Calderdale Open Minds Neurodevelopmental Triage Worker

Job responsibilities

The postholder will lead on the triage and screening process for referrals into FPOC which may require a neurodevelopmental assessment. The post will incorporate the following main duties:

• Gather accurate and relevant referral information

• Signpost young people and families to support/services/resources which meets their needs.

• Involve young people, families, schools and clinical colleagues in the process of deciding whether a neurodevelopmental assessment should take place (via the established neurodevelopmental screening questionnaires)

• Liaise with young people, parents/carers & professionals to communicate referral outcomes

Calderdale Neurodevelopmental Pathway

Calderdale is now embracing a ‘needs-led’ approach which focuses on linking young people and families with support that meets their needs at the earliest point. This approach helps to address needs at an early stage, and also means that children and families who meet the clinical criteria for a diagnostic assessment receive one as quickly as possible.

The pathway is jointly managed by Northpoint Wellbeing and South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPFT) and is supported by the wider partnership of commissioners and other agencies. Northpoint lead on the referral, triage and screening process. SWYPFT manage the waiting list and the assessment and diagnosis element of the pathway. Both organisations work closely together.

The Open Minds (CAMHS) First Point of Contact expects to receive around 2,300 referrals each year. Approximately 1/3 of these referrals involve a query around the possible presence of a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism or ADHD. Many of the needs identified in these referrals can be met quickly and easily without the need for a specialist assessment. Others will require further information to be gathered in order to determine whether the needs meet the clinical criteria for an assessment. This information is gathered via a neurodevelopmental screening questionnaire which enables the young person, their parents/carer, their school, and other professionals to have a voice in the process, and to contribute their own perspective on the needs, strengths, presenting issues and goals.

The postholder will help to gather information and will collate information from the referral, triage process and screening questionnaires. The information is usually then discussed with clinical colleagues from the specialist assessment team, and a decision is made as to whether a young person should be placed on the waiting list for an assessment for autism/ADHD. The postholder also plays a leading role in communicating the referral outcomes to young people and families.

Communication with families:

The postholder will play a vital role in liaising with families and professionals to communicate the outcome of a referral that has been made to request a possible neurodevelopmental assessment for autism and/or ADHD. This is likely to incorporate two main elements:

1. Ensure young people and families who are placed on the waiting list for a neurodevelopmental assessment are aware of the services, resources and support options that are available to them

1. Ensure young people and families who are not placed on the waiting list for a neurodevelopmental assessment understand the rationale for this decision, and provide them with helpful and accessible information about alternative services, resources and support options.

The postholder will also work with Open Minds (CAMHS) colleagues and other partners to develop the role in line with Calderdale’s move towards a needs-led approach. This is likely to include the following functions:

Pre-Referral Consultations – offering helpful advice and information to families and professionals who are considering making a referral for a neurodevelopmental assessment in order to avoid unnecessary referrals and to facilitate access to support/resources at an early point.

Capacity Building – to help upskill colleagues so they are familiar with the triage and screening process for potential neurodevelopmental referrals, and to help them to feel confident in providing consistent guidance and advice in the absence of the postholder.

Waiting List Support – it is envisaged that the triage worker will assist with the process of providing helpful advice and signposting information on strategies, websites, services and resources to families who are on the waiting list for a neurodevelopmental assessment.

Qualifications

Essential

• Experience of working in a mental health service or a similar organisation which supports children, young people and/or families
• Experience in assessing child protection/safeguarding concerns and the ability to act on these in accordance with relevant safeguarding procedures

Desirable

• A relevant qualification in the field of mental health or similar
• Experience of assessing mental health needs
• Experience of working in CAMHS or similar
• Experience of providing telephone support/advice
• Experience of using an electronic patient record system (e.g. IAPTus/SystmOne)
• Experience of supporting young people with neurodevelopmental conditions (Autism/ADHD)

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Able to deal with calls from young people, parents/carers and professionals which may involve emotional or distressing content
• Able to provide support and guidance to parents and professionals on matters relating to childrens mental health and emotional wellbeing
• Able to build and maintain relationships with others both internal and external to the organisation whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Ability to plan and organise workload in line with targets and pressures
• Able to work according to organisational policies and procedures
• Actively committed to personal & professional development
• IT skills i.e. able to use Microsoft Office packages including Word and Outlook and video conferencing such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including communicating clearly and concisely at all levels (both orally and in writing)
• Ability to write clear, accessible & professional reports/letters (e.g. discharge letters)

Qualities

Essential

• An understanding of, and sensitivity towards, mental health issues
• Evidence of a positive and proactive attitude, motivated and solution-focused
• Commitment to the principles of inclusivity, equality and diversity, demonstrated in practice
• Demonstrates values consistent with those of the Northpoints

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions and how these impact on children, young people and families (primarily Autism and ADHD)
• Understanding of the emotional health problems which can affect children, young people and their families, and of the interventions available to support them.
• Understanding of the principles of confidentiality

Desirable

• Knowledge of the tools and processes designed to assess and formulate neurodevelopmental needs, e.g. ADOS, DSM criteria etc.
• Knowledge of special educational needs, learning difficulties and developmental conditions which may impact on children, young people and their families
• Knowledge of the education system
• Understanding of the pressures facing professionals who support children and young people, such as school staff and GPs
• Knowledge of relevant local services and referral pathways in Calderdale