Neurodiversity Support Specialist

Position Overview

This innovative role is integral to our Neurodiversity Transformation Initiative, building upon the successful Learning Disability and Autism Pathway Keyworker pilot developed in collaboration with health authorities. The Neurodiversity Support Specialist will assist children, adolescents, and their families who are in the queue for diagnostic evaluations. The focus will be on addressing the needs of the young individuals while guiding their families through the complexities of the system to access local resources during the waiting period.

We aim to establish a new model of support for Children and Young People (CYP) and their families/caregivers facing challenges related to various neurodiverse conditions. This position will empower CYP and their families to receive timely and appropriate assistance, ensuring that local systems are adaptable to their holistic needs.

We seek motivated and proactive individuals who aspire to positively impact the lives of Children and Young People in the region. We are looking to fill multiple roles that will operate across educational, health, social care, and community sectors to facilitate systemic change and incorporate principles of care transformation and reforms to enhance the experiences of CYP and their families/caregivers.

Main Responsibilities

The primary objective of this role is to enhance the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families/caregivers dealing with a variety of mental health challenges.

We are assembling a team of Neurodiversity Support Specialists to deliver assistance throughout the region. You will be stationed in various locations to provide localized support to families, aiming to reach as many individuals as possible.

• Assist in navigating the intricate networks of health, education, social care, and community services
• Practice active listening
• Provide informed guidance
• Connect families to community organizations, parent/caregiver forums, and statutory services for both practical and emotional support
• Support in completing necessary documentation
• Offer targeted assistance with personalized support plans
• Advocate when necessary, without replacing other advocacy services

Work Schedule

All staff members are expected to be available to work across a 7-day service.

Job Share Opportunities

Please note that this position may not qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; refer to official resources for eligibility details.

About Livewell Southwest

Livewell Southwest is a recognized, independent social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services to individuals across various regions. Our teams operate in community hospitals, healthcare practices, wellness centers, and health hubs.

As an organization with a strong commitment to social responsibility, we prioritize kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, accountability, and collaboration. We strive to transform services to ensure sustainability while valuing, supporting, and empowering our workforce.

We are dedicated to involving the individuals we serve, along with their families and caregivers, in all aspects of our operations, working towards co-production whenever possible. Our goal is to provide the right care at the right time, ensuring that individuals can lead healthy, independent lives.

Employee Development

We value our employees and prioritize investment in their professional growth. We offer:

• Protected continuing professional development (CPD) time for registered staff.
• Diverse development pathways and ongoing training opportunities for all employees.
• Leadership and mentoring programs.
• Access to funding for training, including Care Certificate and Assistant Practitioners Course.
• A comprehensive preceptorship program.
• A tailored induction process.
• Continuation of NHS Pension Scheme membership for existing members.

Key Responsibilities

The main purpose of this role is to improve the health and wellbeing of CYP and their families/caregivers facing various neurodiverse challenges.

Active participation in delivering high-quality, safe, and compassionate services as a vital team member.

Implementing specific assessments, reviews, and care packages for individuals and groups within established protocols and integrated care pathways.

Providing evidence-based advice and consultancy to young individuals and their families/caregivers within standard protocols.

Managing a defined caseload under appropriate supervision and working independently when necessary.

The post holder will be accountable for their actions in delivering care, seeking guidance from registered practitioners as needed through regular managerial and clinical supervision in line with organizational policies.

Communication and Collaboration

Communicate effectively and respectfully with young individuals, families, and caregivers who may have specific communication challenges and may be distressed or exhibit challenging behaviors.

Engage in clinical meetings and collaborate with colleagues across multidisciplinary services.

Maintain professional boundaries while recognizing personal competencies and limitations.

Communicate complex and sensitive information regarding assessments, treatments, and risk factors related to various neurodiverse conditions.

Establish and maintain clear and professional relationships with all stakeholders.

Work collaboratively with a range of professionals in both statutory and non-statutory organizations.

Provide high-quality written and verbal communication that adheres to organizational documentation standards.

Planning and Organization

Organize, plan, and prioritize your workload under the guidance of a registered practitioner.

Deliver evidence-based advice, guidance, and consultancy to patients, families, caregivers, and professionals within established protocols.

Coordinate and review services, including active reviews and placements as delegated by registered practitioners.

Organize clinical meetings and ensure that interventions/services are planned in an integrated manner to best support clients and caregivers, which may involve liaising with external agencies.

Analytical and Judgment Skills

Recognize your clinical competencies, knowledge base, and experience, ensuring practice within these parameters and seeking support as needed.

Make informed decisions, recognizing when to seek further advice from registered practitioners.

Conduct risk assessments and determine appropriate actions, considering various options and consulting senior colleagues when necessary.

Address any situations that may present a conflict of interest.

Accountability and Responsibility

Comply with organizational policies and procedures and uphold the Code of Conduct for Health Care Support Workers.

Promote and protect the privacy, dignity, rights, health, and wellbeing of clients and their caregivers at all times.

Responsible for delivering specific care packages, including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation within established protocols, and accountable for actions taken in care delivery.

Provide evidence-based clinical advice regarding individuals in the care of the team.

Ensure appropriate actions are taken for safeguarding children under the guidance of a Senior Practitioner.

Maintain accurate clinical records in a timely manner in accordance with organizational policies.

Policy and Service Development

Follow organizational policy guidance related to your team and role, providing feedback on proposed policy changes and service developments.

Embrace change, respond positively to new priorities and challenges, and seek opportunities for service improvement.

Contribute to service development activities as required by management to enhance the quality of care provided by the team.

Participate in relevant research and development activities undertaken within the team.

Financial and Resource Management

Ensure the safe use of relevant equipment/resources in accordance with organizational policies.

Handle finances, medication, and valuables as necessary under the indirect supervision of a registered practitioner.

Order supplies and equipment as needed under the indirect supervision of a registered practitioner.

Human Resources and Training

Demonstrate personal responsibility for your learning and professional development, including core training in line with workforce plans.

Engage in reflective practice to monitor performance and accept feedback for ongoing development.

Assist the work of other support workers, students, or trainees as required.

Actively engage with management, clinical supervision, and personal development reviews.

Administrative Duties

Utilize an email account to manage and respond to internal communications effectively.

Consult information resources regularly to maintain current knowledge of organizational priorities and safety initiatives.

Share information securely with key stakeholders and other agencies.

Additional Responsibilities

Complete all necessary academic study and work-based training associated with the position.

Undertake any other reasonable management requests as required.