Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist - AutismNHS

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our innovative and forward-thinking Children's Neurodevelopmental Service.The successful candidate will play a key role in providing diagnostic assessment and time-limited support for autistic children and young people across Hywel Dda University Health Board. Our Neurodevelopmental Service is a small, friendly, and supportive multidisciplinary team comprising dedicated professionals who share a common vision of improving outcomes for autistic children, young people, and their families.

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate a strong interest in autism and neurodivergence.
• A genuine passion for supporting neurodivergent children and young people.
• Have experience of collaborative and multidisciplinary working.
• Be committed to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families.
• Possess excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Thrive in a busy environment and be able to manage competing demands effectively.
• Show enthusiasm for developing specialist knowledge and skills within neurodevelopmental services.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a passionate team committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering meaningful support to neurodivergent children and young people across West Wales.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as an autonomous Practitioner within the Neurodevelopmental service undertaking skilled diagnostic assessments,time limited post diagnostic interventions and discharge management of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. They willmanage a caseload that includes complex developmental, behavioural and communication disorders, mental health issues and transition fromchildren's services.

The post holder will be responsible for planning, organising, and implementing highly specialist occupational therapy provision within the Children's Neurodevelopmental Service, working closely with the Team Leader and Clinical Lead to ensure effective, evidence-based service delivery and evaluation using outcome measures. The post-holder will support the Health Board Lead for ASD in the implementation and monitoring of National and Local Policies, including NICE and other good practice documents and contribute to the development of training/educational material and delivery of specialist training or educational workshops relating to Autism and Neurodiversity. There will also be a requirement to work alongside other Occupational Therapy Departments within the organisation.

Job description

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 16/11/2026.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services