Job summary We are seeking a qualified Occupational Therapist with strong interpersonal skills to join our small and friendly complex adult Autism assessment team based in Kings Hill, Kent. The Autism Assessment Service has been in operation since June 2020 and is commissioned by Kent Community Health Foundation Trust (KCHFT). The team currently comprises four clinical psychologists, one forensic psychologist, and three assistant psychologists, with ongoing recruitment to expand and diversify the team. This post is offered part-time (between 15 and 22.5 hours per week), with a combination of in-person and remote working available. As an independent mental health provider, working closely with the NHS, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop experience of working within an alternative service provision. We are looking for candidates with experience of undertaking Autism assessments. The supportive nature of the team and the variety of clients we see means that there are opportunities to develop both your knowledge of Autism and of co-occurring neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. Main duties of the job You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide high quality diagnostic assessment for adults seeking an Autism diagnosis. Assessment will take into account social and communication factors, sensory issues and any barriers to education, employment and community access. You will assess and identify challenges relating to occupation and functional skills, including the impact of sensory differences on these. Through assessment you will consider differential diagnoses as well as other factors impacting on presenting difficulties. About us Sinclair-Strong Consultants Limited is a well-regarded independent Psychology-led service. In addition to autism, we work across adult mental health, personal injury sectors, and within community and secure services for people with autism and intellectual disability. We offer a salary in line with Agenda for Change and an annual leave entitlement commensurate with the NHS. We are passionate about supporting professional development both in house and regular attendance at external courses. Date posted 10 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary Depending on experience Band 7 Agenda for Change Pay Brackets Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number U0100-24-0009 Job locations Building 80 Churchill Square Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4YU Job description Job responsibilities Key duties of the role: Conduct high quality, formulation-led Autism assessments, involving direct contact with clients, carers/family, and professionals for adults presenting with an intellectual disability or co-occurring mental health difficulties. Work within an assessment protocol that includes standardised screening and standardised assessment tools, following NICE guidelines, and with consideration and screening for co-occurring and/or differential diagnostic issues. Analyse complex client information, derived from a variety of sources including psychological and neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with the client, family members and others involved in the client's care. Exercise clinical autonomy for a caseload of complex Autism assessments. Identify when an onward referral is required and manage this. Write high-quality assessment reports with recommendations. Attend meetings with key stakeholders, team case discussions, journal club, company-wide CPD days, etc. Provide clinical leadership, co-ordination, and supervision for junior staff, under the general direction and supervision of the Lead Principal Psychologist. Communicate complex and sensitive information to clients where the atmosphere may be emotive, or there may be barriers to understanding. Job description Job responsibilities Key duties of the role: Conduct high quality, formulation-led Autism assessments, involving direct contact with clients, carers/family, and professionals for adults presenting with an intellectual disability or co-occurring mental health difficulties. Work within an assessment protocol that includes standardised screening and standardised assessment tools, following NICE guidelines, and with consideration and screening for co-occurring and/or differential diagnostic issues. Analyse complex client information, derived from a variety of sources including psychological and neuropsychological tests, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with the client, family members and others involved in the client's care. Exercise clinical autonomy for a caseload of complex Autism assessments. Identify when an onward referral is required and manage this. Write high-quality assessment reports with recommendations. Attend meetings with key stakeholders, team case discussions, journal club, company-wide CPD days, etc. Provide clinical leadership, co-ordination, and supervision for junior staff, under the general direction and supervision of the Lead Principal Psychologist. Communicate complex and sensitive information to clients where the atmosphere may be emotive, or there may be barriers to understanding. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Qualified Occupational Therapist. Registered Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Registered member of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Trained and experienced in at least one standardised tool used for Autism assessment (e.g. ADOS, ADI-R, DISCO). Skills Essential Evidence-based, reflective practice and clinical reasoning skills in assessment and treatment. Effective communicator with clients, professionals, and staff members. Ability and skills to organise and manage workload. Experience Essential Significant clinical experience as a registered OT. Experience in undertaking Autism diagnostic assessment. Experience in functional and/or sensory assessments and interventions. Experience of multi-disciplinary working. Desirable Experience of working with adults within mental health services. Experience of undertaking diagnostic assessments for other neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. ADHD, intellectual disability). Person Specification Qualifications Essential Qualified Occupational Therapist. Registered Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Registered member of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Trained and experienced in at least one standardised tool used for Autism assessment (e.g. ADOS, ADI-R, DISCO). Skills Essential Evidence-based, reflective practice and clinical reasoning skills in assessment and treatment. Effective communicator with clients, professionals, and staff members. Ability and skills to organise and manage workload. Experience Essential Significant clinical experience as a registered OT. Experience in undertaking Autism diagnostic assessment. Experience in functional and/or sensory assessments and interventions. Experience of multi-disciplinary working. Desirable Experience of working with adults within mental health services. Experience of undertaking diagnostic assessments for other neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g. ADHD, intellectual disability). 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. 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. 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 Sinclair-Strong Consultants Ltd Address Building 80 Churchill Square Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4YU Employer's website http://www.sinclairstrong.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)