Job summary
- Main area
- Children's Neurodevelopmental Assessment
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Secondment: 12 months (fixed term maternity cover)
- Hours
- Part time - 25 hours per week
- Job ref
- 263-CCG26-317-AB-A
- Employer
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Benton House
- Town
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Salary
- £39,959 - £48,117 pro rata per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- Today at 23:59
Employer heading
Community Practitioner
Band 6
Hello!
We are so delighted you are considering coming to work with us at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).
We know the power of looking into an organisation, one you might want to work in, or one where you are going to get help, and being able to say, ‘I’ve seen somewhere I can fit in and be myself.’ We’re on a journey to make the Trust an inclusive employer, representative of the community we serve and we want more of our community to consider applying for jobs with us.
Opportunities for you
Spanning east to west coasts from Northumberland to Cumbria and from the Scottish Borders down to Middlesbrough we’ve got exciting new opportunities available at every level and in every area.
We offer flexible working, helping work fit around family and caring responsibilities, or training and development needs and there’s lots on offer in the way of benefits, such as, lease cars, childcare schemes, staff discounts, season tickets for travel and a cycle to work scheme. All this in a vibrant workplace supported by the following staff networks.
- Cultural diversity staff network
- Disabled staff network
- LGBT+ staff network
We also have a number of staff support groups which are open to any staff to attend. These Include:
- Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Network
- Mind, Health and Wellbeing Community
- Menopause toolkit and cafes and staff carer support group
We offer fantastic personal development opportunities through our Collective Leadership Programme and other Organisational Development initiatives. Whatever you are looking for, you will be joining a supportive, friendly team, offering varied and interesting roles, with opportunities for career progression.
We’re always seeking to improve as an organisation. Do you want to be part of that?
Please note that it is a requirement of this Trust that all external applicants pay for their own DBS certification if a DBS check is required for the post. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first monthly pay
Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Band 6 Community Practitioner to join our dynamic Children’s Neurodevelopmental assessment Pathway in Newcastle and Gateshead CYPS. This post is to cover maternity leave for 12 months, 25 hours per week, or 8 months full time.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in co-ordinating high‑quality autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people across Northumberland.
You will be central to the coordination and delivery of neurodevelopmental assessments, working closely with families, schools, and multi‑agency partners to ensure timely, child‑centred, and evidence‑based care.
We’re looking for someone who is:
• A registered health or social care professional (e.g. mental health or learning disability nurse, OT, Social Worker, SLT, or equivalent)
• Experienced in working with children, young people, and families
• Confident in assessing developmental, behavioural, or emotional needs
• Skilled in multi‑agency working and collaborative practice
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage a busy caseload
• Compassionate, child‑focused, and committed to improving outcomes
Experience in neurodevelopmental assessments is desirable, but we welcome applicants with transferable skills and a passion for this area. Training and supervision will be provided.
Main duties of the job
• Coordinating and contributing to autism and ADHD assessments
• Completing developmental histories, structured observations, and clinical interviews
• Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team including psychology, speech and language therapy, social work, medics and nursing
• Supporting families to understand the assessment process and next steps
• Providing clear, compassionate communication with parents, carers, and professionals
• Participating in MDT discussions and formulation meetings
• Contributing to service development and quality improvement initiatives
Working for our organisation
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
Newcastle and Gateshead Children and Young People’s Service is a well‑established, multi‑disciplinary community team providing high‑quality support to children, young people, and families across the county. Our service operates from bases in Newcastle (Benton House) and Gateshead (Bensham Hospital) where working between both bases will be essential.
You will be joining a friendly, supportive team that includes professionals from nursing, psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, medicine and social care. We work collaboratively, drawing on a wide range of expertise to deliver holistic, child‑centred care. Regular supervision, peer support, and opportunities for joint working are embedded in our culture, and we actively encourage professional development and reflective practice.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our service values innovation, compassion, and teamwork. We are committed to improving outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental needs and their families, and we welcome practitioners who share our enthusiasm for high‑quality, inclusive, and evidence‑informed practice.
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 9th October 2026
Closing date : 23rd October 2026
We welcome your application.
Person specification
Education and Qualification
Essential criteria
- Professional Qualification and current Professional Registration as, a First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent as an AHP, Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist
- Mentor/assessor Training.
- Up-to-date knowledge/experience of relevant legislation.
- Evidence of post-registration training in clinical/ psychological interventions / skills relevant to the post.
- Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post.
- Training in CPA (Care Programme Approach), Safeguarding, MAPPA (Multi Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and Child Protection.
Desirable criteria
- Post Registration Qualifications in Psychological Interventions
- Experience of working within a community team.
- Non-Medical Prescribing
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need.
- Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives.
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of difficult to manage/challenging behaviours.
Skills and Competencies
Essential criteria
- Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex mental health needs.
- Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).
- Ability to adapt within a changing environment.
- Ability to work under pressure.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Alexis Baker-Smith
- Job title
- Clinical Lead
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01912876210
List jobs with Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust in Allied Health Professions or all sectors



