Job summary An opportunity has arisen to join our Multi-Disciplinary Diagnostic Team for Autism (MDA).This is an exciting time to come and join our highly motivated and pro-active team. The team has undergone a recent expansion which has allowed for further development of bespoke clinical pathways to support children and young people who are referred onto the diagnostic pathway. We wish to recruit a motivated and passionate Highly Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with a specific interest in Autism/Social communication difficulties The post holder will work within the Multi-Disciplinary Assessment Team (MDA), carrying out complex speech, language and communication assessments to assist with a diagnostic outcome for children within the autism spectrum. You will be an integral part of the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trusts Autism diagnostic Service. Our department offers: excellent opportunities for development through appraisal, peer review, training opportunities, clinical supervision & safeguarding supervision excellent support from peers and experienced colleagues within the team excellent support from peers and experienced colleagues within the team Well-resourced settings regular clinical and staff meetings opportunities for collaborative working with other professional groups Structured induction and supervision programme. Interview date will be arranged after the closing date. Main duties of the job The role involves effective working within the MDA team, providing detailed specialist assessment, evaluation and advice of a complex nature to aid correct diagnosis for children referred into the autism diagnostic pathway. You will work along side paediatricians, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists and be expected to provide feedback of outcomes to parents and schools. This will involve assessment within the clinic setting, at home and school. The successful candidate will also provide advice and recommendations as part of the patient journey on the diagnostic pathway. About us We provide care and support to over a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees in their homes, community settings and across our three hospital sites at Pontefract, Dewsbury and Pinderfields (Wakefield). Always striving for excellence, we are at the forefront of innovation and research, and we invest in teaching and the development of our workforce. We live by our values of caring, improving, being respectful and maintaining high standards. We listen and learn because we aim to make Mid Yorkshire the best place to work and receive care. We value diversity and welcome talent and enthusiasm irrespective of age, disability, neurodivergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances including providing unpaid carers support to someone with a health and care need. As ethnic minority groups, members of the LGBTQ community, and people with a disability/neurodivergence are currently under-represented across the organisation, we encourage applications from members of these groups. We have policies and procedures to ensure all applicants are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud of our staff networks - who offer valuable guidance and feedback from those with lived experience. We have a clear vision and you could be part of this If you share our values and you want to make a difference to the lives of our patients and their families and carers, we would love to hear from you. Date posted 06 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number C9377-FCS6003 Job locations Pinderfields Hospital Aberford Road Wakefield West Yorkshire WF1 4DG Pontefract Hospital Friarwood Lane Pontefract West Yorkshire WF8 1PL Job description Job responsibilities To work effectively within the MDA team for autism spectrum disorders, providing detailed assessment and advice to aid correct diagnosis for these children. To work clinically with clients presenting with a wide range of communication difficulties including the Autistic spectrum, initiating and promoting excellence in clinical practice acting as a role model to junior staff. To be aware of & contribute to Risk Management To contribute to Clinical Governance initiative To maintain a culture which recognises and works in partnership with clients and carers, involving them in all decisions relating to care delivery. To liaise effectively with colleagues, other agencies, clients and their carers to ensure an efficient system of communication. Be able to vary how information is communicated dependent on the recipients, this may include difficult or sensitive information. To attend & participate in regular team meetings. To demonstrate and maintain own knowledge and awareness of recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding the needs of vulnerable children. Including participation in regular safeguarding supervision at least once every 12 weeks, in line with trust policy. To attend multi-agency safeguarding meetings as required. To attend designated meetings and ensure accurate feedback of any changes to clients communication and/or feeding difficulties To participate in clinical supervision ensuring that practice is maintained at high levels and is evaluated utilising appropriate mechanisms. To provide regular clinical supervision for members of the team To encourage contributions and suggestions from staff to improve the delivery of high-quality service within the department. To be pro-active in self-development by participating in learning opportunities provided through staff training and supervision. Maintain and update skills and knowledge through life-long learning, especially within the sphere of childrens services. To provide opportunities for student training as required & liaise with HEIs as appropriate. To undertake all mandatory/essential training as required by MYHT. To take the lead in team developments as designated by the line manager. Job description Job responsibilities To work effectively within the MDA team for autism spectrum disorders, providing detailed assessment and advice to aid correct diagnosis for these children. To work clinically with clients presenting with a wide range of communication difficulties including the Autistic spectrum, initiating and promoting excellence in clinical practice acting as a role model to junior staff. To be aware of & contribute to Risk Management To contribute to Clinical Governance initiative To maintain a culture which recognises and works in partnership with clients and carers, involving them in all decisions relating to care delivery. To liaise effectively with colleagues, other agencies, clients and their carers to ensure an efficient system of communication. Be able to vary how information is communicated dependent on the recipients, this may include difficult or sensitive information. To attend & participate in regular team meetings. To demonstrate and maintain own knowledge and awareness of recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding the needs of vulnerable children. Including participation in regular safeguarding supervision at least once every 12 weeks, in line with trust policy. To attend multi-agency safeguarding meetings as required. To attend designated meetings and ensure accurate feedback of any changes to clients communication and/or feeding difficulties To participate in clinical supervision ensuring that practice is maintained at high levels and is evaluated utilising appropriate mechanisms. To provide regular clinical supervision for members of the team To encourage contributions and suggestions from staff to improve the delivery of high-quality service within the department. To be pro-active in self-development by participating in learning opportunities provided through staff training and supervision. Maintain and update skills and knowledge through life-long learning, especially within the sphere of childrens services. To provide opportunities for student training as required & liaise with HEIs as appropriate. To undertake all mandatory/essential training as required by MYHT. To take the lead in team developments as designated by the line manager. Person Specification Experience Essential Post registration SLT experience working with children with social communication needs Evidence of recent and relevant clinical experience of working with children with autism Ability to establish good working relationships Understanding of current NHS Policy direction and service modernisation Evidence of relevant ongoing professional and clinical development Experience of working in successful multidisciplinary teams Desirable Experience of use of effective outcome measures Experience of teaching Experience of mentoring staff Previous work at Band 6 level Working within an autism diagnostic team ADOS trained Skills and Abilities Essential Evidence of providing accurate records of communication consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. Evidence of appropriate communication with people on complex matters and or complex issues Understanding and experience of inter-agency working and services available within health and social care and education services Sound understanding of Clinical Audit and evaluation IT literate Personal Attributes Essential Ability to promote equality and value diversity Professional attitude and positive role model Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team Ability to travel across the district Flexibility with regards to patterns of work Able to carry out duties commensurate with the role Other Essential Ability to satisfy Occupational Health screening Adaptable and flexible according to the demands of the service. Understanding of need to maintain confidentiality Knowledge and Awareness Essential Up to date and relevant knowledge of the variety of childhood conditions which impact on development of appropriate speech, language and communication skills. Considerable awareness of the impacts of SLCN on access to the curriculum. Qualifications Essential SLT Degree HCPC registered Evidence of relevant and up to date post graduate training & / experience working in the field of autism and working with education Desirable Postgraduate qualification in autism Person Specification Experience Essential Post registration SLT experience working with children with social communication needs Evidence of recent and relevant clinical experience of working with children with autism Ability to establish good working relationships Understanding of current NHS Policy direction and service modernisation Evidence of relevant ongoing professional and clinical development Experience of working in successful multidisciplinary teams Desirable Experience of use of effective outcome measures Experience of teaching Experience of mentoring staff Previous work at Band 6 level Working within an autism diagnostic team ADOS trained Skills and Abilities Essential Evidence of providing accurate records of communication consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. Evidence of appropriate communication with people on complex matters and or complex issues Understanding and experience of inter-agency working and services available within health and social care and education services Sound understanding of Clinical Audit and evaluation IT literate Personal Attributes Essential Ability to promote equality and value diversity Professional attitude and positive role model Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team Ability to travel across the district Flexibility with regards to patterns of work Able to carry out duties commensurate with the role Other Essential Ability to satisfy Occupational Health screening Adaptable and flexible according to the demands of the service. Understanding of need to maintain confidentiality Knowledge and Awareness Essential Up to date and relevant knowledge of the variety of childhood conditions which impact on development of appropriate speech, language and communication skills. Considerable awareness of the impacts of SLCN on access to the curriculum. Qualifications Essential SLT Degree HCPC registered Evidence of relevant and up to date post graduate training & / experience working in the field of autism and working with education Desirable Postgraduate qualification in autism 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 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 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust Address Pinderfields Hospital Aberford Road Wakefield West Yorkshire WF1 4DG Employer's website https://www.midyorks.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)