Specialist Support Worker

Job Summary

The Community Paediatric service provides assessment and support for young people who have, or are suspected of having, a range of developmental and neurodevelopmental conditions. Through work with young people, families, and professionals, this role seeks to enhance the offer we have for young people awaiting or undergoing assessment for an autism spectrum condition with a focus on understanding individual strengths & needs.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main Duties of the Job

This role will include support to the multi-disciplinary team completing assessments as part of our pre-school and school-age autism spectrum pathways. Information will be gathered to support the team in developing a formulation regarding a young person's presentation through observation, assessment, and information gathering.

This role will also include support to young people and families in advance of or while awaiting assessment to consider a possible autism spectrum condition. This will focus on intervention which will have maximum benefit for the broadest range of families including groups, workshops, and liaison with partner agencies. It may include specific, targeted support to young people and families.

The Community Paediatric service is a multi-disciplinary team, and work will take place in conjunction with or under the supervision of a range of professionals to ensure the most appropriate care & support is delivered to young people and families.

Job Responsibilities

1. To support the assessment of young people suspected of having an autism spectrum condition in conjunction with, and under the supervision of, the multi-disciplinary assessment team. This may include delegated tasks such as observations of young people or use of specific assessment tools.
2. To liaise with professionals both within or external to the community paediatric service in gathering information and insight regarding young people.
3. To take part in multi-disciplinary discussions to help formulate outcomes for young people.
4. To deliver intervention and support to young people and families on a range of topics through groups and workshops.
5. Under the supervision of the multi-disciplinary team, offer targeted support to children and families based on specific goals and outcomes.
6. To provide clear, accessible information in a written format which can be shared with the young person, their families, and other professionals.
7. Proactively engage in supervision with the wider team and manager.
8. Liaise with partner organisations in planning and providing support including schools & other education services, local authorities, and charitable organisations.
9. Engage in multi-agency meetings such as Team Around Me or Early Help Assessment Plan meetings.
10. Keep contemporaneous, legible, and accurate records regarding all involvement with young people and families.
11. Assist in the maintenance and cleaning of toys & equipment which are used as part of the assessment process.
12. Be aware of strategies which children with special education needs or disabilities may use as part of their communication including signing and other visual communication tools.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working with children and young people who have an autism spectrum condition.
• Understanding of approaches to behaviours which challenge.
• Proven knowledge of child development.

Qualifications

• NVQ level 4 in related subject or diploma or equivalent demonstrable experience in relevant field such as childcare.

Aptitude and Abilities

• Good communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Good observational skills.
• Ability to prioritise and organise work effectively.
• Excellent organisational skills.

Disposition

• Ability to work well within a busy environment accepting delegated tasks.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and committed.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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.

Employer Details

Employer Name: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address: Child Development Center, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth, PL2 2PQ

Website: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust