Allied Health Professional Assistant Practitioner - Forensic Autism Service

About the Role

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to become part of the Forensic Autism Service as an Allied Health Professional Therapy Assistant. This role focuses on managing a caseload of autistic adults with complex or additional needs who present significant forensic risks. The team’s priority is to address multiple health issues and vulnerabilities, aiming to decrease offending behaviors through tailored interventions, thorough risk assessments, and management approaches. Collaboration with individuals and partnership with external agencies such as Social Care, Probation, Mental Health Teams, and Child Youth Services is central.

The post involves assisting Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists in working with autistic adults in community, inpatient, and sometimes prison environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Occupational and Speech and Language Therapists by conducting specific observations and informal assessments.
• Deliver targeted support tasks as devised and supervised by qualified therapists.
• Operate across a variety of settings such as homes, community venues, NHS trust locations, inpatient units, and occasionally prisons.
• Work collaboratively with individuals either one-on-one or in groups, including facilitating online sessions.
• Assist in delivering training provided by the Forensic Autism Service.
• Engage regularly with experienced therapists and the multidisciplinary team to develop professional skills under supervision.
• Maintain flexible working hours primarily within 9 am to 5 pm, adjusting as necessary to meet service demands.

Candidate Requirements

• Ability to work under the supervision of Occupational and Speech and Language Therapists.
• Willingness to work in diverse settings including community, inpatient, and prison environments.
• Commitment to collaborative work with multiple agencies involved in care management.
• Flexibility in working hours to accommodate service needs.
• Understanding and respect for diversity and inclusion principles.
• Openness to personal skill development through regular supervision and team interactions.

Additional Information

Our organization values diversity and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from all backgrounds and particularly from underrepresented groups. Individuals with lived experience relevant to this service are welcomed as they add valuable perspective. We promote flexible working arrangements such as part-time, term-time, compressed hours, and flexi-time to support work-life balance and wellbeing. Comprehensive wellbeing resources and support systems are available to help employees thrive both professionally and personally.

Contact Details

For further information or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Recruiting Manager, Alexa Drake at Alexa.Drake@lscft.nhs.uk.