands, workplace environments and working practices on individual performance and wellbeing. Formulate practical recommendations for workplace adjustments. Provide evidence-based advice regarding reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. Support the implementation and review of agreed adjustment plans.

Assessment and Case Management:

• Manage an allocated caseload of referrals. Undertake face-to-face, virtual and workplace-based assessments. Complete professional reports within agreed service timescales. Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records. Monitor outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of recommendations.

Specialist Advice and Consultation:

• Provide specialist advice to managers, Human Resources and Occupational Health colleagues regarding neurodiversity and workplace adjustments. Advise on practical solutions to support employee wellbeing, retention and performance. Support managers in facilitating inclusive workplace environments. Provide advice on assistive technology and workplace support solutions. Access to Work Support employees to access appropriate external funding and services. Assist individuals through Access to Work application processes. Liaise with external agencies and suppliers as appropriate.

Education and Training:

• Deliver training, presentations and awareness sessions relating to neurodiversity and workplace inclusion. Develop workplace guidance and educational materials. Support organisational initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

Service Development:

• Participate in audit, quality improvement and service evaluation activities. Contribute to the development of workplace assessment pathways and operational policies. Assist in collecting service performance data and outcome measures. Support the development of a consistent Trust-wide approach to workplace adjustments.

Information Governance:

• Maintain confidentiality at all times. Process sensitive personal information in accordance with GDPR, Data Protection legislation and Trust policies. Ensure all records are stored and managed securely.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTS AND CLIENTS:

The post holder will provide direct support and specialist advice to employees and job applicants regarding workplace adjustments and support requirements. They will act as an advocate for inclusive employment practices whilst maintaining professional objectivity.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT:

• Workplace adjustment procedures.
• Neurodiversity support pathways.
• Occupational Health policies and guidance.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
• Service improvement projects.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES:

• Use Trust resources responsibly. Advise on cost-effective workplace adjustments. Support procurement recommendations for assistive technology and specialist services where appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR HUMAN RESOURCES:

• Deliver training and mentoring to staff. Support managers through workplace adjustment processes. Contribute specialist advice to multidisciplinary case discussions. The post holder will not have direct line management responsibility.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES:

• Maintain confidential employee records. Prepare written assessment reports. Collect and analyse service activity data. Utilise electronic patient and employee record systems appropriately.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:

• Participate in audit and quality improvement initiatives. Contribute to service evaluations. Maintain awareness of emerging evidence and best practice relating to neurodiversity and workplace adjustments.

FREEDOM TO ACT:

Works independently within established policies and professional guidelines. Exercises judgement when assessing workplace barriers and making recommendations for adjustments. Refers complex, high-risk or contentious issues to the Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing. To undertake any other duties which is deemed appropriate to the band when requested by Senior Staff. The above indicates the main duties of the post which may be reviewed in the light of experience and developments within the service. Any review will be undertaken in conjunction with the post-holder.

MENTAL EFFORT:

Frequent requirement for sustained concentration when undertaking assessments, analysing information and preparing reports. Regular requirement to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

Frequent exposure to sensitive and sometimes distressing situations involving employees experiencing workplace difficulties, disability-related challenges or wellbeing concerns.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Primarily office, clinic and workplace environment. Regular travel across Trust locations. Occasional lone working. Use of display screen equipment for prolonged periods.

Our Shared Values and Behaviours

We are committed to delivering outstanding care and creating a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and supported. We seek individuals who share our purpose of helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives, and who are motivated by our mission to be the best team we can be. You will be expected to uphold our values by communicating openly, acting with kindness, showing respect for others and taking responsibility for your actions. These values guide how we work together and continually improve the care we provide. Our values are: Being open and honest we all communicate clearly and honestly, asking for help when we need it, and making it easier for the people around us to share ideas and concerns. Ensuring people feel cared for we all take responsibility for actively supporting and nurturing a kind and compassionate environment for ourselves and others. Showing respect for everyone we all act with consideration and fairness, valuing each other as individuals and appreciating our different perspectives. The purpose of this post should remain constant, but the duties and responsibilities may vary over time within the overall role and level of the post. The post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake other reasonable duties. Any such changes will be made in discussion with the post holder in the light of service needs.

Standard Clauses:

Competence The post holder is responsible for limiting his / her actions to those which s/he feels competent to undertake. If the post holder has any doubts as to his or her competence during the course of his / her duties then s/he should immediately speak to their line manager or supervisor. Codes of conduct All employees of the Trust who are required to be registered with a professional body, to enable them to practise within their profession, are required to comply with their code of conduct and requirements of their professional registration. Those staff that are not required to be registered with a professional body are required to comply with the Trusts codes of conduct. Confidentiality The post holder must maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, staff and other Health Service business.