Job summary
This is a Fixed Term/Secondment vacancy until 31/08/2028.

If you are a Hywel Dda University Health Board employee and are applying for this post as a secondment, agreement for the secondment is needed from your current manager prior to application.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Practitioner to join our friendly, supportive and inclusive West Wales Integrated Autism Service.

The Service provides diagnostic assessment for adults across the Hywel Dda University Health Board area who do not meet eligibility criteria for statutory mental health or learning disability services. In addition to diagnostic assessment, the service offers time-limited support, professional consultation, training and engagement activities across a range of sectors to improve outcomes for autistic and other neurodivergent people.

We are looking for a dynamic, compassionate and committed to providing high-quality, person-centred individual to support autistic adults. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a genuine interest in neurodivergence and a passion for improving the lives and wellbeing of neurodivergent people.

The successful candidate will bring a range of transferable skills and demonstrate a commitment to developing their knowledge and understanding of autism. They will be able to work effectively under pressure and collaboratively within the team to deliver high-quality support/interventions.

Main duties of the job
This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of neurodevelopmental services across West Wales while supporting individuals to better understand their strengths, needs and aspirations, and to access the support required to lead fulfilling lives.

Working under the direction and supervision of registered clinicians, the postholder will provide one-to-one and group-based support, delivered virtually and face-to-face. They will play a key role in ensuring delivery of high standard, specialist, person-centred support for individuals, families and carers accessing the service.

Key responsibilities will include contributing to the assessment process for individuals whose neurodivergent needs impact upon their daily functioning. This will involve undertaking initial assessments and supporting more detailed, outcome-focused assessments under supervision.

They will work closely with colleagues and partner agencies, contributing to developing knowledge/awareness of autism and other neurodivergent conditions across the local area by supporting training and engagement activities for family carers, support staff and professionals.

The role requires an ability to work autonomously across a variety of settings, including community-based work. This may involve supporting individuals within their homes and other community environments.

About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Job responsibilities
As an active member of the multidisciplinary team, the Assistant Practitioner will contribute to MDT discussions, team meetings and ongoing service development initiatives. They will be expected to work within clearly defined professional boundaries, exercising judgement within their level of competence and seeking support from registered practitioners where appropriate.

Interviews to be held on 23/10/2026.

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Qualifications and/or Knowledge
Essential

• Level 4 vocational qualification in a relevant health care associated subject / Certificate in Higher Education Health Care Support Worker
• GCSE Maths and English Grade C or above or equivalent level 2 or above essential skills qualifications
• Evidence of continuing personal development relevant to the role in health care
• Able to demonstrate understanding of the HCSW Code of Conduct, All Wales Delegation guidelines and all Wales Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Governance Framework. Clinical knowledge which is relevant to the role
• Demonstrates understanding of the importance of following procedures and treatment plans
• Demonstrates an understanding of the legislation related to Safeguarding e.g. adults/children, The Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberties Safeguards to keep adults within their care safe
• Able to communicate effectively using written and verbal skills with service users, carers, colleagues and other professionals
• Able to organise work effectively
• A progressive/forward thinking attitude to change and service demands
• Competency in IT skills. Knowledge of a range of IT software packages
• Committed to own personal professional development, attendance at training events and sharing good practice, knowledge and skills with colleagues
• An understanding of confidentiality
• A commitment to equal opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice
• Knowledge of Welsh Government policy pertaining to neuro- Divergence.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of the differing needs and differences of Neuro-divergent (ASD/ADHD) individuals
• Able to support service users and act as advocate as required
• A flexible approach to working arrangements
• An awareness of culture and linguistic issues pertinent in the Local Authority and within the West Wales Region
• Local knowledge of statutory and voluntary services
• Teaching or assessment qualification

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working directly with children, young people and or adults
• Experience of undertaking assessment and intervention with neuro-divergent (ADHD/ASD) children, young people and/or adults
• Substantial experience of working in a health, educational or social care setting
• Experience of managing own caseload
• Experience in running groups and workshops

Desirable

• Experience of working with Neuro-Divergent Individuals, families and carers
• Experience of working independently and as part of a Team
• Experience of developing resources through a range of mediums eg digital or hard copy

Language skills
Desirable

• Welsh speaker (Level 1)

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).