Clinical Specialist – Autism Assessor: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has become available within the Durham and Tees Valley (DTV) Adult Autism Team for a Clinical Nurse Specialist to join our well-established and supportive service.

The successful applicant will demonstrate a detailed understanding of Autism, alongside a working knowledge of ADHD, and will take on a key assessing role within the team, completing autism assessments in collaboration with the wider MDT. They will contribute to clinical diagnostic decision-making, organise and lead MDT discussions, and ensure high clinical standards are maintained across all aspects of care.

The post holder will follow NICE-guidance approaches when completing autism assessments, taking into consideration and understanding of co-occurring mental health difficulties to support specialist diagnostic decision-making. They will be expected to communicate in a neuroaffirming and inclusive manner, supporting both staff and autistic adults.

This role covers the Durham and Tees Valley area, providing consultation to community teams, supporting complex cases, and delivering autism diagnostic training. Existing skills and experience in autism assessment are desirable, as teaching and sharing expertise with wider teams will form a key part of the role.

Main duties of the job

The successful postholder will undertake comprehensive assessments for autism in line with NICE guidance and clinic protocols, complete detailed clinical histories, including developmental, mental health, and risk assessments. You will use standardised assessment tools and diagnostic frameworks to inform clinical decision-making.

You will assess for co-existing conditions, including mental health difficulties, substance misuse, and other neurodevelopmental differences. You will identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with policy and statutory requirements.

The post holder will formulate diagnostic outcomes and provide clear, evidence-based rationales for decisions and communicate assessment outcomes to patients in a clear, sensitive, and supportive manner. You will produce high-quality clinical reports within agreed timeframes that meet professional and regulatory standards, contribute to multidisciplinary team discussions and decision-making where required and refer or signpost patients to appropriate services, including post-diagnostic support and treatment pathways.

You will maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records in line with data-protection requirements. In addition, you will work in line with CQC standards, clinical governance frameworks, and organisational policies.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Able to work in accordance with Trust Values.
• Committed to continual quality and service improvement.
• Self-aware and committed to continual professional and personal development. Able to accept and respond positively to feedback from supervision.
• Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.

Desirable

• Committed to promoting a positive image of the department and the wider Trust.
• Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.
• Ability to travel independently in accordance with Trust policies and service need.

Qualifications

Essential

• Current Professional Registration with Nursing and Midwifery Council – RMN / RNLD/ RGN
• Recognised Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor or currently in progress of achieving.
• Trained in Clinical Supervision and be providing Clinical Supervision
• AND HAVE Professional clinical knowledge and experience acquired through degree (or equivalent post registration study), supplemented by specialist training, experience, short courses, Module (20 credit) at level 7 see below For example Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/Masters Degree, Intermediate Systemic Family Therapy/Postgraduate diploma in CBT/British Isles Dialectical Behaviour Therapy /NMP (Independent Prescriber), Psychosocial Interventions
• AND HAVE Equivalent significant clinical experience such as working (minimum of 2 years) as a band 6 (or above) in relevant clinical area, together with evidence of relevant CPD to Level 7 or equivalent

Knowledge

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of current issues relating to health needs of patients in the field of practice, regionally and nationally
• Understanding and working knowledge of the legal framework and statutory obligations under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act
• Detailed understanding of Safeguarding and its application in practice.
• Clinical Risk Assessment and Management and its application in practice.
• Clinical Governance and its application in practice.
• Detailed understanding of autism across the lifespan, including how presentation can differs.
• Working knowledge of clinical medicines management
• Understanding of psychological models of care and treatment (depending on specialist area)

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience working with patients with complex needs in the specialist field.
• Significant experience working with patients who display risk behaviours
• Significant experience working with patients who display risk behaviours
• Clinical risk assessment and management and its application in practice
• Working collaboratively with service users their families and carers
• Working in a multi disciplinary team
• Quality improvement activities

Closing Date: 13 September 2026