Occupational Therapist, Clinical Specialist, Disability Services

Details of Service

The implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways protocol in the Regional Healthcare Areas will be supported by In-Reach Teams. In-reach teams are being introduced on a phased based. In Phase 1 In-reach teams x 11 will be introduced across the Health Regions in 2026. In Phase 2 a further 9 x teams are planned for 2027.

The implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways protocol in the Regional Healthcare Areas will be supported by In-Reach Teams. The In-Reach Team will work in collaboration with Primary Care Children’s Services, Disability and CAMHS teams (core services) to support and/or undertake diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents, as appropriate to the local area service needs and configuration. It is envisioned, that the focus will be for children requiring an autism diagnostic assessment who have non-complex needs; and who cannot access a full diagnostic autism assessment in either CAMHS or Primary Care.

In Phase 1 of the implementation five of the six Regional Health Areas will receive 2 x In- Reach teams in 2026, and one Regional Health Area will receive 1 x In-Reach team.

This implementation plan of 1 x In-reach Team for every 2 x Community Healthcare Networks is based on the learnings from the prototype In-reach Team in t in Co Meath.

The initial focus of the In-Reach Team will be to support service integration and the flow of client care for Children. Accordingly, the In-Reach Team will work in collaboration with Primary Care Children’s Services, Disability and CAMHS teams (core services) to support and/or undertake autism diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents, as appropriate to the local area service needs and configuration. This will broaden out to Adults as the teams are developed and embedded into integrated service design and delivery.

It is envisioned, that the focus will be for children requiring an autism diagnostic assessment who have non-complex needs; and who cannot access a full diagnostic autism assessment in either CAMHS or Primary Care. Non-complex needs are defined by the National Policy on Access to Services for Children & Young People with Disability & Developmental Delay.

Existing referral pathways to core services will be maintained (acknowledging the move towards a single point of access (SPoA) in the regions. The In-Reach team will be engaged by the core service to complete/support a diagnostic autism assessment for open active cases, with the core service providing additional background information. There should be ongoing communication and collaboration between the core service and the In-Reach Team as the assessment is being conducted. The outcome of the assessment findings should be collectively and collaboratively agreed and shared.

The In-Reach Team may also support existing teams with a focus on enhancing their capacity in undertaking assessments. The goal is to make sure that children get the right care, at the right time, no matter where they live. These teams support the provision of services that are consistent, equitable and based on relevant healthcare evidence.

Purpose of the Post

The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will be a key member of the multi-disciplinary In-Reach Team. The team, comprising of Specialist Principal Psychologist, Clinical Specialist Speech and Language, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist and admin support (Grade IV).

The team will work across the core care groups Primary Care, CAMHS and Disabilities. The in-reach team will work collaboratively with clinicians from the core service and the heads of discipline / service managers to ensure a co-ordinated and comprehensive service delivery to, and effective communication with, all stakeholders with the aim of providing integrated care. The post-holder will contribute significantly to service planning, development, evaluation and quality initiatives to the autistic community.

The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will lead and be responsible for the delivery of a high-quality, evidence-based Occupational Therapy service within the area of Autism Assessment. They will advocate for neuro-affirmative practice. This service will be person-centred and strengths-based, and will encompass occupational therapy assessment, formulation, consultation, education, and support, with a specific focus on functional participation, sensory processing, daily living skills, and environmental fit. The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will participate in audit and research ensuring client outcomes and satisfaction with service is at forefront of service development

The post-holder will provide expert Occupational Therapy input and leadership to one or more service teams and sectors as required, as part of the In-Reach Team, and across services involved in autism assessment. All practice will be delivered in accordance with service plans and objectives, and within established professional standards, policies, and guidelines.

We Welcome Enquiries about the role,

For further information about the role, contact

Charlotte Sullivan, Occupational Therapist Manager In Charge 3.

Mobile: 087 9181628

Email: charlotte.sullivan@hse.ie

For enquiries relating to the recruitment process contact.

Mary Hayes

People Resourcing, Model Business Park, Model Farm Road, Cork

Email: mary.hayes22@hse.ie

Tel: 021 492 8737