Neurodiversity Practitioner

The Neurodiversity Practitioner will play a key role in supporting adults referred into the autism and neurodevelopmental pathway within primary care. The postholder will be responsible for reviewing and managing referrals, undertaking structured, needs-led assessments, and helping patients better understand their presentation and support needs in a holistic and person-centred way.

They will provide education, advice and practical strategies to support autistic adults in managing day-to-day challenges, while guiding them through their care journey from referral onwards. The role includes undertaking autism annual reviews under supervision, including physical health checks and discussion of ongoing needs, wellbeing, and support strategies.

The postholder will manage a defined caseload, working collaboratively with GPs, mental health services, social care and voluntary sector partners to ensure coordinated and consistent support. They will also contribute to clear and accurate clinical documentation, maintain up-to-date resources for patients and colleagues, and help ensure continuity across services.

A key aspect of the role is delivering safe, compassionate and strengths-based care, ensuring appropriate escalation, referral and investigation where required, while working within agreed clinical protocols and supervision arrangements.

As part of a primary care-based neurodevelopmental conditions service, the postholder will act as a key member of the multidisciplinary team supporting adults within the autism and neurodevelopmental pathway. They will be the first point of contact in primary care, offering advice and support to adults who may be experiencing challenges associated with neurodevelopmental conditions or who are seeking assessment and support.

The postholder will undertake needs-led stratification assessments to identify individual needs, supporting patients to access appropriate advice, guidance and education relating to autism and neurodevelopmental differences, and outlining possible intervention and support options. Under appropriate supervision, they will also undertake annual reviews, including physical health checks and discussions around ongoing needs, wellbeing and support strategies (training will be provided).

They will be responsible for completing accurate clinical and administrative records in line with service requirements.

To receive, screen, triage, stratify and stream patient referrals within the autism and neurodevelopmental pathway

To conduct face-to-face and occasionally remote clinical appointments

To undertake comprehensive needs-led assessments in line with best practice and service models

To provide evidence-based education, advice and guidance to support patients in understanding and managing their needs

To manage a defined caseload of patients, working alongside other professionals, agencies and carers as required

To undertake annual reviews under supervision, discussion of support needs, and liaison with GPs and wider services where appropriate

To provide a holistic and empathetic approach to care, considering both physical and mental health needs, and ensuring appropriate signposting and referrals

To complete clear, accurate and timely clinical records and documentation, including recommendations for ongoing support or referral

To support and understand the patient journey from referral through assessment and ongoing care within the primary care service model

To work collaboratively across general practice, PCN services and secondary care through effective communication with professionals

To maintain and utilise up-to-date digital and web-based resources relevant to autism and neurodevelopmental conditions

To remain up to date with current evidence, research and developments in autism, neurodiversity and mental health

To work autonomously within agreed protocols and under clinical supervision

To coordinate and arrange appropriate investigations, including consideration of wider physical health needs within the community

To ensure all actions contribute to the delivery of a high-quality service

Healthier South Wirral PCN is a collaborative network of local GP practices working together to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across our communities. Our multidisciplinary team brings together GPs, nurses, pharmacists, social prescribers, care coordinators and a growing ARRS workforce, all focused on improving access, outcomes and experience for our patients.

We pride ourselves on a supportive and inclusive team culture where staff are encouraged to develop their skills, share ideas and contribute to service innovation. The atmosphere is friendly, open and proactive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, mutual respect and continuous improvement.

Our work ethic is centred on delivering safe, effective and compassionate care while also looking after the wellbeing of our staff. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide a flexible, supportive environment where staff are trusted to work autonomously within their scope, with appropriate supervision and guidance.

Working within our PCN offers the opportunity to be part of an evolving and forward-thinking organisation, with access to training and development, cross-practice collaboration, and the chance to shape new models of care that make a real difference to patients lives.

Experience

Knowledge and Skills

Desirable: - -Knowledge of administrative processes within a primary care setting; - -Awareness of current NHS and wider health and social care policy and priorities

Qualifications

Desirable: - Professional registration (e.g. NMC, HCPC, BACP or equivalent)