Speciality doctor post in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, delivering neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments for children and young people. The post holder completes the second assessment stage, building on pre-collected histories, school reports and questionnaires to reach evidence-based ADHD and autism diagnoses. Most work is Right to Choose assessments alongside a developing private pathway, delivered sessionally and mainly remotely, with no on-call duties. Full GMC registration with licence to practise and at least four years' postgraduate experience are essential.
What the job involves
- Undertake structured diagnostic assessments of children and young people
- Conduct focused clinical interviews with young people and families
- Review and integrate developmental histories, school reports, standardised tools, computerised assessments (e.g. Creyos, QbCheck), parent/carer information and clinical observation
- Establish diagnoses of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and relevant co-occurring conditions within defined pathways
- Build a biopsychosocial formulation and make evidence-based diagnostic decisions using DSM-5 and ICD-10/11
- Deliver structured feedback on diagnosis or non-diagnosis, formulation, strengths and needs
- Provide psychoeducation on ADHD and autism, including functional impact and support options
- Recommend behavioural, environmental and educational support
- Explain the medication pathway where appropriate, including indications, risks, benefits and next steps
- Produce clear clinical reports with diagnostic outcomes, rationale and recommendations
- Work with Stage 1 assessment clinicians, multidisciplinary colleagues and administrative teams
- Take part in case discussion, peer review, audit and quality improvement
What’s required
Registration & licences
- Full GMC registration with licence to practise
Experience
- Substantial experience in ADHD and/or autism diagnostic assessment pathways for children and young people
- Experience of structured neurodevelopmental assessment
- Experience applying DSM-5 or ICD-10/11 criteria
- Experience working within defined clinical pathways
- Minimum 4 years postgraduate clinical experience
Skills & knowledge
- Strong clinical reasoning and diagnostic formulation skills
- Ability to synthesise complex multi-source information
- Excellent communication with children, young people and families
- Ability to work independently within a structured pathway
- Sound clinical judgement within defined competencies, seeking supervision when required
Nice to have
- Experience of digital or remote consultation models
- Experience of service or pathway development
- Additional experience in autism assessment in younger children, including under 5s developmental pathways
- Interest in CESR or SAS career progression
What’s offered
- Flexible and sessional working arrangements
- No on-call or acute care responsibilities