Job Description

The Neurodevelopmental Clinical Nurse Specialist/Practitioner is a Non-Medical Prescriber who will work within the Community Paediatric team to provide specialist support to children and young people with a diagnosis of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and their families. There will also be an opportunity within the role to develop skills, under Clinical supervision, to be involved in the assessment and feedback elements of the service for ASD / ADHD.
UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibilitycriteria.
Main duties of the job
They will hold a caseload and independently prescribe medications for ADHD under agreed service protocols and in agreement with the child/young person's Community Paediatrician, and in accordance with local and NICE guidelines (NG87) and the principles of prescribing set out in the Competency Framework for all Prescribers (Royal Pharmaceutical Society 2016).They will actively participate in the management of new referrals, including initial grading and multidisciplinary triage of cases. They will take on a co-ordinating role including formal liaison with other services for children and young people.The post holder will have a key role within the Neurodevelopmental pathway, facilitating and developing assessment and management of children and young people where there is a query or diagnosis. Ensuring high quality assessment and support following local and national guidance. The post holder will also work closely with the clinical psychology team to ensure that children and young people are waiting well for formal assessments.
About us
The West Dorset Community Paediatric Team investigates, assesses, diagnose and offers treatment for children and young people with Neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities. The team collaborates with Local Authority, Social Care and other health care professionals to create a support network for children and young people.
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Details
Date posted
05 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
47,810 to 54,710 a year Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
405-25-NM558PAED
Job locations
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
Job description
Job responsibilities
Our DCHFT and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online. Job description
Job responsibilities
Our DCHFT and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.
Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential

• Registered Child branch Nursing or Allied Health professional
• Educated to BSc Degree/MSc or equivalent level in relevant field
• Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification (Active on the NMC register) or willingness to undertake

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Minimum 5 years post registration including at band 6 level
• Significant post registration experience within a service working with children and young people with Autism,
• Extensive knowledge of the Autism and ADHD diagnostic procedures and treatment packages offered.
• Experience working with children and young people and their families

Desirable

• Experience managing / advising on sleep disorders
• Evidence of developing policy, guidelines and managing resources

SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential

• Caring and empathetic attitude to patients
• Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions and judgments
• Medicines management
• Ability to gather data, compile information and write reports
• Knowledge and understanding of national paediatric guidelines relevant to speciality
• Ability to deal with highly emotional and distressing situations/circumstances
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, GPs, hospital staff and other agencies.
• Full driving licence valid in the UK and have access to a car
• Proficient IT skills
• Developed clinical skills

Desirable

• Critical appraisal skills
• Coaching and mentoring skills

Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential

• Registered Child branch Nursing or Allied Health professional
• Educated to BSc Degree/MSc or equivalent level in relevant field
• Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification (Active on the NMC register) or willingness to undertake

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Minimum 5 years post registration including at band 6 level
• Significant post registration experience within a service working with children and young people with Autism,
• Extensive knowledge of the Autism and ADHD diagnostic procedures and treatment packages offered.
• Experience working with children and young people and their families

Desirable

• Experience managing / advising on sleep disorders
• Evidence of developing policy, guidelines and managing resources

SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential

• Caring and empathetic attitude to patients
• Ability to make autonomous clinical decisions and judgments
• Medicines management
• Ability to gather data, compile information and write reports
• Knowledge and understanding of national paediatric guidelines relevant to speciality
• Ability to deal with highly emotional and distressing situations/circumstances
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, GPs, hospital staff and other agencies.
• Full driving licence valid in the UK and have access to a car
• Proficient IT skills
• Developed clinical skills

Desirable

• Critical appraisal skills
• Coaching and mentoring skills

Skills Required