Speech & Language Therapist Autism Assessor for CYP (Exeter)

Integrated Care System; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider in Exeter is seeking a Speech & Language Therapist Autism Assessor for children and young people. This role involves conducting high-quality autism assessments and providing support throughout the process. The ideal candidate will have HCPC registration, experience in autism assessments, and strong communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a commitment to staff well-being and professional development.

Benefits

Annual salary reviews

Employer pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus additional benefits

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognised ADOS-2 course.
• Experience in observations in children 0-18 years of age.
• Evidence of Safeguarding training (Level 3 and above).
• High-quality parent and patient communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality in person autism assessment child observations.
• Act in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
• Keep up to date with mandatory training and your professional qualification requirements.

Skills

Communication skills

Clinical assessment

Risk assessment

Knowledge of co-occurring conditions

Education

HCPC registration

Recognition of ADOS-2 course

Job description

Speech & Language Therapist Autism Assessor for CYP (Exeter)

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, as well as 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. For example, we are building an AI tool to streamline diagnostic report writing, which we know is a pressure of the role.

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

In person child observations

Peer MDT diagnostic decision-making, with the support of the senior clinical MDT where required

Tech-enabled outcome report writing

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

The Paloma Clinical Academy programme supports all clinicians at all stages of their careers to develop (e.g. to our Senior Assessor role) and cross-skill (e.g. into ADHD when we launch that).

1 protected day per month for assessor team training, Continuing Professional Development (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.

Main duties of the job

Responsibilities:

Conduct high-quality in person autism assessment child observations.

Act in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, including conducting a risk assessment where necessary.

Keep up to date with mandatory training and your professional qualification requirements, including CPD.

About us

About Paloma

We aim to provide families with high-quality NHS neurodevelopmental assessments within 4 weeks of GP referral.

Our children and young peoples autism assessments went live in November 2024, and we are launching childrens ADHD assessments and treatment in early 2026.

We were founded as we are frustrated that families are waiting 2-10 years for NHS childrens autism and ADHD assessments, and this crisis has recently been highlighted by the Childrens Commissioner for England: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/blog/childrens-commissioner-warns-of-invisible-crisis-as-delays-and-inequalities-laid-bare-among-children-with-neurodevelopmental-conditions/

How is Paloma different?

We are clinically led and Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered, with a friendly and approachable team

We have built our own software platform to:

Give our families a more consumer-like experience of healthcare

Free our assessors from documentation to focus on supporting families

Our strong culture, including transparency, a sense of community, and supporting staff career development

The experience of our founders (Dr Mark Jenkins & Darshak Shah), who have previously built tech-enabled NHS obesity and ophthalmology services. Combined, their previous companies have treated over 1 million NHS patients in the last 15 years!

Being backed by leading healthcare investors (Triple Point Ventures and Heal Capital), allowing us to move fast.

Job responsibilities

Speech and Language Therapist Autism Assessor for Children and Young People (ADOS trained) - Exeter/South West England

Please apply using this link -https://job-boards.eu.greenhouse.io/palomahealthuk/jobs/4602013101

Time commitment: Full-time employment is preferred, though we can also offer part-time (minimum of 4 days per week).

Location: This role is a hybrid role based at our Exeter, Devon clinic. Travel expenses may be considered and will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Reporting to: Autism Service Team Manager.

About Paloma

We aim to provide families with high-quality NHS neurodevelopmental assessments within 4 weeks of GP referral.

Our children and young peoples autism assessments went live in November 2024, and we are launching childrens ADHD assessments and treatment in early 2026.

We were founded as we are frustrated that families are waiting 2-10 years for NHS childrens autism and ADHD assessments, and this crisis has recently been highlighted by the Childrens Commissioner for England: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/blog/childrens-commissioner-warns-of-invisible-crisis-as-delays-and-inequalities-laid-bare-among-children-with-neurodevelopmental-conditions/

How is Paloma different?

