Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000

Job description

Evolve Psychology Services is seeking an experienced Neurodevelopmental Specialist to join our growing Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team. This role involves conducting Autism and/or ADHD assessments for children referred via NHS Patient Choice and GP referrals. The position is based in a new clinic in the North East of England, with hybrid working options available.

As a key member of the team, you will be responsible for carrying out comprehensive diagnostic assessments using established tools, such as ADOS-2 and ADI-R, and providing clear, evidence-based reports with tailored recommendations. You may also be required to assess co-occurring mental health conditions.

This role is well-suited for a qualified clinician (such as a Practitioner Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Nurse, or Paediatrician) with experience in neurodevelopmental assessments. Depending on experience, there may be opportunities for supervision and mentoring of junior staff.

Evolve Psychology Services offers flexible working options, ongoing professional development, and a supportive team environment. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative service delivering high-quality assessments that make a real impact on the lives of children and families.

Main duties of the job

• Conduct comprehensive Autism and ADHD assessments for children using gold-standard diagnostic tools (e.g., ADOS-2, ADI-R).
• Assess and identify co-occurring mental health conditions where necessary.
• Prepare detailed, evidence-based diagnostic reports with clear recommendations.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality care.
• Support and supervise junior staff, depending on experience.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and uphold professional standards in assessment and reporting.

About us

Evolve Psychology Services is an award-winning, NHS and HSE-approved independent psychology and neurodevelopmental practice, founded by Dr Laura Powling. The company provides high-quality neurodevelopmental and psychological assessments for adults and children across the UK and Ireland. In addition to diagnostic assessments for Autism and ADHD, Evolve Psychology Services specialises in expert witness assessments for courts and parole boards, as well as evaluations in criminal law, family law, immigration law, and medico-legal cases.

With a strong reputation for excellence, the company has a proven track record of delivering high-quality assessments and fulfilling NHS contracts. Evolve Psychology Services is committed to providing professional, evidence-based assessments that support individuals and families in understanding and addressing their neurodevelopmental and mental health needs. The team consists of highly skilled clinicians dedicated to delivering accurate diagnoses and tailored recommendations to improve the lives of their clients.

Job responsibilities

This is an exciting and valuable role within a busy service, providing invaluable assessments to children and families. The role will be based in a new clinic set to open in the North East to meet the growing demand for assessments. It is suited for a qualified clinician to join the Evolve Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team, providing Autism and/or ADHD evaluations for children referred through NHS Patient Choice and their GP.

Hybrid roles must be able to travel to locations in the North East to undertake face-to-face assessments.

The role requires conducting comprehensive specialist assessments including diagnostic assessments of individuals with suspected Autism and/or ADHD using established diagnostic tools. Assessments of Mental health conditions may also be required. Assessments are undertaken on behalf of the NHS via GP referral.

The clinician is also responsible for writing up assessment reports in a timely and professional manner, as well as providing appropriate recommendations and interventions. Additionally, the clinician may be involved in supervising and supporting junior staff members depending on experience.

Salary-dependent upon professional qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or
• GMC registered Paediatrician
• Neurodevelopmental practitioner experience with specialist training as below.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK.
• Experience in conducting diagnostic Neurodevelopmental/ Specialist developmental assessments with children and/or adults.
• Experience working with children and/or adults with neurodevelopmental disorders or mental health difficulties in a clinical setting.
• Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and appropriate assessment tools for Autism and ADHD.
• Knowledge of differential diagnosis.
• ADOS-2 and/or ADI-R trained.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in report writing and record keeping.
• Additional qualifications in relevant areas of Autism and/or ADHD.

Why Join Evolve Psychology?

• Flexible working options.
• Pension & generous annual leave allowance.
• Ongoing training, CPD, and clinical supervision.
• Birthday leave & company benefits.
• Be part of a leading, innovative service making a real impact.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or NMC Registered Nurse, or GMC Registered Paediatrician.
• ADOS-2 and/or ADI-R trained.
• Strong knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.

Experience

• Experience in conducting diagnostic neurodevelopmental or specialist developmental assessments, specifically for children and/or adults.
• Experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism, ADHD) or mental health difficulties in a clinical setting.
• Knowledge of differential diagnosis techniques.
• Experience in writing comprehensive assessment reports and maintaining accurate records.

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.