Clinical Psychologist (CYP ASD Service)

To deliver high-quality autism (ASD) assessments for children and young people within a governed MDT diagnostic pathway, in line with NICE guidance, Vertis Health SOPs and commissioned service requirements. The postholder will contribute expert psychological assessment, formulation and diagnostic reasoning, supporting safe, defensible MDT decision making, high quality reporting and clear communication of outcomes and recommendations to families and referrers. Demand for CYP ASD assessments continues to exceed system capacity. This role strengthens quality and capacity within the MDT pathway, maintaining safeguarding, equity and diagnostic integrity while supporting timely access and improved experience for families., Clinical assessment and diagnostic contribution

• Deliver CYP ASD assessments in line with NICE guidance, DSM5 / ICD11 criteria and Vertis Health SOPs.
• Undertake detailed developmental history taking, psychological assessment and formulation.
• Use validated assessment tools and objective measures as required by the pathway (e.g. ADOS2, questionnaires).
• Integrate multi informant and multi setting evidence (home, education, previous records).
• Contribute psychological expertise to MDT discussion and diagnostic decision making.
• Identify co-occurring neurodevelopmental or mental health needs and escalate safeguarding or risk concerns appropriately.
Documentation and communication
• Produce high quality ASD diagnostic reports within agreed time frames, using clear, neurodiversity affirming language.
• Communicate outcomes sensitively to children, young people and families.
• Provide practical, psychologically informed recommendations and signposting within service remit.
• Ensure accurate, timely clinical records and correspondence.
Pathway, governance and quality
• Work within clinical governance, consent, confidentiality and safeguarding frameworks.
• Participate in supervision, MDT reflective practice, audit and service improvement activity.
• Support safe interface with CYP ADHD pathways where dual presentation is suspected, ensuring clarity about remit and next steps.
  
  Vertis Health is a GP-owned organisation in Worcestershire delivering safe, evidence based community services through clinician led teams, strong governance and continuous service improvement.
About the Services Vertis Health delivers the following neurodevelopmental services:
• Adult ADHD
• Adult ASD
• CYP ADHD (assessment and diagnosis pathway)
• CYP ASD (MDT diagnostic assessment pathway)
Primary service focus for this post: CYP ASD assessment and diagnosis.