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Job overview
We are excited to offer a newly created Band 7 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more detailed information about the job and main responsibilities see the attached job description and person specification.
Person specification
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
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
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
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Occupational Therapist - Advanced, Autism Diagnostic Pathway with Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Occupational Therapist role. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 16 Aug 2026.
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