Deputy Operational Lead

• Support the Operational Lead in managing and developing the Buckinghamshire Neurodevelopmental Assessment and ADHD Pathway, including clinical structures, staff recruitment, and service implementation.
• Deputise for the Operational Lead as needed, ensuring the delivery of high-quality community mental health care packages.
• Line manage, supervise, and appraise team colleagues, contributing to the development and implementation of a robust performance management system.
• Collaborate with team leaders and managers to enhance community mental health service provision across the wider service.
• Ensure effective joint working with statutory and voluntary agencies to deliver responsive and appropriate services to users and carers.

• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
• NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
• Competitive pension scheme
• Lease car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
• Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

Essential

• Registered Mental Health Nurse, Learning Disability Nurse, Paediatric Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, Social Worker or other relevant registered professional qualification
• Current registration with relevant professional body (NMC, HCPC, Social Work England or equivalent)
• Evidence of continuing professional development and maintenance of professional registration
• Degree-level professional qualification or equivalent experience

Desirable

• Master's degree in a relevant clinical, leadership or management discipline
• Leadership or management qualification
• ADOS trained and/or additional neurodevelopmental assessment training
• Teaching, supervision or mentoring qualification

Essential

• Significant post-registration experience working with children and young people with mental health and/or neurodevelopmental needs
• Experience of providing clinical supervision, mentorship or leadership to colleagues
• Experience of multidisciplinary and multi-agency working across health, education and social care
• Experience of complex assessment, formulation, risk management and clinical decision-making
• Experience contributing to service improvement, audit, quality assurance or governance activities

Desirable

• Experience working within a dedicated Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service or ADHD pathway
• Experience of line management and appraisal responsibilities
• Experience working within CAMHS community services
• Experience supporting ADHD medication pathways
• Experience leading service development or pathway redesign initiatives

Essential

• Sound knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism and ADHD
• Understanding of neuro-affirming, child-centred and evidence-based practice
• Ability to undertake specialist assessments and contribute to formulation-led care planning
• Strong clinical risk assessment and risk management skills
• Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions and manage clinical complexity
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex and sensitive information to children, families and professionals
• Ability to lead, motivate and support staff through change and service pressures
• Understanding of clinical governance, safeguarding, quality improvement and performance management processes
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities effectively

Desirable

• Advanced knowledge of neurodevelopmental assessment frameworks and NICE guidance
• Direct experience of conducting neurodevelopmental assessments
• Knowledge of ADHD medication monitoring and governance requirements
• Experience interpreting performance and activity data
• Experience presenting information to senior leaders or external agencies

Essential

• Experience supporting staff development through supervision, coaching or leadership
• Ability to promote a positive, inclusive and psychologically safe team culture
• Ability to contribute to workforce planning, recruitment and staff development
• Demonstrates values-based, compassionate leadership and professional integrity

Desirable

• Formal leadership experience within CAMHS or neurodevelopmental services
• Experience managing performance, attendance or capability processes

Essential

• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and neuro-affirming practice
• Ability to travel across Buckinghamshire and surrounding localities as required by the role

Desirable

• Lived experience of neurodiversity