Speech and Language Therapist Autism Assessor for Children and Young People (ADOS trained) - Exeter

About Paloma Health

We aim to provide families with high-quality NHS autism assessments within 4 weeks of GP referral. 

Our children and young people’s autism assessments went live in November 2024, and we are launching children’s ADHD assessments and treatment in the summer of 2025.

We were founded as we are deeply annoyed that families are waiting 2-10 years for NHS children’s autism and ADHD assessments, and this crisis has recently been highlighted by the Children’s 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 Health 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:




• Give our patients a more consumer-like experience of healthcare


• Free our assessors from admin to focus on patient care




• 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 technology 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

You will work as a member of a multidisciplinary assessment team, delivering:

• In-person child observations


• Providing input into peer MDT diagnostic decision-making, with the support of the senior clinical MDT where required

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 and cross-skill (e.g. into ADHD when we launch that)


• Regular clinical supervision


• 1 protected day per month for assessor team training, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), 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 & experience:

Required:

• Registration as a Speech and Language Therapist (HCPC)


• At least 2 years of experience in children and young people's autism diagnostic assessments


• Experience specifically in children aged 1-5


• Completion of a recognised ADOS-2 course


• 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:

• Experience in conducting risk assessments within an autism assessment service

Time commitment: Full-time employment is preferred, though we can also offer part-time.

Location: This role is based at our Exeter, Devon clinic.

Reporting to: Autism Service Team Manager

Why join Paloma Health?

You will be part of a mission-driven organisation that’s 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 £45,000-80,000 per year with flexibility based on experience


• 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

We’re 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

We understand that applying for a new role 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!