Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Band 6 Community Practitioner to join our dynamic Children's Neurodevelopmental Pathway in Northumberland CYPS. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in co-ordinating high-quality autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people across Northumberland. You will be central to the coordination and delivery of neurodevelopmental assessments, working closely with families, schools, and multi-agency partners to ensure timely, child-centred, and evidence-based care. We're looking for someone who is: a registered health or social care professional (e.g., mental health or learning disability nurse, OT, Social Worker, SLT, or equivalent), experienced in working with children, young people, and families, confident in assessing developmental, behavioural, emotional and mental health needs, skilled in multi-agency working and collaborative practice, organised, proactive, and able to manage a busy caseload, compassionate, child-focused, and committed to improving outcomes. Experience in neurodevelopmental assessments is desirable, but we welcome applicants with transferable skills and a passion for this area. Training and supervision will be provided. This is for a 12 month fixed term cover.

Main duties of the job

• Coordinating and contributing to autism and ADHD assessments
• Completing developmental histories, structured observations, and clinical interviews
• Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team including psychology, speech and language therapy, social work, medics and nursing
• Supporting families to understand the assessment process and next steps
• Providing clear, compassionate communication with parents, carers, and professionals
• Participating in MDT discussions and formulation meetings
• Contributing to service development and quality improvement initiatives

About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career. Northumberland Children and Young People's Service is a well-established, multi-disciplinary community team providing high-quality support to children, young people, and families across the county. Our service operates from bases in Morpeth, Alnwick, Hexham, and Blyth, with clinicians typically working across two localities (for example, South East and West, or Central and North). Wherever possible, clinicians are allocated a base closest to their home address to support work-life balance and reduce travel demands although travel throughout Northumberland is expected at times. You will be joining a friendly, supportive team that includes professionals from nursing, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and social care. We work collaboratively, drawing on a wide range of expertise to deliver holistic, child-centred care. Regular supervision, peer support, and opportunities for joint working are embedded in our culture, and we actively encourage professional development and reflective practice.

Job responsibilities
Our service values innovation, compassion, and teamwork. We are committed to improving outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental needs and their families, and we welcome practitioners who share our enthusiasm for highquality, inclusive, and evidenceinformed practice. Please find attached job description for full details. Advertising date : 16th July 2026. Closing date : 30th July 2026. We welcome your application.

Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential

• Professional Qualification and current Professional Registration as, a First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent as an AHP, Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist
• Mentor/assessor Training
• Up-to-date knowledge/experience of relevant legislation
• Evidence of post-registration training in clinical/psychological interventions / skills relevant to the post
• Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post
• Training in CPA (Care Programme Approach), Safeguarding, MAPPA (Multi Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and Child Protection

Desirable

• Post Registration Qualifications in Psychological Interventions
• Experience of working within a community team
• Non-Medical Prescribing

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need
• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives

Desirable

• Understanding of difficult to manage/challenging behaviours

Skills and Competencies
Essential

• Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex mental health needs
• Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others)
• Ability to adapt within a changing environment
• Ability to work under pressure

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (Opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Address: St Georges Park Hospital, Morpeth, NE61 2NU, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

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