Speciality doctor in CAMHS - neurodevelopmental

Job summary
We are seeking an experienced clinicians to join a well-structured Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, delivering neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments for children and young people.
The service operates across multiple commissioned pathways, with the majority of clinical work supporting Right to Choose (RTC) assessments, alongside a developing private pathway.
This is a specialist diagnostic role within a structured clinical framework. The post holder will undertake the second stage of assessment, building on comprehensive pre-collected information (including developmental history, school reports and informant questionnaires), to reach clear, evidence-based diagnostic conclusions.

Main duties of the job
This role is open to the following specialists - Specialty Doctor, Associate Specialist, Consultant Paediatrics in Psychiatry or GPwER, CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Diagnostics (ADHD and Autism)
The role sits within:

• a defined ADHD pathway and/or
• an under 5s autism pathway, and/or
• a combined ADHD and Autism pathway

with responsibility for delivering safe, consistent, and high-quality diagnostic decision-making within these frameworks.

About us
Held Health is a growing healthcare organisation redefining assessment and support for neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, and mental health across the UK. We deliver evidence based clinical pathways supported by rigorous governance, strong data quality, and a genuinely neurodivergent affirming culture.
As we grow, were building modern, digital first operations that make accessing care simpler, faster, and more accessible for children, young people and families. Our goal at Held Health is to deliver care so exceptional that it becomes the natural choice people recommend to their friends and family.

Job responsibilities
Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis

• Undertake structured diagnostic assessments of children and young people
• Conduct focused clinical interviews with young people and families
• Review and integrate:
  • developmental histories (completed at Stage 1)
  • school reports and standardised tools
  • results from computerised assessment tools (e.g. Creyos, QbCheck)
  • parent/carer information
  • clinical observation and interview
• Establish diagnoses relating to:
  • ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • relevant co-occurring conditions
• Work safely within defined ADHD and/or combined ADHDautism pathways in line with service protocols

Clinical Formulation & Decision-Making

• Integrate multi-source information into a biopsychosocial formulation
• Apply recognised diagnostic frameworks (DSM-5 / ICD-10/11)
• Make well-reasoned, evidence-based, and defensible diagnostic decisions
• Work autonomously within:
  • defined scope of practice
  • agreed clinical pathways
  • established governance arrangements
• Recognise limits of competence and seek advice where appropriate, in line with GMC Good Medical Practice

Feedback & Psychoeducation

• Deliver structured feedback to young people and families, including:
  • explanation of diagnosis (or non-diagnosis)
  • individual formulation
  • strengths and needs
• Provide tailored psychoeducation on ADHD and Autism, including functional impact and support options

Management Planning & Medication Pathway

• Provide evidence-based recommendations, including:
  • behavioural strategies
  • environmental and educational support
• Explain the medication pathway where appropriate, including:
  • indications (particularly ADHD)
  • risks, benefits, and next steps

Documentation

• Produce clear, accurate, and high-quality clinical reports including:
  • diagnostic outcomes
  • rationale
  • recommendations
• Maintain records in line with:
  • GMC Good Medical Practice
  • NHS and organisational governance standards

MDT & Service Working

• Work collaboratively with:
  • Stage 1 assessment clinicians
  • multidisciplinary colleagues
  • administrative teams
• Participate in:
  • case discussion and peer review
  • service development activities where appropriate

Governance & CPD

• Participate in:
  • audit and quality improvement
  • clinical governance processes
• Maintain:
  • continuing professional development
  • appraisal and revalidation

Working Pattern

• Flexible and sessional working arrangements
• Assessments are delivered primarily remotely, with a combination of remote and/or in-person work depending on pathway requirements and clinical need
• Work patterns designed to support service demand and continuity of care across the year
• No on-call or acute care responsibilities

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Substantial experience in ADHD and/or ASD diagnostic assessment pathways in children and young people
• Experience of structured neurodevelopmental assessment
• Applying DSM-5 / ICD-10/11 criteria
• Working within defined clinical pathways
• Strong clinical reasoning and diagnostic formulation skills
• Ability to synthesise complex multi-source information
• Excellent communication skills with children, young people, and families
• Ability to work independently within a structured pathway
• Exercise sound clinical judgement within defined competencies
• Seek supervision appropriately when required

Desirable

• Experience in digital / remote consultation models
• Service or pathway development
• Additional experience in autism assessment in younger children (including under 5s developmental pathways) would be of interest, but is not essential
• Interest in CESR or SAS career progression

Qualifications
Essential

• Full GMC registration with licence to practise
• Minimum 4 years postgraduate clinical experience

Desirable

• Experience in Digital or remote consultation models
• Service or pathway development
• Additional experience in autism assessment in younger children, including under 5s developmental pathways would be of interest, but is not essential and an interest in CESR or SAS career progression

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).