An exciting and unique post has been created for a Neurodiversity Lead to oversee Oxleas Southwest Prisons Neurodiversity Service. Duties will include neurodevelopmental service implementation, review, and analysis across the South West region (three regions and 10 prisons).
Within this post, "Neurodivergent" (ND) refers principally to individuals with Autism, Learning Difficulties (LD), and Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The interventions that form part of this strategy are expected to benefit all who present with these conditions as well as those presenting with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and degenerative neurological disorders.
This role will provide specialist highly developed knowledge based on previous extensive experience and/or relevant specialist training.
Please note - Base location for this post is flexible and can be any of our 10 prisons or our Head Office in Taunton. You will be required to provide support, expertise and knowledge to all 10 sites remotely and face to face. All travel can be claimed through our Trust expense policy.
Main duties of the job
This role requires a dynamic leader with highly specialist expertise in neurodiversity, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate the complexities of a multi-site operational environment.
It also requires a candidate with extensive clinical and/or operational experience in delivering services to individuals with neurodevelopmental and acquired brain neurological conditions, combined with the ability to translate this expertise into impactful practices, policy and practice development within complex secure environments, within the South West region, but impacting upon future practice and development for the Offender Health Directorate and represent the organisation externally to commissioners and other national experts.
The post holder will be expected to travel regularly to any of the ten prison sites across the Southwest, ensuring effective delivery of neurodiversity services and support. The prisons are as follows: HMP Dartmoor, HMP Channings Wood, HMP Exeter, HMP Portland, HMP The Verne, HMP Guys Marsh, HMP Erlestoke, HMP Leyhill, HMP Bristol, HMP Ashfield.
Job responsibilities
* Lead the development of a comprehensive neurodiversity strategy across the Southwest prisons, aligned with national guidance and best practices.
* Act in an advisory capacity to staff within the Southwest region supporting others to ensure, or directly provide, expertise to assess and manage risks associated with neurodivergent clients, such as vulnerabilities, behaviour challenges, or mental health co-morbidities.
* Ensure clinical supervision and support is available to staff involved in delivering care to neurodivergent clients, offering expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions, and acquired brain injuries to enhance care quality.
* Maintain registration with the appropriate governing body as necessary (NMC/GMC/HCPC).
* Access regular supervision, management supervision, and multi-disciplinary team meetings/case discussions.
* The post holder must be proficient in using standard office software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
* The role involves regular travel across multiple prison sites, requiring physical stamina to navigate secure environments and attend site visits.
* High levels of concentration are required to analyse complex information, develop strategic plans, and manage competing priorities across multiple sites.
* The post holder will operate with a high degree of autonomy, being the senior strategic lead for neurodiversity across the ten prison sites.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* A relevant qualification, such as Nursing (RN), Social Work, Medicine (GMC registered), or allied health professional qualifications (HCPC or equivalent).
* Postgraduate qualification in a related field (e.g., neurodevelopmental disorders, clinical psychology, or psychiatry) or equivalent experience.
* Registration with an appropriate governing body (NMC, GMC, SWE, HCPC) and maintain current professional registration.
* Evidence of continuous professional development in neurodiversity-related subjects.
Experience
* Significant clinical or operational leadership experience working with neurodivergent clients (Autism, ADHD, LD, TBI, dementia) in a healthcare, prison, or community setting.
* Extensive experience in a leadership or management role, including overseeing a multi-disciplinary team.
* Experience in the development and delivery of clinical strategies and interventions, especially within secure or challenging environments.
* Proven ability to design and deliver training to staff, including neurodiversity awareness and practical skills.
Skills/Knowledge
* In-depth understanding of neurodevelopmental and acquired brain disorders, including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, TBI, and dementia.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, motivate, and develop staff at all levels.
* Knowledge of risk assessment and management, particularly with neurodivergent clients.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr