About this role
Job summary
To contribute specialist speech, language and communication assessment expertise within the CYP ASD and/or ADHD diagnostic pathways, supporting safe, timely and evidence-based diagnostic decision-making through structured assessment, multi-informant evidence gathering, MDT discussion, and high-quality reporting. The postholder will work within the commissioned scope and agreed clinical governance arrangements, providing clear outcomes and practical recommendations to families and referrers.
Social communication and language profiles are central to the differential diagnostic process in CYP neurodevelopmental assessments. This role strengthens MDT capacity by embedding specialist SLT expertise directly within the pathway, improving the quality and defensibility of diagnostic formulation while supporting timely, family-centred outcomes.
Main duties of the job
Full list can be found in the attached Job Description.
Assessment contribution
Contribute specialist speech, language and communication assessment within CYP ASD and/or ADHD diagnostic pathways, working within service SOPs and NICE guidance. Review referral information and supporting evidence, applying SLT-specific clinical knowledge to support pathway triage and readiness decisions. Conduct structured communication and language assessments as part of the MDT model, using validated tools and professional judgement to inform diagnostic formulation. Gather and integrate multi-informant evidence from home and education settings, within consent and information governance requirements. Contribute to MDT discussion and diagnostic decision-making, providing clear SLT-informed clinical reasoning aligned to DSM-5/ICD-11 criteria. Identify co-occurring communication, language, social communication and interaction needs; escalate safeguarding concerns and clinical risk via appropriate governance routes.
About us
Vertis Health is a GP-owned organisation in Worcestershire. We deliver safe, evidence-based community services through clinician-led teams, robust governance, and practical, data-driven improvement.
The services currently include:
Adult ADHD - assessment and ongoing clinical reviews, with medication titration delivered under appropriate prescribing governance and shared care with GPs where agreed. Adult ASD - diagnostic assessment pathway delivered through an MDT model. Children and Young People (CYP) ADHD - an assessment and diagnosis pathway (with onward treatment and medication pathways subject to commissioning and wider system arrangements). Children and Young People (CYP) ASD - a diagnostic assessment pathway delivered through a multidisciplinary model, aligned to national guidance and local commissioning arrangements.
The postholder is expected to work strictly within the commissioned scope and agreed clinical governance arrangements, contributing to pathway improvement without over-promising provision outside current remit. Where unmet needs are identified during assessment, the service routes onward support via agreed pathways (typically via the GP and local NHS system), alongside signposting to appropriate local and national support.
Job description Job responsibilities
Full Job Description Attached.
Directorate:
Neurodevelopmental & Mental Health
Accountable to:
Neurodevelopmental Service Lead / Head of Operations (as locally agreed)
Professional/Clinical partner:
Consultant Psychiatrist and/or Paediatrician (designated senior medical oversight for diagnostic governance)
Line management:
May support junior clinicians
Base:
Redditch Crabbs Cross with agreed hybrid working for elements of required pathways. 95% in-person working.
Hours:
37.5 hours, Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Part-time or Full-time
Contract/Grade:
£40,000-£55,000
Person Specification
Person Specification Essential
Current HCPC registration as a Speech and Language Therapist. Significant post-qualification experience working with children and young people in neurodevelopmental, paediatric, CAMHS or closely related settings. Demonstrable experience conducting speech, language and communication assessments within a CYP diagnostic or neurodevelopmental pathway. Ability to integrate multi-source assessment evidence into clear clinical reasoning, contributing to MDT diagnostic decision-making aligned to DSM-5/ICD-11 criteria. Strong report-writing skills with evidence of producing high-quality clinical documentation to deadlines. Sound understanding of safeguarding, risk identification and escalation within CYP services. Confident MDT working and ability to follow governed diagnostic pathways and service SOPs. Commitment to equality, reasonable adjustments and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Desirable
Experience using validated standardised language and communication assessment tools within a ND or diagnostic pathway model. Experience of assessing children and young people with dual presentation (ASD and ADHD) and navigating pathway interfaces. Experience of working within high-volume assessment services or Right to Choose models. Experience of audit, service improvement or documentation standards work in neurodevelopmental or CAMHS services. Familiarity with ADOS-2 administration as part of an MDT model
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)