Highly Specialist Neurodevelopmental Occupational Therapist - IST Croydon

The specialist neurodevelopmental Occupational Therapist will take an approach that considers the whole person using a neurodevelopmental affirming focus in addressing existing issues working within a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach to adults with Autism. The role will focus upon 'intense' multi-professional case coordination with a focus upon person centred outcomes to produce autism focused essential lifestyle plans. The post holder will act within professional boundaries and key area of focus will be upon neurodevelopmental affirming occupational systematic skills teaching, breaking complex tasks into smaller, logical, and sequential steps to facilitate neurodevelopmental learning and skill attainment. An area of focus will be upon use of personalised technology to aid autonomy, independence and daily living skills. Similarly, a specific area of focus will be upon sensory assessment for autistic adults in understanding and enhancing daily function, regulation, and independence and identify difficulties faced within sensory-seeking or avoiding behaviours within the promotion of neurodevelopmental affirming daily living.

Main duties of the job:

• To lead on the development of a high-quality Occupational Therapy service for autistic adults (and co-existing neurodivergent needs, Intellectual Disability ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia etc.).
• To work as part of the local multi-agency Autism Intensive Support Service to provide co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach to autistic adults.
• To act as a source of clinical expertise and advice on Occupational Therapy input for autistic adults, within the Croydon Intensive Support Team (IST) for other health professionals and colleagues working within external agencies.
• To provide a specialised standard of occupational therapy assessment and intervention for a caseload of adults with a wide range of developmental difficulties, many of whom may have complex or multiple pathologies, in line with department priorities and policies.
• To work across health, education and social services settings combining the traditional roles of both health and social services occupational therapists as part of a specialist autism crisis prevention service for autistic adults, young people and their families.
• To work frequently as a lone practitioner across a variety of locations within the community, including clients' homes, social care providers and inpatient settings, ensuring that intervention is responsive and sensitive to the social, cultural, linguistic and religious needs of a diverse population.

About us:

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provides hospital and community services across Croydon through a range of clinics and specialist centres. Formed in August 2010 from the integration of Croydon Community Health Services and Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust, we employ around 4,100 staff serving a diverse population of over 360,000 people. Our main site, Croydon University Hospital, is one of the busiest in London. We are also leading the way in delivering more healthcare in community settings and people's homes. Our district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons care for people of all ages across the borough. Like the wider NHS, we are working hard to meet increasing demand. With the right people on board, we continue to innovate and transform our services to provide the highest quality care for local residents. We place strong emphasis on education, training and career development for all staff. If you want to make a real difference, challenge yourself and be part of a Trust that's shaping local healthcare, Croydon Health Services could be the place for you.

At Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.

Person Specification:

• EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Essential: OT Degree / Diploma, HPC registered, Post registration training related to neurodiversity and sensory needs, Evidence of self-directed learning and CPD, Attendance on other post-qualification courses.
• Desirable: Lived-experience of neuro-divergence, co-occurring/individual diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or both. OR parent/carer of autistic child/sibling, Master's degree in a relevant subject (Autism, Positive Behaviour Support, ABA), Neuro-developmental Training, postgraduate or diploma.
• KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
• Essential: Demonstrates a clear understanding of OT skills in relation to adults with neurodiversity, Experience of working in a professional role at Band 6 or above, Understanding of national and professional policies, guidance and standards affecting adult services, Excellent clinical knowledge and well established assessment and intervention skills, including use of standardised assessments, Understanding and experience of implementing the clinical governance agenda in the NHS, Knowledge of working with patients/public, Knowledge required to deliver autism service provision to individuals with specialist needs working across the Health and Social care system, An understanding of the wide Autism Intellectual Disability Agenda on a national and local basis, Knowledge of NHS agendas and up to date policy, Sound, practical understanding of relevant legislation (such as the Mental Capacity Act, the Community Care Act and Intercollegiate document), policies and processes necessary to deliver complex services to vulnerable adults, Knowledge of Governance in a multi-disciplinary setting, Practical knowledge and application of current legislation as it is applied to adults at risk, Significant experience of working with adults with neurodiversity in a variety of settings, Experience of coaching parents, carers or education staff to implement OT strategies, Experience of the development and implementation of clinical projects, Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary and multiagency setting, Experience working in community settings, Experience of goal setting and Evaluation, Experience of evaluating, and implementing evidence based practice, Experience of working with families and carers in a family and child centred approach, Experience within health and/or social care sectors, Experience of partnership/collaborative working and of building relationships organisations, Commitment to undertake a health coach qualification, Commitment to professional and personal development, Skilled in active and reflective listening, building trust and rapport quickly, Demonstrable skills in supporting behaviour change.
• Desirable: Specialist equipment Knowledge, Considered experience within personalised technology training and systemic skills training, Home safety equipment and adaptations knowledge, Sound practical understanding of policies, processes and legislation necessary to deliver specialist services to autistic adults, Experience of supervising junior staff.
• SKILLS/ABILITIES
• Essential: Excellent active listening skills, Comprehensive OT knowledge, Problem-solving skills, Critical thinking skills, The ability to establish and maintain healthy boundaries, Positive, growth-mindset, Team player, Ability to communicate accurately and appropriately with members of the public, senior management, Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a wider, multidisciplinary team and with autonomy, Ability to provide and receive highly complex sensitive and contentious information, Able to chair (when required) co-ordinate and facilitate meetings, Able to work across professional teams and organisational boundaries, Competent in the use of standard Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Desirable: Influence and leadership skills.

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. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.