About this role
Job summary
Vertis Health is seeking a motivated and experienced Clinical Psychologist to join our Children and Young Peoples (CYP) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Service. The successful postholder will play a key role in delivering high-quality autism assessments as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), supporting timely access to diagnostic services while maintaining the highest standards of clinical governance and patient care.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a clinician-led organisation committed to delivering evidence-based neurodevelopmental services and improving outcomes for children, young people and their families.
Main duties of the job
As a Clinical Psychologist, you will:
Deliver specialist CYP ASD assessments in line with NICE guidance, DSM-5/ICD-11 criteria and organisational procedures.Undertake developmental history taking, psychological assessments and clinical formulation.Utilise validated assessment tools and objective measures, including ADOS-2 where appropriate.Collate and analyse information from multiple sources, including families, schools and existing records.Contribute expert psychological opinion to MDT diagnostic discussions and decision-making.Prepare high-quality diagnostic reports and communicate assessment outcomes sensitively to families.Identify co-occurring neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions and escalate safeguarding concerns appropriately.Participate in supervision, governance activities, audit and continuous service improvement.
About us
Vertis Health is a GP-owned healthcare provider delivering safe, effective and evidence-based community services across Worcestershire. Our teams are clinician-led, supported by strong governance structures and driven by a commitment to continuous improvement and excellent patient experience.
We provide a range of neurodevelopmental services including:
Adult ADHDAdult ASDCYP ADHD Assessment and DiagnosisCYP ASD Assessment and DiagnosisThe primary focus of this role is within the CYP ASD diagnostic pathway, with opportunities to contribute to ADHD assessment services where training, competence and service needs allow.
Job description Job responsibilities
Full Job Description attached.
The postholder will work as part of a multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental team and will be responsible for:
Clinical AssessmentConducting comprehensive autism assessments for children and young people.Completing psychological assessments and clinical formulations.Integrating evidence from families, education settings and previous clinical records.Supporting robust and defensible MDT diagnostic decision-making.Communication and ReportingProducing clear, accurate and neurodiversity-affirming diagnostic reports.Delivering feedback to children, young people and families in a supportive manner.Providing recommendations, advice and signposting following assessment outcomes.Maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation.Governance and Service ImprovementWorking within safeguarding, consent, confidentiality and governance frameworks.Participating in clinical supervision and reflective practice.Supporting audit, quality improvement and service development initiatives.Contributing to pathway development and maintaining high standards of care.
Person Specification
Person Specification Essential
Appropriate qualification in Clinical Psychology. Current HCPC registration as a Practitioner Psychologist. Significant postqualification experience working with children and young people in neurodevelopmental, CAMHS or related services. Direct experience contributing to CYP ASD diagnostic assessments within an MDT. Strong formulation, clinical reasoning and reportwriting skills. Sound understanding of safeguarding and risk in CYP services.
Desirable
ADOS2 trained. Experience of working with dual presentation (ASD/ADHD). Experience supporting service development or audit activity. Experience using EMIS.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Vertis Health
Address 38 Kenilworth Close
Crabbs Cross
Redditch
B97 5JX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.vertishealth.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)