Specialist Autism Practitioner
Specialist Autism Practitioner

Specialist Autism Practitioner

Milton Keynes Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support autistic individuals in a community mental health setting and deliver top-quality care.
  • Company: Join a passionate NHS Trust dedicated to patient-centred care.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families.
  • Qualifications: Experience in mental health and autism support, with relevant professional registration.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with diverse opportunities across various mental health services.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Search here to find a new job, a new career, an opportunity to upskill or to simply change your career direction. Become part of our team. We care for you as much as you care for others.

We’re passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patient’s own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people. We’re always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust.

We have a diverse culture and equally diverse range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more – whatever stage of your career you\’re at, there\’s always a place for you at CNWL.

Main area: Specialist Autism Practitioner Grade NHS AfC: Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours Full time – 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) Job ref 333-D-MK-MH-1279

Site: Westcroft Health Centre Town: Milton Keynes Salary: £47,810 – £54,710 per annum (pro rata if P/T) Salary period: Yearly Closing: 16/10/2025 23:59 Interview date: 23/10/2025

Job overview

We are delighted to advertise an exciting opportunity for an experienced Mental Health Nurse/Social Worker/Occupational Therapist, to work within the Community Mental Health Hub and support the Transforming Care work progressing in the Milton Keynes locality area.

Main duties of the job

Previous experience working with Autistic people is a key requirement of the role, in addition to experience working in community mental health services. You will need to demonstrate core skills in Key working in addition to, proven skills gained working in Mental Health practice, including with care planning and risk assessment, with knowledge of doing so utilising the DIALOG+ approach.

Knowledge of local and national initiatives relating to the Transforming Care Programme, is a key requirement of this job. Additionally, knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, the Mental Health Act, the Care Act and the Autism Act are also required.

Working for our organisation

We are passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patients own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You should have experience in working in the field of health and social care and be able to demonstrate experience of positive partnership working. You will work alongside partners such as: Local mental health inpatient areas, the community Mental Health Hub and ALDT, NHS East of England Provider Collaborative, People who have a Mental Health diagnosis and who have Autism, Carers and Families and the local authority.

Person specification

Education/Qualification/Training

  • Professional Registration currently registered with governing body e.g., Registered Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.
  • Degree level or equivalent supplemented by specialist qualification, training, experience, courses
  • Evidence of post registration training
  • Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent or willing to undertake

Experience

  • Significant clinical experience
  • Experience of multi-agency working
  • Experience of service development
  • Experience of managing and reporting risks
  • Demonstrable experience of coordinating projects
  • Experience of monitoring budgets and business planning processes.

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to form excellent working relationships and to influence others in order to deliver results
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy and changing environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to undertake risk assessment

Knowledge

  • Demonstrable ability to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often, changing timescales.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of local and national frameworks, legal frameworks and guidance’s relating to supporting people who have MH or who are autistic.

The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.

  • Due to the high response levels we receive for some vacancies, we may expire any of them prior to the advertised closing date and advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.
  • Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
  • Our Agenda for Change employment contracts are subject to a contractual 13 week probationary period.

Please contact Gemma Carlesimo, Clinical Nurse Specialist at gemma.carlesimo@nhs.net or on 01908 725800 for further information

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Specialist Autism Practitioner employer: CNWL

At CNWL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Specialist Autism Practitioners. Located in Milton Keynes, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth within a diverse range of mental health services. Our commitment to patient-centred care ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions and prioritises your well-being as much as that of our patients.
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Contact Detail:

CNWL Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Specialist Autism Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, especially those who work with autistic individuals. They might know about job openings or can even refer you directly to hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and the Autism Act. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of a Specialist Autism Practitioner and how you can contribute to patient-centred care.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for patient care during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've gone the extra mile for patients in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you truly care about making a difference in their lives.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Autism Practitioner

Experience working with Autistic people
Experience in community mental health services
Key working skills
Care planning
Risk assessment
Knowledge of DIALOG+ approach
Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act
Knowledge of the Mental Health Act
Knowledge of the Care Act
Knowledge of the Autism Act
Experience in multi-agency working
Experience of service development
Experience of managing and reporting risks
Excellent communication skills
Interpersonal skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with autistic individuals and community mental health services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for patient-centred care shine through in your application. We’re all about caring for others, so share why you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of those with autism and mental health challenges.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate clarity and directness when reviewing applications.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at CNWL.

How to prepare for a job interview at CNWL

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, the Mental Health Act, and the Autism Act. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the legal landscape you'll be working in.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work with autistic individuals or in community mental health services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

As a Specialist Autism Practitioner, excellent communication is key. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with patients, families, and multi-agency partners. Highlight any strategies you've used to ensure effective communication, especially in challenging situations.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Specialist Autism Practitioner
CNWL
Location: Milton Keynes
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