ADOS Autism Assessor for Children and Young People - Exeter/South West England

Paloma Health; Exeter; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering healthcare organization based in Exeter seeks an ADOS Autism Assessor for Children and Young People. The role requires conducting autism assessments and offering high-quality child observations. You will need professional registration, strong communication skills, and relevant experience. The position provides a salary between £58,000–£70,000 with additional benefits such as annual leave and training support.

Benefits

Annual salary reviews

25 days annual leave

Professional registration allowance

Home working equipment allowance

Share options

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in children's autism diagnostic assessments.
• Strong communication with parents and patients.
• Enhanced DBS with barred list check.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality child observations as part of an autism assessment.
• Act in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
• Keep up to date with training and professional qualifications.

Skills

Professional Registration with HCPC, NMC, or Social Work England

Child communication skills

Time management

Experience with autism diagnostic assessments

Education

Completion of a recognised ADOS-2 course

Clinical Psychology or equivalent

Job description

Overview

ADOS Autism Assessor for Children and Young People, based in our Exeter clinic

Time commitment: Full-time preferred, with part-time (minimum 3 days per week) or self-employed roles also available (minimum 3 days per week).

Location: In-person role at our Exeter, Devon clinic.

Reporting to: Autism Service Team Manager.

The Opportunity

Paloma Health has developed a new gold-standard autism assessment pathway and our own Patient Record software system, which allows us to offer:

• An exceptional service and timely assessments, with clear strengths and needs-based outcomes, regardless of whether an autism diagnosis is made.
• High assessor role satisfaction by improving the experience of delivering assessments, including an AI tool to streamline diagnostic report writing.

You will work as a member of a multidisciplinary assessment team, delivering:

• In-person child observations at our Exeter clinic
• Peer MDT diagnostic decision-making, with the support of the senior clinical MDT where required

From a cultural perspective, you are:

• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment and embracing change
• Excited about using new technologies in your role
• Always looking for ways to improve staff and patient experience

We commit to supporting your development and well-being, including:

• The Paloma Clinical Academy programme supports clinicians at all career stages to develop and cross-skill (e.g., into ADHD when launched).
• 1 protected day per month for assessor team training, CPD, clinical supervision and reflection.
• Quarterly development conversations with clear career progression pathways.
• Clear weekly timetables that support a role mix across appointments, administration, development, and team building.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality child observations as part of an autism assessment.
• Act in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, including conducting a risk assessment where necessary.
• Keep up to date with mandatory training and professional qualification requirements, including CPD.

Qualifications and experience

Required:

• Professional Registration with HCPC, NMC, or Social Work England.
• Typically held by roles such as Psychologist (Clinical, Counselling, Educational) with HCPC; Occupational Therapist (HCPC); Speech and Language Therapist (HCPC); Nurse (Mental Health and Learning Disability, NMC); Social Worker (Social Work England).
• Completion of a recognised ADOS-2 course is required for NMC, HCPC and Social Work England registered applicants. Clinical Psychologists would be considered without ADOS-2.
• At least 1 year of experience in children and young people’s autism diagnostic assessments, with experience delivering child observations for ages 2–18.
• Good time management, including caseload management.
• Strong parent and patient communication skills.
• Enhanced DBS with barred list check (working with children).

Desirable:

• Experience conducting risk assessments within an autism assessment service.
• Evidence of Safeguarding training (Level 3 and above).

Why join Paloma?

You will be part of a mission-driven organisation transforming access to autism assessments in England. For employed roles we offer:

• A strong culture prioritising staff well-being, transparency, and career development.
• Protected time and budget for team connection, learning, and community-building.
• Salary £58,000–£70,000 per year depending on experience and working pattern.
• Home working equipment allowance and professional registration allowance.
• Annual salary reviews, 5% employer pension, and company laptop.
• Share options in Paloma Health.
• Leave benefits: 25 days annual leave, birthday leave, and 10 days of paid sabbatical after every three years of service.
• Access to NHS discounts, including the Blue Light Card.

For a self-employed role, we offer £600–£900 per day depending on working pattern.

Equality & Diversity

Paloma Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and throughout the application process. We do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic.

Accommodations

We accommodate candidates who need adjustments throughout the hiring process and encourage openness about needed adjustments to our interview process.

Safer Recruitment & Pre-Employment Checks

As part of our pre-employment checks, you will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced, Standard, or Basic level as applicable. We are committed to safer recruitment practices and aim to appoint individuals aligned with our values and who contribute to a safe, supportive environment.

Application process

Please apply via our website. We appreciate the effort involved in applying and look forward to reviewing your application.

Join us and be part of our journey to revolutionise access to NHS Autism Assessments in England!