Job Summary
We are excited to offer a newly created Band7 post within our Children's Autism Diagnostic Pathway.

Working within the multidisciplinary team to:

• Apply advanced clinical knowledge to assess, diagnose autism and complex communication needs
• Lead on care pathway development and clinical protocols
• Deliver specialist training and supervision to colleagues and students
• Champion neuro-affirming, inclusive communication practices

We are embarking on major redesign of our neurodevelopmental pathways to reduce waiting times and improve patient experiences. You'll be instrumental in shaping service delivery, ensuring it is responsive, equitable and aligned with NICE guidance and best practice.

We are seeking a warm, empathetic, clinically confident, inclusive and equity minded speech and language therapist who has significant experience working with children with autism and complex communication needs.

You'll be part of a supportive team that values your expertise, encourages innovation, and invests in your professional growth. We are committed to supporting your professional growth. As part of this role, you will receive training in autism assessment tools, including ADOS. This will equip you with the skills to contribute confidently to differential diagnosis and multidisciplinary assessment.

Main Duties of the Job
This role supports the clinical and operational leadership for the Autism Diagnostic Pathway, working closely with the Autism Clinical Pathway AHP and MDT Lead. The post holder will support the development and implementation of efficient, NICE-compliant ways of working aligned to best practice and the local ASC core offer, in partnership with medical, nursing and AHP colleagues. They will take a delegated lead in developing care pathways, service protocols and clinical guidelines, and use advanced specialist OT expertise to contribute to differential diagnosis within the MDT. The role involves independent assessment, diagnosis and management of children and young people with social communication needs, providing second opinions where required, and ensuring care is integrated, evidence-based and population-responsive. The post holder will also provide supervision and deliver specialist training to support pathway quality and sustainability.

About Us
Please refer to the Applicant Guide via the link below for key information:- Applying to LGT Guide - Key Information for Applicants

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

• 1. Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
• 2. Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
• 3. Improving the experience of staff with disability
• 4. Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
• 5. Making equalities mainstream

Details
Date posted: 31 July 2026
Closing date: 16 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum plus HCAS
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 197-RF8542
Job locations: Kaleidoscope, 32 Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4JF, United Kingdom

Job Responsibilities
For more detailed information about the job and main responsibilities see the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Recognised Occupational Therapy Degree or equivalent
• Successful completion of additional specialist training relevant to this area
• Health and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practice
• Leadership and/or supervisory training

Desirable

• Membership of relevant Clinical interest groups
• Registered as a member of the Royal College Of Occupational Therapists

Experience
Essential

• Significant post-qualification experience working with children with a wide range of challenges with participating in daily activities.
• Significant experience of working with children with autism and related including referral for autism assessment
• Experience of multiagency and multidisciplinary collaboration and/or working
• Experience of service development
• Experience of developing and delivering training for others

Desirable

• Experience of diagnosing and/or contributing to diagnosis of autism
• Experience of writing/guidelines protocols/standing operating procedures/or policies

Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of National Service Frameworks and NICE guidance relevant to client group/care setting and its application across healthcare and educational settings
• Extensive knowledge of a broad range of assessment and diagnostic tools relevant to the specialist clinical area

Additional Information
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: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
Address: Kaleidoscope, 32 Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4JF, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer Contact Details
For questions about the job, contact:
Principal SLT
Rachael Kay
rachaelkay1@nhs.net
02030491378