About this role
Job summary
To deliver high-quality autism (ASD) assessments for children and young people within a governed MDT diagnostic pathway, in line with NICE guidance, Vertis Health SOPs and commissioned service requirements.
The postholder will contribute expert psychological assessment, formulation and diagnostic reasoning, supporting safe, defensible MDT decision making, high quality reporting and clear communication of outcomes and recommendations to families and referrers.
Demand for CYP ASD assessments continues to exceed system capacity. This role strengthens quality and capacity within the MDT pathway, maintaining safeguarding, equity and diagnostic integrity while supporting timely access and improved experience for families.
Main duties of the job
Clinical assessment and diagnostic contribution
Deliver CYP ASD assessments in line with NICE guidance, DSM5 / ICD11 criteria and Vertis Health SOPs.Undertake detailed developmental history taking, psychological assessment and formulation.Use validated assessment tools and objective measures as required by the pathway (e.g. ADOS2, questionnaires).Integrate multi informant and multi setting evidence (home, education, previous records).Contribute psychological expertise to MDT discussion and diagnostic decision making.Identify co-occurring neurodevelopmental or mental health needs and escalate safeguarding or risk concerns appropriately.Documentation and communication
Produce high quality ASD diagnostic reports within agreed time frames, using clear, neurodiversity affirming language.Communicate outcomes sensitively to children, young people and families.Provide practical, psychologically informed recommendations and signposting within service remit.Ensure accurate, timely clinical records and correspondence.Pathway, governance and quality
Work within clinical governance, consent, confidentiality and safeguarding frameworks.Participate in supervision, MDT reflective practice, audit and service improvement activity.Support safe interface with CYP ADHD pathways where dual presentation is suspected, ensuring clarity about remit and next steps.
About us
Vertis Health is a GP-owned organisation in Worcestershire delivering safe, evidence based community services through clinician led teams, strong governance and continuous service improvement.
About the Services
Vertis Health delivers the following neurodevelopmental services:
Adult ADHDAdult ASDCYP ADHD (assessment and diagnosis pathway)CYP ASD (MDT diagnostic assessment pathway)
Primary service focus for this post: CYP ASD assessment and diagnosis.
Job description Job responsibilities
Full Job Description attached.
Directorate: Neurodevelopmental & Mental Health
Accountable to: Neurodevelopmental Service Lead
Professional/Clinical partner: Consultant Psychiatrist and/or Paediatrician (designated senior medical oversight for diagnostic governance)
Base: Redditch Crabbs Cross
Hours:37.5 per week, Monday to Friday 09:0017:00
Contract/Grade: £60,000-£70,000
Preemployment checks: Enhanced DBS and barred lists, Safeguarding Level 3, Right to Work (UK)
Indicative job plan (37.5 hours)
Clinical assessment / feedback: 1822 hoursReport writing / formulation: 810 hoursMDT, governance, supervision, audit: 35 hoursAdmin / liaison: 24 hours
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
Employer's website https://www.vertishealth.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)