We are clinically led and Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered, with a friendly and approachable team

We have built our own software platform to:

Give our families a more consumer-like experience of healthcare

Free our assessors from documentation to focus on supporting families

Our strong culture, including transparency, a sense of community, and supporting staff career development

The experience of our founders (Dr Mark Jenkins & Darshak Shah), who have previously built tech-enabled NHS obesity and ophthalmology services. Combined, their previous companies have treated over 1 million NHS patients in the last 15 years!

Being backed by leading healthcare investors (Triple Point Ventures and Heal Capital), allowing us to move fast.

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, as well as 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. For example, we are building an AI tool to streamline diagnostic report writing, which we know is a pressure of the role.

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

In person child observations

Peer MDT diagnostic decision-making, with the support of the senior clinical MDT where required

Tech-enabled outcome report writing

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 our staff and patient experience

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

The Paloma Clinical Academy programme supports all clinicians at all stages of their careers to develop (e.g. to our Senior Assessor role) and cross-skill (e.g. into ADHD when we launch that).

1 protected day per month for assessor team training, Continuing Professional Development (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 in person autism assessment child observations.

Act in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, including conducting a risk assessment where necessary.

Keep up to date with mandatory training and your professional qualification requirements, including CPD.

Qualifications and experience:

Required:

Speech and Language Therapist, registration with HCPC

Completion of a recognised ADOS-2 course

Experience in observations in children 0-18 years of age

At least 1 years experience in children and young people's autism diagnostic assessments with specific knowledge including:

A sound understanding of co-occurring conditions and differentials.

Ability to present findings, including diagnostic formulation, concisely into a clinical report which is client-centred and includes a strengths and needs profile.

High-quality parent and patient communication skills

Enhanced DBS with barred list check (as you will be working with children)

Experience in conducting risk assessments within an autism assessment service

Evidence of Safeguarding training (Level 3 and above)

You will be part of a mission-driven organisation thats transforming access to Autism Assessments in England. We offer:

A strong and positive culture that prioritises staff well-being, transparency, and career development.

Protected time and budget for team connection, learning, and community-building.

Salary of £58,000-68,000 per year based on experience, clinical background and desired working pattern.

Home working equipment allowance and professional registration allowance.

Annual salary reviews, 5% employer pension, and company laptop.

Share options in Paloma Health. We all benefit from our success!

A unique leave benefits package includes 25 days of annual leave, your birthday off, and 10 days of paid sabbatical leave every three completed years of service.

Access to NHS discounts, including the Blue Light Card (as we are an NHS provider).

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

Were glad to accommodate candidates who need adjustments throughout the hiring process. We encourage you to be open about the adjustments you need so we can adapt our interview process.

Safer Recruitment & Pre-Employment Checks

Paloma Health ensures that supporting people to be safe is at the heart of our work and a key priority across all areas of the organisation. As part of our pre-employment checks, you will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Depending on your role within the business, this will be at either an Enhanced, Standard, or Basic level. We are committed to safer recruitment practices and expect all applicants to share our dedication to safeguarding. Our recruitment processes are designed to ensure we appoint individuals who are aligned with our values and who will contribute to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for everyone we work with.

Application process

Please apply via our website. We understand that applying for a new job requires a significant amount of effort, and we appreciate your time. We look forward to reviewing your application.

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

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Required:
• Registration as any one of the following:
• Occupational therapist (HCPC)
• Speech and language therapist (HCPC)
• Nurse, including mental health or learning disability nurse (NMC)
• Psychologist, including counselling psychologist, educational psychologist and clinical psychologist (HCPC)
• Medical doctor (GMC)
• Social Worker (Social Work England)
• At least 2 years experience in children and young people's autism diagnostic assessments with specific knowledge including:
• Having a sound understanding of co-occurring conditions and differentials.
• Demonstrate an ability to concisely present findings, including diagnostic formulation, into a client-centred clinical report that includes a strengths and needs profile.
• High-quality parent and patient communication skills
• Enhanced DBS with barred list check (as you will be working with children)
• Completion of a recognised ADOS-2 course
• Experience in conducting risk assessments within an autism assessment service

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.