Clinical Psychologist

This role combines direct therapeutic work, strategic service development, and professional supervision and training. You will work closely with the Head of Therapeutic Practice and Health to lead psychologically informed care across the Foundation and to develop a high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic service.

You will provide assessment, formulation and intervention for complex presentations, while supporting and developing a multidisciplinary workforce through supervision, reflective practice and training.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Deliver high-quality psychological assessments and therapeutic interventions (1:1 and group).
• Provide specialist consultation, formulation and advice for complex multi-disciplinary cases.
• Offer psychological support to children, young people, families and staff systems onsite, offsite and via remote platforms.
• Integrate therapeutic goals within IEPs, EHCPs and wider educational planning.
• Promote trauma-informed, PBS and psychologically informed approaches across the Foundation.

Leadership & Service Development

• Provide clinical leadership, supervision and training to the Health, Therapies and Families Team.
• Supervise assistant psychologists, trainees, psychology students and other MDT colleagues.
• Lead and contribute to service development, policy implementation and quality improvement.
• Support recruitment, shortlisting and interviewing across the service.
• Lead on audits, service evaluation and research projects, sharing outcomes internally and externally.
• Champion psychologically and trauma-informed care across the organisation.
• Work collaboratively with families, education staff, health and social care professionals.
• Liaise with external agencies to advocate for students and families.
• Support crisis responses in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Promote equality, inclusion and culturally responsive practice.

Professional Practice

• Maintain HCPC registration and adhere to BPS, HCPC and other relevant professional codes.
• Engage in regular clinical and line management supervision.
• Maintain a strong CPD profile and contribute to research, audit and evidence-based practice.
• Stay up to date with legislation, NICE guidance and national directives.

About You

• Doctoral level qualification in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent).
• HCPC registration.
• Significant experience working with children, young people and families.
• Experience of complex assessment, formulation and intervention.
• Proven leadership and supervision experience within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, PBS and psychologically informed practice.
• Excellent communication, report writing and relationship-building skills.
• Personally aligned with our values and committed to our mission.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the BPS
• Registered as a clinical psychologist with the HCPC
• Fully competent as a Clinical Psychologist with up-to-date knowledge of mental health and wellbeing in children
• Evidence of and commitment to continuing professional and personal development since qualification and registration
• Clinical supervision training
• Evidence of further qualification or training relevant to SEMH
• Post qualification training in CAT, Schema Therapy, systemic therapy, DBT or CBT
• Additional training in HSB, safeguarding and violence
• Up to date knowledge of issues in special education

Experience

• Considerable experience of working as a psychologist with children and adults with SEMH, neurodevelopmental conditions, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and experiences of trauma
• Experience of teaching, training and providing professional and/or clinical supervision.
• Experience of assessment and formulation to inform intervention plans in diverse settings
• Experience working within multidisciplinary services and collaborating with professionals across settings
• Experience offering consultation and advice to staff supporting vulnerable clients
• Experience supporting families facing complex challenges, including trauma, family breakdown, and children who are looked after or adopted
• Experience working across different systems/levels within an organisation (service development, group and individual work)
• Published research or writing in professional/academic outlets
• Previous experience in an educational setting or SEMH school
• Experience delivering workshops or training for parents and carers

Additional Factors

• Willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate child and family needs
• Holds a valid UK driving licence and can undertake home/external visits as required

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to analyse and interpret highly complex situations to determine appropriate actions
• Skilled in complex psychological assessment, intervention and management for both children and adults
• Clear communication of highly technical and clinically sensitive information to clients, families and professionals
• Knowledge of specialised therapies for complex problems (e.g., trauma, communication challenges, behaviours that challenge)
• Ability to lead psychological services within an MDT and collaborate with other disciplines
• Doctoral-level knowledge of research design and methodology; ability to use evaluation tools to demonstrate and improve outcomes
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and national standards
• Proficiency with evidence-based, client- and family-centered approaches (including Systemic Family Therapy, CBT, and trauma-informed practices)
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple cases and maintain records
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and appropriate response to safeguarding concerns
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Understanding of client confidentiality and ethics
• Familiarity with challenges faced by families navigating educational and mental health services
• Ability to develop creative and adaptable strategies for diverse needs
• Awareness of local community resources to support families

Disclosure and DBS

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such a Disclosure will be sought from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for prior convictions.

Salary: £52,428.30 to £58,721.47 per year. NJC: 48-54. 35 hours per week, 39 weeks term time with 3 weeks holiday cover.