Speech and Language Therapist – ASD Assessment Services

Job Title

Speech and Language Therapist – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Services

Responsible To

Service Lead / Operational Lead Nurse

Professionally Accountable To

HOCS / Director of Nursing & Quality

Role Purpose

The Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) will play a key role within the multidisciplinary ASD assessment pathway, supporting the identification, assessment and formulation of communication, interaction and social communication needs in children and young people.

The post holder will contribute specialist expertise relating to speech, language, communication and social interaction as part of a gold-standard MDT diagnostic model aligned to NICE guidance and evidence-based neurodevelopmental practice.

Our Assessment Model – Best Practice Principles

· All assessments will align with NICE guidance and recognised national neurodevelopmental standards.

· Assessments will be delivered through a robust MDT framework including Psychology, SALT, OT, Nursing and Consultant oversight.

· The pathway will utilise recognised evidence-based assessment tools and structured observational methodologies.

· A two-check methodology will support peer review, quality assurance and clinically defensible outcomes.

· The service will operate within a trauma-informed and neuroaffirming framework.

· Families will receive clear communication, collaborative feedback and meaningful post-diagnostic signposting.

· Operational systems will support timely access whilst maintaining clinical quality and governance.

Key Responsibilities

· Undertake specialist communication and interaction assessments for children and young people.

· Assess speech, language, communication and social interaction needs as part of the ASD diagnostic pathway.

· Contribute specialist SALT observations and formulation within MDT discussions.

· Utilise evidence-based assessment methodologies and structured observational tools.

· Provide high-quality written reports and recommendations.

· Deliver clear and compassionate feedback to families and carers.

· Identify co-occurring communication, sensory or developmental needs.

· Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical documentation.

· Support safeguarding, governance and patient safety processes.

· Participate in audit, peer review and quality improvement initiatives.

MDT Working and Service Development

· Work collaboratively with Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses and Consultant Clinicians.

· Participate in case formulation meetings and diagnostic calibration discussions.

· Support pathway development and mobilisation activities.

· Contribute to the development of operationally efficient and clinically robust assessment models.

· Support ongoing service improvement and innovation.

Essential Criteria

· Degree or recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.

· Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

· Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

· Experience working with children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions.

· Experience contributing to ASD assessments within MDT settings.

· Strong understanding of autism and social communication differences.

· Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

· Experience working within safeguarding frameworks.

Desirable Criteria

· Experience within NHS neurodevelopmental services.

· Experience supporting service mobilisation or pathway redesign.

· Experience contributing to audit and quality improvement.

· Knowledge of ADHD and co-occurring neurodevelopmental presentations.

· Experience delivering training or supervision.

Clinical Governance

Health Now Limited is committed to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care. All clinicians are expected to maintain professional standards, participate in supervision, support governance frameworks and contribute to a culture of learning, openness and continuous improvement.

Health Now Limited

Delivering safe, effective and compassionate care through clinical excellence, innovation and strong multidisciplinary collaboration