Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Band 7 Occupational Therapist Team Leader to join the Community Autism Service (CAS). The post holder will provide clinical and operational leadership to a multidisciplinary team supporting autistic adults, whilst maintaining a specialist clinical caseload. The role includes assessment, intervention, care planning, supervision, appraisal, service development and quality improvement activities. Based at Maudsley Hospital, the post holder will work across community settings within Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark as required.

Main duties of the job

• Provide clinical and operational leadership within the Community Autism Service (CAS).
• Manage, supervise and support a multidisciplinary team, including undertaking appraisals and performance management.
• Maintain a specialist clinical caseload, delivering assessments and interventions for autistic adults.
• Lead care planning, risk assessment and clinical decision-making.
• Support staff development through supervision, training and mentoring.
• Lead and support recruitment, induction and workforce development activities.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement and clinical governance initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with service users, carers, families and partner organisations to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
• Support the delivery of autism services across community settings in Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark.
• Ensure compliance with professional, Trust and statutory standards.

About us
At South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), we provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK and are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners, one of the UK's leading Academic Health Science Centres. The Community Autism Service is committed to supporting autistic adults through specialist assessment, intervention and multidisciplinary working. This role offers an exciting opportunity to combine clinical expertise with leadership responsibilities, contributing to service development and quality improvement while supporting a dedicated multidisciplinary team. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Our values are Kindness, Respect and Together, and these values underpin everything we do.

Details
Date posted: 05 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £58,133 to £65,261 a year
per annum inclusive of HCAS (Inner)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 334-CLI-8140822
Job locations: Maudsley Hospital, Windsor Walk, London, SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the delivery of specialist autism services for adults, ensuring care is safe, effective and responsive to individual needs.
• Undertake complex assessments and develop formulation-led intervention plans for autistic adults with a range of presentations and support needs.
• Develop strong partnerships with service users, families, carers, social care services and other agencies to promote integrated care and positive outcomes.
• Provide professional guidance and clinical expertise to colleagues within the multidisciplinary team.
• Monitor and evaluate clinical outcomes, service activity and performance standards, contributing to continuous service improvement.
• Support the implementation of evidence-based practice, clinical governance requirements and Trust policies and procedures.
• Contribute to audit, research, quality improvement and service development projects to enhance the effectiveness of the service.
• Represent the Community Autism Service at internal and external meetings, promoting collaborative working across organisations.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and ensure compliance with professional, legal and information governance standards.
• Participate in relevant operational, professional and strategic initiatives that support the ongoing development of autism services.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registration
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Level 7 qualification or substantial postgraduate training in Autism

Experience
Essential

• Experience with neurodevelopmental conditions
• Experience assessing/treating autistic service users
• Experience of multidisciplinary working
• Experience managing staff and providing supervision
• Experience in multicultural environments

Desirable

• Change management / QI / service evaluation experience

Knowledge
Essential

• Specialist clinical knowledge relevant to the service, including evidence based practice.
• Working knowledge of all relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of healthcare accessibility factors
• Knowledge of a range of therapeutic ideas/approaches, including systemic models, in assessment and treatment relevant to discipline
• Knowledge of racial and other diversity issues and factors affecting access to health care.

Desirable

• Ability to develop and use complex multi-media materials for presentations in public, professional and academic meetings

Skills
Essential

• Communicate complex information effectively
• Ability to manage emotionally stressful situations
• Work effectively within MDTs
• Ability to apply clinical governance principles
• Advanced IT skills

Desirable

• Training/teaching skills
• Ability to appraise and disseminate evidence

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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).

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: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Maudsley Hospital, Windsor Walk, London, SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.slam.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Service Lead – Adult ADHD and Autism Clinics, Natalie Greenwood, Natalie.Greenwood@slam.nhs.uk

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.