Speciality doctor in CAMHS - neurodevelopmental in Exeter

We are seeking 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
• an under 5s autism pathway
• a combined ADHD and Autism pathway
• with responsibility for delivering safe, consistent, and high-quality diagnostic decision-making within these frameworks.

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, school reports, standardised tools, results from computerised assessment tools, parent/carer information, and clinical observation and interview.
• Establish diagnoses relating to ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and relevant co-occurring conditions.
• Work safely within defined ADHD and/or combined ADHD-autism 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, and 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 and 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, and recommendations.
• Maintain records in line with GMC Good Medical Practice and NHS and organisational governance standards.
• MDT & Service Working
• Work collaboratively with Stage 1 assessment clinicians, multidisciplinary colleagues, and administrative teams.
• Participate in case discussion and peer review, and service development activities where appropriate.
• Governance & CPD
• Participate in audit and quality improvement, and 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; 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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name: Held Health Limited

Address: The Generator Hub, Kings Wharf, The Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AN, United Kingdom.