ND Practitioner (Early Years Pathway)

• Undertake comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments in accordance with Oakdale pathways, professional standards and national clinical guidelines (e.g., NICE)
• Conduct developmental history interviews, direct observations and other assessment activities appropriate to professional background, training and documented competency level.
• Gather, analyse, and integrate multi-source information to form robust clinical formulations and support diagnostic decision-making.
• Formulate diagnostic outcomes and clinical conclusions independently when operating on single-clinician assessment pathways (e.g., ADHD), ensuring practice aligns with professional guidelines and formal sign-off against the internal framework
• Participate actively in multidisciplinary (MDT) discussions and panel formulations to co-produce final diagnostic conclusions, utilizing the oversight and support of senior clinicians where required.
• Utilise and oversee service-approved technology solutions (including dictation, transcription, and automated documentation systems) to enhance pathway efficiency, maintaining ultimate clinical accountability for decision-making and reviewing, quality-checking, and professionally signing off the clinical accuracy of all final outputs.
• Communicate assessment outcomes and recommendations clearly, professionally and compassionately to clients, families and external professionals.

• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and professional clinical records in accordance with organisational and professional regulatory standards.
• Complete clinical documentation, reports, risk assessments and administrative tasks within agreed timescales.
• Demonstrate clear clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making that meets established quality assurance standards
• Participate actively in clinical audits, quality assurance processes, and service improvement initiatives
• Work strictly within professional scope of practice, maintaining a comprehensive awareness of relevant healthcare legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and professional guidance, seeking support where required.
• Identify, assess and appropriately manage safeguarding concerns and clinical risks, escalating concerns promptly in accordance with Oakdale policies and procedures

• Participate actively in multidisciplinary discussions, panels and decision-making processes.
• Build and maintain highly effective, collaborative, and professional working relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders.
• Engage proactively with organisational communications and professional directives.

• Manage individual workloads and caseloads efficiently to optimise pathway flow, service delivery requirements, and agreed productivity expectations.
• Proactively monitor capacity and escalate operational barriers, constraints, or service risks to management in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate flexibility regarding working practices, designated clinical locations, and evolving service priorities

• Maintain active, professional registration and comply fully with the codes of conduct of the relevant regulatory body.
• Take personal responsibility for ongoing professional development, lifelong learning, and maintaining an up-to-date log of clinical competencies
• Attend and actively participate in supervision, training, reflective practice, and competency development activities, and demonstrate learning through application of feedback.
• Contribute positively to team development, peer learning, and service improvement initiatives.

Essential

• Experience working within a mental health, neurodevelopmental, neurodiversity-focused, or relevant clinical setting.
• Experience producing high-quality, comprehensive clinical documentation and robust multi-source formulations to a professional standard.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, contributing to clinical formulations and shared decision-making.
• Experience operating within safeguarding, risk management, and professional clinical governance frameworks.

Desirable

• Direct, autonomous experience delivering neurodevelopmental assessments with children, young people, and/or adults across either single-clinician or MDT pathways

Essential

• Knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., Autism, ADHD) and a clear understanding of the assessment process.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey sensitive information and build professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, prioritisation, and time-management skills, with a track record of meeting clinical and operational deadlines.
• Proficiency in the use of digital systems and technology, including electronic patient records

Desirable

• Direct competency or certification in neurodevelopmental assessment tools and measures (e.g, ADOS-2, SCQ, ADI-R, DIVA, or Young DIVA).

Essential

• Ability and willingness to travel between designated Oakdale centres as required by service needs.

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes

Essential

• Core professional qualification and current, active registration with one of the following regulatory bodies:
• NMC: Nursing
• HCPC: Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Clinical/Forensic/Counselling Psychology
• Social Work England: Social Work