Job responsibilities
Speech and Language Therapist Autism Assessor for Children and Young People (ADOS trained) - Exeter
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 based at our Exeter, Devon clinic.
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 deeply annoyed 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:
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 6 months 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.
Good time management skills, including caseload management
High-quality parent and patient communication skills
Enhanced DBS with barred list check (as you will be working with children)
Desirable:
Formal training in autism developmental histories e.g. ADI-R
Experience in conducting risk assessments within an autism assessment service
Evidence of Safeguarding training (Level 3 and above)
Dont meet every requirement?
Studies have shown that women and people from ethnic minority groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. Paloma is dedicated to building a diverse and top-performing workplace, so if youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt align with every qualification, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
Why join Paloma?
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 £54,000-72,000 per year based on experience and clinical background.
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 years.
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 takes a lot of work, and we value your time. We are looking forward to reading your application.
Join us and be part of our journey to revolutionise access to Autism Assessments in England!
