Tocontribute specialist speech, language and communication assessment expertisewithin the CYP ASD and/or ADHD diagnostic pathways, supporting safe, timely andevidence-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 clinicalgovernance arrangements, providing clear outcomes and practical recommendationsto families and referrers.
Socialcommunication and language profiles are central to the differential diagnosticprocess in CYP neurodevelopmental assessments. This role strengthens MDTcapacity by embedding specialist SLT expertise directly within the pathway,improving the quality and defensibility of diagnostic formulation whilesupporting timely, family-centred outcomes.
Main duties of the job
Full list can be found in the attached Job Description.
Assessment contribution
* Contribute specialist speech, languageand communication assessment within CYP ASD and/or ADHD diagnostic pathways,working within service SOPs and NICE guidance.
* Review referral information andsupporting evidence, applying SLT-specific clinical knowledge to supportpathway triage and readiness decisions.
* Conduct structured communication andlanguage assessments as part of the MDT model, using validated tools andprofessional judgement to inform diagnostic formulation.
* Gather and integrate multi-informantevidence from home and education settings, within consent and informationgovernance requirements.
* Contribute to MDT discussion anddiagnostic decision-making, providing clear SLT-informed clinical reasoningaligned to DSM-5/ICD-11 criteria.
* Identify co-occurring communication,language, social communication and interaction needs; elevate safeguardingconcerns and clinical risk via appropriate governance routes.
About us
VertisHealth is a GP-owned organisation in Worcestershire. We deliver safe,evidence-based community services through clinician-led teams, robustgovernance, and practical, data-driven improvement.
Theservices currently include:
* Adult ADHD - assessment and ongoingclinical reviews, with medication titration delivered under appropriateprescribing governance and shared care with GPs where agreed.
* Adult ASD - diagnostic assessmentpathway delivered through an MDT model.
* Children and Young People (CYP) ADHD -an assessment and diagnosis pathway (with onward treatment and medicationpathways subject to commissioning and wider system arrangements).
* Children and Young People (CYP) ASD - adiagnostic assessment pathway delivered through a multidisciplinary model,aligned to national guidance and local commissioning arrangements.
Thepostholder is expected to work strictly within the commissioned scope andagreed clinical governance arrangements, contributing to pathway improvementwithout over-promising provision outside current remit. Where unmet needs areidentified during assessment, the service routes onward support via agreedpathways (typically via the GP and local NHS system), alongside signposting toappropriate local and national support.
Job responsibilities
Full Job Description Attached.
Directorate:
Accountable to:
Neurodevelopmental Service Lead / Head of Operations (aslocally agreed)
Professional/Clinical partner:
Consultant Psychiatrist and/or Paediatrician (designatedsenior medical oversight for diagnostic governance)
Line management:
Base:
Redditch Crabbs Cross with agreed hybrid working forelements of required pathways. 95% in-person working.
Hours:
37.5 hours, Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, Part-time orFull-time
Contract/Grade:
Person Specification
Person Specification
* 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.
* 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.
£40,000 to £55,000 a yearDepending on experience
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