Neurodivergent Lead

We are recruiting a Neurodivergent Lead to provide specialist practice leadership and direct support to neurodivergent adults, including people with autism, ADHD and learning difficulties. The role will also support future strategic intentions.

This is a highly impactful role, combining direct social work practice with service development, training and consultation. You will work across teams and with partner organisations and people to influence practice, challenge traditional models of care and help shape a more inclusive system that recognises and builds on the strengths of neurodivergent people.

• Hold a direct, complex caseload of neurodivergent adults, offering specialist interventions and advocacy that go beyond traditional models of support, whilst indirectly supervising front‑line staff in their interventions with neurodivergent adults
• Promote strengths based, person centred and anti‑oppressive practice across Adult Social Care
• Provide expert advice, consultation and guidance to colleagues working with neurodivergent people
• Develop and deliver training, guidance and resources to improve understanding and practice across services
• Undertake statutory duties under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding legislation, using your specialist knowledge to support positive risk taking and rights based practice
• Work closely with partners with a focus on prevention across children’s services, health, housing, the voluntary sector, public health, the police and commissioning to ensure coordinated, multidisciplinary support
• Contribute to service development, gathering intelligence to enhance quality improvement, research and innovation in line with local and national priorities
• You will play a key role in shaping how Adult Social Care responds to neurodivergence, ensuring services are accessible, legally compliant and focused on meaningful outcomes.

• Has in depth experience of working with neurodivergent adults
• Brings strong knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Equality Act 2010
• Demonstrates empathy, integrity and a strong commitment to social justice and inclusion
• Is confident working in complex, multi‑agency environments
• Has advanced communication skills and can adapt approaches to meet diverse communication and sensory needs
• Can influence, support and challenge practice through consultation, mentoring and training
• Is motivated by innovation, bringing energy to learning and to continuous improvement
• You will be reflective, resilient and comfortable working at pace, balancing statutory responsibilities with creativity and compassion.

Salford City Council is continuing to strengthen and evolve its Adult Social Care services, with a clear commitment to inclusion, innovation and person centred practice. As part of this, we are creating a specialist role that will play a pivotal part in improving outcomes for neurodivergent adults across the city.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a forward thinking service that values professional expertise, partnership working and creative approaches to support., Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.

As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to…