Job summary
This new post was created to help reduce our waiting list for children with Learning Disabilities and their families. The post will be based within our small and dynamic team dedicated to this client group and will work closely with colleagues in social care, family support, special schools and health services. This team has an Assistant Psychologist and supports trainee clinical psychologists from the University of Surrey. We have a newly developed Family Therapy clinic accessible to this client group and also provide behavioural interventions, ACT interventions, psychoeducation and support to the network.
Main duties of the job
The Emotional Health Service (EHS) is a dynamic and progressive multi-disciplinary team of Clinical and Counselling Psychologists, CBT Therapists, Systemic Psychotherapists and Art Psychotherapists. This role is based in our small team dedicated to children with Learning Disabilities at Moor Lane in Chessington. We have other teams at Richmond (Twickenham base), and Kingston (Chessington and Kingston based) and work closely with our colleagues in Early Help, Social Care, Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) and Education. We have a strong sense of team and work together to support children and young people's emotional wellbeing. We also work to prioritise the wellbeing of the staff team. As a Mental Health Clinician for EHS you will be passionate about improving the mental health of children and young people and putting them at the centre of all you do. You will be part of a team and be afforded many different opportunities to use your skills, including undertaking consultations, delivering interventions, working alongside schools and partner agencies and delivering training.
About us
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government.
Job responsibilities
The emotional health service (EHS) sits within our Education Directorate. The service is a dynamic team of Mental Health professionals with a range of professions such as Clinical / Counselling Psychologists, Systemic and Art Psychotherapists. The service sits alongside our Mental Health Support Teams in Schools. The EHS is focused on providing fully integrated, high quality and swift mental health consultation, advice, training and reflective practice for our social care and education colleagues. This is a newly created service, from November 2025, following our local independent CAMHS review. There are many opportunities for development. We are a supportive group of professionals who recognise that the emotional wellbeing of the workforce is central to the work we deliver.
Experience
Essential
- We are looking for a Clinical Psychologist to join the Emotional Health Service and become part of our team for the next year on a fixed term contract. We welcome applications from newly qualified clinicians. You will be passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people with Learning Disabilities as well as demonstrating the following points:
- Putting children and young people first
- Be a Qualified Clinical Psychologist with appropriate professional registration with the HCPC
- Be able to provide consultation and training to a wide range of professionals
- Have CAMHS experience in working with complex and vulnerable families
- Have experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and their networking training.
Qualifications
Essential
- Be a qualified Clinical Psychologist
- Current HCPC Registration or equivalent UK registration
Desirable
- Postgraduate mental health qualification e.g PsychD Clinical or Counselling Psychology, MSc Systemic Psychotherapy, MSc Art Psychotherapy
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).
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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Clinical Psychologist / Mental Health Clinician: Cwld employer: Achieving for Children
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for those passionate about community service. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while working in the vibrant areas of Kingston and Richmond, where your contributions directly impact families and front-line staff. Enjoy a fulfilling role that combines hands-on management with the chance to create safe and welcoming environments for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Psychologist / Mental Health Clinician: Cwld
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Achieving for Children often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving for Children
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Achieving for Children. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Achieving for Children.
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In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Achieving for Children.
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Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Achieving for Children.
