Job Description

The post holder will be an autonomous key member of the Multi Disciplinary Team. Leading the co-ordination and participating in the assessment of children with developmental concerns. This will include the enhanced practice of undertaking specialist diagnostic assessment (ADOS) and assisting in the triage of newly referred patients.



They will participate in the management of the department when required, ensuring smooth and efficient running in the absence of the CDC Team Lead. They will take responsibility for their own self-development and that of junior members of staff helping to provide a suitable learning environment and high standards of clinical practice.



Assisting and contributing to the management and organisation of the Child Development Centre.



Work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of children and their families working autonomously as a member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT.)



Using an extensive knowledge of children's neurodevelopmental needs to inform the child's developmental assessment including undertaking an ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observations Schedule.)



Take the lead in practitioner led assessments, in the absence of a Community Paediatrician.



Maintain and complete an accurate patient record, ensuring a detailed account of their child's assessment.



Communicate with, actively listen, interpret and respond to patients', relatives, carers and visitors, in order to provide appropriate support.



L eading areas of service development and chairing related Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings (MDT) meetings when required.



Take responsibility for own and others professional development.



Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area and contribute to audit initiatives.



Adhere to all Trust Policies and Health & Safety, as applicable.



Identify and lead significant developments related to CDC to ensure excellent patient care is achieved considering the goals led by the NHS plan, NICE Guidelines and local initiatives



Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.



Our Excellence Values



Compassion



Accountability



Respect



Integrity



Courage



We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.



We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.



The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.



We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.



We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.



Supporting Clinical Excellence



Assisting and contributing to the management and organisation of the Child Development Centre.



Takes a proactive approach when in charge of the department in the absence of the Lead Practitioner with delegated responsibilities.



Attending meetings on behalf of the Lead Practitioner, making decisions accordingly.



Making decisions about appropriate referrals



Planning the assessment timetable taking into account all factors to ensure child is seen with appropriate Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) member present.



Receive and act appropriately with any health and safety and safeguarding issues that occur.



Manage the e-roster off duty, keeping it up to date and accurate including management of the team's annual leave entitlement and authorising and finalising bank shifts.



Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality care.



Work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of children and their families working autonomously as a member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT.)



Using an extensive knowledge of children's neurodevelopmental needs to inform the child's developmental assessment.



Collate and analyse information from the MDT and community services.



Interpret play and behaviour, using observation skills to analyses the child's developmental needs.



Write assessment findings to contribute to the CDC report, which will outline the child's specific strengths and needs, to contribute to the diagnosis.



Following the child's assessment and analysis of identified need, use specialist knowledge to consider services and support to promote the child and family's health and wellbeing.



Undertake evidence based assessments including leading an ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observations Schedule.)



Co-ordinate the child's assessment arrangements in accordance with departmental processes.



Take the lead in practitioner Led assessments, in the absence of a Community Paediatrician.



Comply with all Trust policies and risk assessments with particular regard to the policies and procedures carried out in the event of maintaining staff and patient safety.



Act on all accidents and untoward incidents including safeguarding. Complete an incident form in accordance with Trust policy



Communication

Maintain a high standard of communication in order to:

To lead and promote efficient patient care.



Provide highly complex information on identified needs and diagnosis.



Maintain effective channels of communication.



Be a strong advocate for children and their families. This requires a high level of negotiation skills within the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Supporting junior members of the team in taking on this advocate role.



Leading Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings (MDT) meetings in absence of the CDC Lead Practitioner.



Maintain and complete an accurate patient record, ensuring a detailed account of their child's assessment.



Communicate with, actively listen, interpret and respond to patients', relatives, carers and visitors, in order to provide appropriate support.



Be aware of the need for confidentiality both within the written and spoken word and ensure correct storage of patients' records at all times, to comply with the Information Governance Code. To support junior members of the team in their compliance.



Liaise with other departments as necessary for the coordination of patient care and the smooth running of the unit.



Policy and Service Development Responsibilities



Undertake the Trust Corporate and Directorate specific Induction and competency Programmes and supporting junior staff to do the same.



Contribute to annual appraisal and be responsible for own personal performance and development plan.



Identify learning needs in self and others through line managing and completing appraisals, negotiating a Personal Development Plan.



Contribute to the education and training of others, including undertaking clinical supervision.



Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area and contribute to audit initiatives.



Adhere to all Trust Policies and Health & Safety, as applicable.



Identify and lead significant developments related to CDC to ensure excellent patient care is achieved considering the goals led by the NHS plan, NICE Guidelines and local initiatives.



Professional Responsibilities



Act as a clinical and professional role model, assessing and supporting students and learners on placement within the clinical area.



To undertake any expanded roles deemed necessary for the role following the Trust policy 'Expansion of Professional Practice for Registered Healthcare Practitioners'



Actively participate in the education, development, and supervision of other staff members



Maintain own professional competence through on going professional development to include clinical supervision, annual mandatory training, role specific, appraisal process and personal development planning.



Be accountable for own professional practice in accordance with your professional body, including professional revalidation as appropriate.



People/Management Excellence



Support a culture of teamwork within the service area.



Collaborate with all members of the service area to ensure efficient running of the department.



Take lead in introducing new members of staff to their duties and in supporting new members of staff during their probationary period.



Supervise and assess staff as appropriate.



Undertake a recognised mentoring course as appropriate.



Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patients' property in accordance with Trust policy



Ensure where appropriate that the programmes of training for learners, both students, junior staff and Play Assistants are completed.



Participate in professional supervision.



Line management for junior members of staff eg return to work interviews and appraisals.



Supporting Financial Excellence



Use resources effectively in order to provide quality patient care whist having an awareness of budgetary issues.



Responsible for the effective and efficient use of clinical, physical, and financial resources.



Research and Development Responsibilities



Maintain and promote an awareness of evidence-based practice and participate in its implementation.



Contribute to research and development programmes within the department.