ABOUT US:

Oakdale was established nearly twenty-five years ago and is highly regarded as a professional therapy provider. We are a not-for-profit community-based organisation and our team is united by a commitment to provide flexible, bespoke, evidence-based, and high-quality clinical services to meet the particular needs of each of our clients as well as the requirements of commissioners for an appropriate, collaborative, value-for-money service.
The Oakdale Group provides a wide range of specialist assessments, including for autism, ADHD, and developmental trauma. Oakdale also provides a wide range of psychological therapies for children, young people, and adults. Many of our services are commissioned by the NHS, Local Authorities, and schools, and include services for NHS staff. Others are accessed by members of the public who pay for them privately, through medical insurance, or through our charitable arm.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Professional registration in a relevant field (e.g., Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy)
• Current registration with the relevant professional body (e.g., GMC, HCPC, NMC).
• Significant experience in neurodevelopmental assessments and interventions, particularly in complex cases (e.g., autism, ADHD).
• Previous leadership or management experience within a clinical setting, with proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of clinical governance, safeguarding, and risk management processes.
• Experience in staff training, clinical supervision, and service development
• Experience in service development, clinical governance, and quality improvement
• Training and experience in ADOS; ADI-R; DIVA / Young DIVA.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• In-depth knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders, diagnostic processes, and evidence-based interventions.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to engage with patients, families, and professionals.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Competence in conducting risk assessments and managing complex clinical cases.
• The ability to manage own time and workload, managing competing demands simultaneously to meet required outcomes.
• Ability to influence at all levels.
• Ability to work as part of a team, contributing to effectiveness, quality of services, skills and expertise.
• Ability to lead and motivate others, including the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Knowledge of clinical guidelines and best practice in the field of neurodevelopmental assessment and treatment.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Driving licence & access to a vehicle.

THE ROLE:

The Clinical Lead for the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Pathway is responsible for leading and overseeing the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality clinical services for clients accessing assessments for autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The clinical lead ensures effective clinical governance, leadership of clinicians, and service development, working closely within a multidisciplinary leadership team to meet client needs and neurodevelopmental service objectives.
They will provide strategic leadership for the clinical management, supervision, and delivery of neurodevelopmental assessments, ensuring high-quality patient care and implementing best practice guidelines to ensure that clinical standards are maintained.
The Clinical Lead is jointly responsible with the Neurodevelopmental Service Operational Lead for the delivery of high quality, responsive and accessible neurodevelopmental assessment services. This role will oversee the clinical governance, ethos, values, and service delivery across the pathway
The Clinical Lead will work as part of the wider Neurodevelopmental Service Leadership Team to plan services to meet clients’ needs, utilising their clinical expertise in shaping the development of new service models.
The Clinical Lead will also support training, recruitment, clinical audits, and lead complex multi-disciplinary team (MDT) case reviews, ensuring that the pathway operates effectively, safely, and in line with best practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Clinical Leadership and Service Delivery:
• Provide strategic clinical leadership to the neurodevelopmental service, ensuring it operates in line with best practices, clinical guidelines, and organisational objectives.
• Lead and manage the clinical aspects of the neurodevelopmental assessment pathway, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care for individuals being assessed for autism and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other related conditions.
• Ensure effective delivery of assessments, diagnostics, treatment, and therapeutic interventions for clients.
• Take responsibility for overseeing any cases where risk is assessed as high to ensure the right support is in place for clients and recommendations and signposting is appropriate.
• Oversee the management of clinical caseloads and ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care.
• Ensure adherence to relevant guidelines, evidence-based practices, and ethical standards.
• Work in partnership with the Neurodevelopmental Service Leadership team to provide key clinical input to service development and expansion initiatives, as part of key work streams and where appropriate leading initiatives within this.
• Where required, to carry out enhanced reviews into clinical diagnostic decisions, investigating and providing feedback that supports learning and development.
• Build capability and capacity within the neurodevelopmental service clinical team by building confidence and creating a service where practitioners are skilled in their diagnostic decision making through appropriate tools such as supervision and a coaching style of leadership.
• Ensure adherence to clinical governance frameworks, including risk management, safeguarding, and patient safety protocols.
• Monitor and audit the quality of care delivered across the neurodevelopmental service, implementing improvements where necessary.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date clinical documentation, ensuring compliance with data protection and confidentiality regulations.
• Lead on the development and implementation of clinical policies, procedures, and pathways specific to neurodevelopmental conditions, working closely with the Neurodevelopmental Service Operational Lead to ensure effective integration into pathways and processes.
• Support leadership in planning and conducting clinical audits, identifying areas for improvement in service delivery, and implementing evidence-based changes.
• To advise on safeguarding, information and clinical governance matters as required.
• Monitor and report on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, ensuring the service meets or exceeds any set key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements.
• Supervision and Support
• Supervise, mentor, guide and support senior clinical staff within the neurodevelopmental service, promoting continuous professional development (CPD).
• Oversee staff well-being and support professional development through regular appraisals, reflective practice sessions, and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.
• Support recruitment, training, and induction of new staff members within the service.
• Foster a collaborative, multidisciplinary working environment that promotes best practice and innovation in neurodevelopmental service delivery.
• Service Development and Improvement
• As part of the Neurodevelopmental Leadership Team, to drive the development and expansion of the neurodevelopmental service, responding to evolving patient needs, service demand, and advances in neurodevelopmental research. Collaborating with the leadership team to ensure efficient, effective, and timely service delivery, reducing waiting times and improving patient flow.
• Lead on initiatives to improve service efficiency, patient experience, and clinical outcomes to ensure the pathway evolves in line with advancements in neurodevelopmental research and clinical practice.
• Where required, liaise with external agencies, partners, and stakeholders to establish integrated care pathways and ensure continuity of care.
• Act as a clinical expert and representative of the neurodevelopmental service in meetings with management, commissioners, and external partners.
• Identify and implement innovative approaches to service provision, including new models of care, assessment tools, and digital solutions.
• Client and Family engagement
• Ensure that patient-centred care is at the heart of the service, involving patients and their families in decision-making and care planning.
• Support clinicians to work closely with families and carers to provide support, education, and guidance on neurodevelopmental conditions and available interventions.
• Manage complex or challenging cases, providing expert advice and interventions as required.
• Provide clinical expertise to the management of complaints and negative feedback, working closely with the neurodevelopmental service operational lead and governance lead to ensure a coordinated response to such issues within the required organisational timeframes.
• Multi-Disciplinary Team Leadership
• Lead complex MDT case discussions and reviews, ensuring the team collaborates effectively to provide holistic, person-centred assessments and care planning.
• Facilitate communication across disciplines to ensure comprehensive, coordinated service delivery.
• Address and resolve any clinical challenges or disputes within the MDT, promoting a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Training and Recruitment:
• Oversee the recruitment, induction, and retention of clinical staff within the neurodevelopmental pathway.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance clinical knowledge and skills in neurodevelopmental assessments and interventions.
• Ensure all staff are equipped with up-to-date knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions, clinical assessment tools, and relevant legal frameworks.
• Ethos and Values:
• Promote a compassionate, patient-centred, and inclusive culture throughout the neurodevelopmental pathway.
• Ensure the service aligns with the organisation’s ethos, values, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Embed a culture of respect, integrity, and continuous improvement, ensuring all staff are committed to providing the highest quality care for service users and their families.
• Professional and Ethical Standards
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards as set by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Ensure that all clinical practices adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures, particularly when working with vulnerable children and adults.