Occupational Therapy Lead Neurodevelopmental

As a specialist autonomous Occupational Therapy Lead, the post holder will be a part of a strong, collaborative multi-disciplinary team, offeringdiagnostic assessment of autism and time-limited support to children, young people and their families.

The service currently offers diagnostic assessment of autism to children and young people up to the age of 17 3/4 , but plans are in place toradically redesign the service model incorporating a needs-led, whole system approach.

The role of the Occupational Therapy Lead will be to develop and lead on highly specialist occupational therapy interventions focusing onfunctional impairment and sensory differences that can prevent children and young people achieving their potential.

Working as a Lead Clinician within a specialist neurodevelopmental service, the post holder will provide skilled and comprehensive assessments for children and young people referred for ASD diagnostic assessment. This includes the expert use and integration of complex information from a range of sources, such as standardised measures, observations and semi-structured interviews with children, young people and their families, undertaken across clinical, school and home settings as appropriate.

Drawing on an advanced occupational therapy framework and a strong evidence base, the role involves formulating and delivering highly specialist, time-limited interventions that support children and their families, informed by in-depth knowledge of child development and neurodiversity. The post holder will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing specialist expertise, consulting with other professionals to ensure the most appropriate assessments are undertaken, participating in referral triage, and presenting assessment findings at multidisciplinary panels to support diagnostic decision-making.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post;
English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals:
  Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth;
  Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen;
  Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals:
  Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire;
  Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres:
  Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 10/03/2026

• Extensive postgraduate experience, including relevant experience with children & young people
• Managing a complex caseload
• Inter-professional and multi-agency team working
• Direct involvement with carers and families
• Negotiation of service development
• Evidence of supporting service compliance with clinical governance requirements
• Experience of appropriate delegation, supervision and oversight of staff
• Experience of working in a range of child related settings with complex communication and interaction difficulties
• Student supervision
• Key worker/Case Manager
• Negotiation of multidisciplinary working arrangements
• Leadership of clinical networks/ clinical practice groups

• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Professional registration as recognised by HPC
• Evidence of attendance on specialist short courses and advanced training up to Master's level equivalent e.g. Sensory Integration
• Possess highly specialist knowledge…