Neurodevelopmental Practitioner

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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 Senior Neurodevelopmental Practitioner or Lead Practitioner.
• 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.

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  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  ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observations Schedule.) with team colleague.

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

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 complex information on identified needs and diagnosis.
• Maintain effective channels of communication.

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

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, while gaining and understanding of  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.

Be actively involved  in service  developments related to CDC which are led by Lead and Senior Neurodevelopmental Practitioners, 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 clinical area

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

Assist the Lead Neurodevelopmental Practitioner in introducing new members of staff to their duties and in supporting new members of staff during their probationary period

Supervise and assess registered and unregistered staff as appropriate

Undertake a recognised mentoring course

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 student nurses and health care assistants are completed

Participate in Clinical Supervision

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 ward/department.