Specialist Paediatrician

• undertaking comprehensive paediatric and neurodevelopmental assessments
• independently assessing children and young people referred for possible ADHD
• contributing medical expertise to autism assessments and the wider neurodevelopmental pathway
• gathering, interpreting and integrating information from children, young people, families, education settings and other professionals
• considering relevant differential diagnoses, co-occurring conditions and areas of clinical complexity
• formulating clear, balanced and evidence-based clinical conclusions
• contributing to multidisciplinary diagnostic formulation and decision-making
• preparing clear, accurate and timely clinical records and reports
• communicating assessment findings and outcomes sensitively and clearly
• identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, clinical risks and cases requiring escalation
• contributing to clinical triage and decisions about prioritisation or onward direction of referrals
• providing senior medical advice within the postholders competence and agreed responsibilities
• supporting continuity across the paediatric element of the service; and
• working in accordance with agreed clinical pathways, standard operating procedures, professional standards and governance arrangements.

Essential

• Primary medical qualification recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC).
• Full GMC registration with a licence to practise.
• Eligibility and capability for appointment to an NHS Specialist Grade doctor post.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD), appraisal and revalidation.
• Appropriate medical indemnity or professional cover as required.

Desirable

• Additional training or qualifications relevant to neurodevelopmental assessment, ADHD, autism or child development.

Essential

• Substantial knowledge of paediatrics and child development.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience of ADHD assessment.
• Appropriate knowledge and practical experience of autism assessment.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and young people.
• Knowledge of clinical governance, reflective practice and continuous improvement.
• Understanding of evidence-based clinical practice and decision-making.
• Knowledge of Specialist Grade eligibility requirements and professional standards.
• Ability to work autonomously within an agreed scope of practice.
• Ability to recognise clinical complexity and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Ability to make balanced, evidence-based clinical decisions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly, compassionately and professionally with children, young people, families and colleagues.
• Ability to support, supervise and mentor less experienced colleagues.
• Ability to meet all applicable occupational health, pre-employment and disclosure requirements.

Essential

• Substantial postgraduate medical experience in paediatrics.
• Significant experience in assessing children and young people for ADHD.
• Significant experience in autism assessment and wider neurodevelopmental practice.
• Experience of multidisciplinary clinical working and diagnostic formulation.
• Experience of working with children, young people and families within paediatric, child development and/or neurodevelopmental services.
• Ability to undertake autonomous assessment and clinical decision-making within an agreed scope of practice.
• Meets NHS Specialist Grade eligibility requirements, including a minimum of 12 years' post-qualification medical experience, at least 6 years' relevant specialty experience, and evidence of the required generic and role-specific capabilities.

Desirable

• Previous senior or lead experience within an ADHD or neurodevelopmental pathway.
• Experience of developing clinical pathways or services.
• Experience of clinical triage.
• Experience of chairing or facilitating multidisciplinary clinical meetings.
• Experience of providing senior or deputy clinical cover.
• Experience of mentoring, teaching or developing clinicians.
• Experience of providing clinical or prescribing supervision.
• Involvement in clinical audit or quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience of developing clinical guidance, procedures or standard operating procedures.
• Experience of working across organisational or professional boundaries.