ND Practitioner (CYP Pathway) in Harrogate

Job summaryRole PurposeTo undertake high-quality neurodevelopmental assessments for children, young people and/or adults. Depending on the specific clinical pathway (e.g, ADHD vs. Autism/combined assessments), the postholder will formulate clinical outcomes either as an autonomous single clinician or collaboratively as part of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).Main duties of the jobThe postholder will work in accordance with professional standards, Oakdale policies, and service requirements, supporting the safe, effective, and efficient delivery of neurodevelopmental services. Clinical duties and the level of independent practice permitted are strictly governed by the postholders formal progression and sign-off through the Oakdale Clinical Development Framework, working under direct clinical supervision until independent competency has been successfully demonstrated and documented.About usOakdale was established nearly twenty-five years ago and is highly regarded as a professional therapy provider. We are a not-for-profit community-based organisation and our team is united by a commitment to provide flexible, bespoke, evidence-based, and high-quality clinical services to meet the particular needs of each of our clients as well as the requirements of commissioners for an appropriate, collaborative, value-for-money service.The Oakdale Group provides a wide range of specialist assessments, including for autism, ADHD, and developmental trauma. Oakdale also provides a wide range of psychological therapies for children, young people, and adults. Many of our services are commissioned by the NHS, Local Authorities, and schools, and include services for NHS staff. Others are accessed by members of the public who pay for them privately, through medical insurance,or through our charitable arm.DetailsDate posted03 September 2026Pay schemeOtherSalary 39,474 to 56,000 a year ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working Reference numberU0113-26-0018Job locations49 Valley DriveHarrogateNorth YorkshireHG2 0JHUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesKey Responsibilities1. Clinical Practice & AssessmentUndertake comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments in accordance with Oakdale pathways, professional standards and national clinical guidelines (e.g., NICE)Conduct developmental history interviews, direct observations and other assessment activities appropriate to professional background, training and documented competency level.Gather, analyse, and integrate multi-source information to form robust clinical formulations and support diagnostic decision-making.Formulate diagnostic outcomes and clinical conclusions independently when operating on single-clinician assessment pathways (e.g., ADHD), ensuring practice aligns with professional guidelines and formal sign-off against the internal frameworkParticipate actively in multidisciplinary (MDT) discussions and panel formulations to co-produce final diagnostic conclusions, utilizing the oversight and support of senior clinicians where required.Utilise and oversee service-approved technology solutions (including dictation, transcription, and automated documentation systems) to enhance pathway efficiency, maintaining ultimate clinical accountability for decision-making and reviewing, quality-checking, and professionally signing off the clinical accuracy of all final outputs.Communicate assessment outcomes and recommendations clearly, professionally and compassionately to clients, families and external professionals.2. Clinical Governance, Quality & DocumentationMaintain accurate, contemporaneous and professional clinical records in accordance with organisational and professional regulatory standards.Complete clinical documentation, reports, risk assessments and administrative tasks within agreed timescales.Demonstrate clear clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making that meets established quality assurance standardsParticipate actively in clinical audits, quality assurance processes, and service improvement initiativesWork strictly within professional scope of practice, maintaining a comprehensive awareness of relevant healthcare legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and professional guidance, seeking support where required.Identify, assess and appropriately manage safeguarding concerns and clinical risks, escalating concerns promptly in accordance with Oakdale policies and procedures3. Multidisciplinary Team Working & CommunicationParticipate actively in multidisciplinary discussions, panels and decision-making processes.Build and maintain highly effective, collaborative, and professional working relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders.Engage proactively with organisational communications and professional directives.4. Organisation & Service DeliveryManage individual workloads and caseloads efficiently to optimise pathway flow, service delivery requirements, and agreed productivity expectations.Proactively monitor capacity and escalate operational barriers, constraints, or service risks to management in a timely manner.Demonstrate flexibility regarding working practices, designated clinical locations, and evolving service priorities5. Professional Development & Reflective PracticeMaintain active, professional registration and comply fully with the codes of conduct of the relevant regulatory body.Take personal responsibility for ongoing professional development, lifelong learning, and maintaining an up-to-date log of clinical competenciesAttend and actively participate in supervision, training, reflective practice, and competency development activities, and demonstrate learning through application of feedback.Contribute positively to team development, peer learning, and service improvement initiatives. Job description Job responsibilitiesKey Responsibilities1. Clinical Practice & AssessmentUndertake comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments in accordance with Oakdale pathways, professional standards and national clinical guidelines (e.g., NICE)Conduct developmental history interviews, direct observations and other assessment activities appropriate to professional background, training and documented competency level.Gather, analyse, and integrate multi-source information to form robust clinical formulations and support diagnostic decision-making.Formulate diagnostic outcomes and clinical conclusions independently when operating on single-clinician assessment pathways (e.g., ADHD), ensuring practice aligns with professional guidelines and formal sign-off against the internal frameworkParticipate actively in multidisciplinary (MDT) discussions and panel formulations to co-produce final diagnostic conclusions, utilizing the oversight and support of senior clinicians where required.Utilise and oversee service-approved technology solutions (including dictation, transcription, and automated documentation systems) to enhance pathway efficiency, maintaining ultimate clinical accountability for decision-making and reviewing, quality-checking, and professionally signing off the clinical accuracy of all final outputs.Communicate assessment outcomes and recommendations clearly, professionally and compassionately to clients, families and external professionals.2. Clinical Governance, Quality & DocumentationMaintain accurate, contemporaneous and professional clinical records in accordance with organisational and professional regulatory standards.Complete clinical documentation, reports, risk assessments and administrative tasks within agreed timescales.Demonstrate clear clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making that meets established quality assurance standardsParticipate actively in clinical audits, quality assurance processes, and service improvement initiativesWork strictly within professional scope of practice, maintaining a comprehensive awareness of relevant healthcare legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and professional guidance, seeking support where required.Identify, assess and appropriately manage safeguarding concerns and clinical risks, escalating concerns promptly in accordance with Oakdale policies and procedures3. Multidisciplinary Team Working & CommunicationParticipate actively in multidisciplinary discussions, panels and decision-making processes.Build and maintain highly effective, collaborative, and professional working relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders.Engage proactively with organisational communications and professional directives.4. Organisation & Service DeliveryManage individual workloads and caseloads efficiently to optimise pathway flow, service delivery requirements, and agreed productivity expectations.Proactively monitor capacity and escalate operational barriers, constraints, or service risks to management in a timely manner.Demonstrate flexibility regarding working practices, designated clinical locations, and evolving service priorities5. Professional Development & Reflective PracticeMaintain active, professional registration and comply fully with the codes of conduct of the relevant regulatory body.Take personal responsibility for ongoing professional development, lifelong learning, and maintaining an up-to-date log of clinical competenciesAttend and actively participate in supervision, training, reflective practice, and competency development activities, and demonstrate learning through application of feedback.Contribute positively to team development, peer learning, and service improvement initiatives.Person Specification Knowledge & Skills EssentialKnowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., Autism, ADHD) and a clear understanding of the assessment process.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey sensitive information and build professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.Strong organisational, prioritisation, and time-management skills, with a track record of meeting clinical and operational deadlines.Proficiency in the use of digital systems and technology, including electronic patient recordsDesirableDirect competency or certification in neurodevelopmental assessment tools and measures (e.g, ADOS-2, SCQ, ADI-R, DIVA, or Young DIVA). Qualifications EssentialCore professional qualification and current, active registration with one of the following regulatory bodies:NMC: NursingHCPC: Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Clinical/Forensic/Counselling PsychologySocial Work England: Social Work Experience EssentialExperience working within a mental health, neurodevelopmental, neurodiversity-focused, or relevant clinical setting.Experience producing high-quality, comprehensive clinical documentation and robust multi-source formulations to a professional standard.Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to clinical formulations and shared decision-making.Experience operating within safeguarding, risk management, and professional clinical governance frameworks.DesirableDirect, autonomous experience delivering neurodevelopmental assessments with children, young people, and/or adults Mobility & Flexibility EssentialAbility and willingness to travel between designated Oakdale centres as required by service needs.DesirableFull UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes Person Specification Knowledge & Skills EssentialKnowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., Autism, ADHD) and a clear understanding of the assessment process.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey sensitive information and build professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.Strong organisational, prioritisation, and time-management skills, with a track record of meeting clinical and operational deadlines.Proficiency in the use of digital systems and technology, including electronic patient recordsDesirableDirect competency or certification in neurodevelopmental assessment tools and measures (e.g, ADOS-2, SCQ, ADI-R, DIVA, or Young DIVA). Qualifications EssentialCore professional qualification and current, active registration with one of the following regulatory bodies:NMC: NursingHCPC: Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Clinical/Forensic/Counselling PsychologySocial Work England: Social Work Experience EssentialExperience working within a mental health, neurodevelopmental, neurodiversity-focused, or relevant clinical setting.Experience producing high-quality, comprehensive clinical documentation and robust multi-source formulations to a professional standard.Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to clinical formulations and shared decision-making.Experience operating within safeguarding, risk management, and professional clinical governance frameworks.DesirableDirect, autonomous experience delivering neurodevelopmental assessments with children, young people, and/or adults Mobility & Flexibility EssentialAbility and willingness to travel between designated Oakdale centres as required by service needs.DesirableFull UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposesDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameOakdale Centre CICAddress49 Valley DriveHarrogateNorth YorkshireHG2 0JHUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameOakdale Centre CICAddress49 Valley DriveHarrogateNorth YorkshireHG2 0JHUnited KingdomEmployer's website