Jobs in Hadleigh

Job Title

Clinical Psychologist / Practitioner Psychologist – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Services

Responsible To

Service Lead / Operational Lead Nurse

Professionally Accountable To

HOCS/Director of Nursing & Quality

Role Purpose

The post holder will play a central role within the ASD assessment pathway, undertaking specialist neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people in line with NICE guidance, evidence-based practice and organisational governance standards.

The psychologist will contribute to the development and delivery of a gold-standard multidisciplinary assessment model focused on diagnostic quality, compassionate care, timely access, strong governance and clinically defensible outcomes.

Our Assessment Model – Best Practice Principles

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

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

· The service will utilise recognised diagnostic tools including ADOS-2, ADI-R and structured developmental histories.

· A two-check methodology will be embedded to support diagnostic consistency, peer review and governance oversight.

· The pathway will be trauma-informed, neuroaffirming and child-centred.

· Operational processes will support reduced waiting times whilst maintaining clinical integrity and quality.

· Families will receive clear communication, meaningful signposting and post-diagnostic support recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

· Undertake specialist ASD assessments for children and young people.

· Conduct developmental histories, behavioural observations and diagnostic interviews.

· Utilise standardised assessment tools including ADOS-2 and ADI-R.

· Participate in MDT diagnostic discussions and formulation meetings.

· Produce high-quality and clinically defensible assessment reports.

· Deliver feedback to families in a compassionate and supportive manner.

· Identify co-occurring neurodevelopmental, emotional or behavioural presentations.

· Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical documentation.

· Contribute to audit, quality improvement and governance processes.

· Support safeguarding and patient safety processes.

Essential Criteria

· Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or equivalent recognised qualification.

· HCPC registration.

· ADOS-2 trained.

· Experience undertaking ASD assessments within MDT settings.

· Strong understanding of autism and neurodevelopmental presentations.

· Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

· Experience working within safeguarding frameworks.

Desirable Criteria

· Experience supporting neurodevelopmental pathway mobilisation.

· Experience within NHS neurodevelopmental services.

· Additional ADHD assessment experience.

· Experience delivering training or supervision.

Clinical Governance

Health Now Limited is committed to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care. All clinicians are expected to work within professional standards, participate in supervision, engage with quality improvement initiatives and contribute to a culture of openness, learning and continuous improvement.

Health Now Limited

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