Neurodevelopmental Practitioner

About Oakdale and the Role

Oakdale Group is a trusted, values-driven not-for-profit organisation with over 25 years of experience delivering evidence-based therapies and assessments to children, young people, and adults. We collaborate with the NHS, local authorities, schools, and private clients, focusing on putting people at the centre of all we do.

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled Neurodevelopmental Practitioner to join our supportive and progressive team based in Horsforth/Halifax with hybrid working options. The role offers 37.5 hours per week, with part-time options of a minimum 22.5 hours over three days considered. The salary ranges from £39,474 to £56,000 annually full-time equivalent, dependent on experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments for children, young people, and/or adults according to Oakdale pathways and national clinical guidelines such as NICE.
• Carry out developmental interviews, direct observations, and assessment activities consistent with your professional qualifications and training.
• Integrate information from multiple sources to develop robust clinical formulations supporting diagnostic decisions.
• Formulate diagnostic outcomes independently in single-clinician pathways (e.g., ADHD), ensuring adherence to professional standards and organisational frameworks.
• Collaborate actively in multidisciplinary team meetings for panel diagnostic formulations, utilizing senior clinician support as needed.
• Employ and oversee use of approved technology tools for efficient documentation, ensuring clinical accountability for all outputs.
• Communicate assessment findings and recommendations clearly and compassionately to clients, their families, and external professionals.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical records and reports in line with regulatory and organisational standards.
• Engage in clinical audits, quality improvement, and service development activities.
• Work within professional scope of practice with awareness of legislation, safeguarding, and clinical governance; escalate risks and safeguarding concerns appropriately.
• Manage workload efficiently to support service delivery and productivity, escalating operational issues as necessary.
• Demonstrate flexibility in work locations and evolving service priorities.
• Maintain active professional registration, pursuit of continuous professional development, and participation in supervision and reflective practice.
• Contribute positively to peer learning, team development, and service innovation initiatives.

Candidate Profile

We are recruiting primarily for our Adult assessment pathway. Candidates will be primarily based at one centre but may need to travel between centres especially during training periods.

Essential Qualifications & Registration

• Certification or competency in neurodevelopmental assessment tools such as ADOS-2, SCQ, ADI-R, DIVA, or Young DIVA.
• Current professional registration with one of the following regulatory bodies: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Clinical/Forensic/Counselling Psychology, or Social Work England for Social Work.

Experience Requirements

• At least one year of autonomous experience conducting neurodevelopmental assessments in either single-clinician or multidisciplinary team settings.
• Experience working within mental health, neurodevelopmental, neurodiversity, or related clinical environments.
• Proven ability to produce comprehensive clinical documentation and multi-source clinical formulations to a professional standard.
• Experience contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams and adhering to safeguarding and clinical governance frameworks.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD and their assessment processes.
• Excellent communication skills to sensitively relay information and build professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Organisational skills with the ability to prioritize, manage time effectively, and meet clinical deadlines.
• Proficiency with digital systems and electronic patient record management.

Mobility and Flexibility

• Willingness and ability to travel between designated Oakdale centres as required by the service.

Desirable Attributes

• Further autonomous experience across varying clinical pathways.
• Possession of a full UK driving license and access to a vehicle for work.

Employee Benefits

• 33 days of annual leave including bank holidays, with incremental increases based on service length.
• Flexible and agile working options from the start.
• Access to SimplyHealth services including 24/7 GP, counselling, physiotherapy, and other health support.
• Significantly discounted private adult ADHD and Autism neurodevelopmental assessments for employees and their families.
• Fully funded flu vaccinations.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives featuring trained mental health champions.
• Smart Pension & Rewards program offering discounts and cashback.
• Enhanced occupational sick pay.
• Cycle to Work and Technology Salary Sacrifice schemes.
• Employee discount schemes covering various products and services.
• Protected days for CPD, annual away days, and high calibre training opportunities.
• Coverage of professional registration fees where applicable.
• Opportunities to influence and participate in service development and innovation.
• Provision of necessary equipment including laptop, monitor, keyboard to support your work.
• Discounts extend to dependents residing in the same household.

Additional Information

Applications close on 31st July 2026; early applications are encouraged. Interviews are scheduled for 27th August 2026. Oakdale is a registered Disability Confident Committed Employer, committed to equality and inclusion.