Avista is a dynamic disability service providing clinical support and residential services to children, young persons and adults with complex disability needs and their families. This post is being recruited to support young adults transitioning from school into adult day services. The successful candidate will be joining the multidisciplinary team in the day and residential services. The candidate will work in partnership with the Service managers in Day Services, clinicians, children and their families, and the staff in the day and residential service teams to support young people with high support needs in relation to their regulations.
The Behaviour Support Specialist / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Autism) will provide specialist assessment, intervention, and support to Autistic young people (18 + years) and complex behavioural needs who are transitioning into adult services.
The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team in line with HIQA Regulations and Standards supporting young adults and their families and staff support teams to achieve meaningful participation, improved regulation, and enhanced quality of life as identified in their Personal Plan in collaboration with other members of the team.
JOB ADVERTISEMENT
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE FOLLOWING AVISTA CDNT POSITIONS:
Part Time Permanent Senior Behavior Support Specialist (18.75 hpw)
or
Clinical Nurse Specialist (18.75hpw)
Salary Scale:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist 62,699 - 79,227 LSI
OR
- Senior Behaviour Support Specialist (Play Therapist equivalent): 63,324 - 74,050
- Salary subject to Relevant Public Sector Experience and pro-rated for hours of work.
REF: 101113
Essential Criteria:
- Behaviour Support Specialist Role - Level 8 Health or Social Care Qualification with CORU registration where appropriate.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Role - Level 9 QQI qualification in the specialist area or related to Nursing with NMBI Registration.
- A minimum of 3 years post registration experience in supporting Autistic children/ young people with complex needs around their regulation/ behaviour within a rights-based & neuroaffirmative framework.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, teamwork, IT Skills and effective caseload management skills.
- Full driving licence with access to own transport.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience working within the area of Positive Behaviour Support.
- Specialist postgraduate qualification in a related area e.g.:
o Autism
o Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Conditions
o Child & Adolescent Mental Health
- Experience delivering specialist workshops and training programmes
Applicants should possess Level 2 behavioral competencies of Avista competency framework as set out in the job descriptions
Why work with us?
- Excellent Career Progression Opportunities.
- Comprehensive Pension Scheme
- Supportive and innovative working environment.
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Paid Maternity Leave & Sick Pay scheme
- Bike to work Scheme
- Tax Saver Travel Scheme
Please submit a Cover letter and CV as application via our website careers section at: https://www.rezoomo.com/company/avista/
Informal enquiries to Lisa Lavelle, Director of Nursing, [email protected]
Closing date for receipt of applications: 03rd August 2026.
Avista reserves the right to close the competition early should a sufficient number of applications be received.
A panel may be formed from which current and future Full Time, Part-Time, Permanent or Temporary vacancies across Avista may be filled.
Avista is a public body and subject to Freedom of Information and Data Protection Requests.
Avista is an equal opportunities employer.
