At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team to support families and improve children's outcomes.
- Company: Join Havering's People Directorate, dedicated to making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while fostering a culturally sensitive environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on vulnerable children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Master's level Systemic Psychotherapy qualification and UKCP registration.
The predicted salary is between 207 - 207 £ per hour.
The vision for our People directorate is ‘Supporting our residents to stay safe and well’ and as such we are committed to helping Havering’s children and families to lead happy, healthy lives. This means ensuring that every child has equal opportunities to thrive, access the highest possible levels of education and enjoy a stable and happy home.
As our Service Manager Principal Family Therapist, you will lead Havering's Systemic Team and help set the tone for high quality, relationship-based, evidence-informed practice across Starting Well. You will work with skilled Family Therapists and practitioners who are committed to making direct work with families meaningful, purposeful and outcome focused.
The work is varied, influential and full of purpose. You will provide high quality clinical supervision, coaching and training; support highly specialist clinical assessments and direct work for children; offer systemic consultation to practitioners; and help operational teams turn complex family situations into clear, thoughtful and effective plans of support.
You will also have the space to think strategically. From quality assurance and audit activity to developing accessible and inclusive services with partners, you will help strengthen how evidence-based interventions are delivered for children, carers and families. Your insight will influence practice, support confident decision-making and contribute to a culture where great systemic work can thrive.
Why Havering? Because this is a place where your professional expertise can be visible, valued and genuinely useful. You will join a directorate with a clear vision, a strong commitment to systemic practice, access to accredited training and in-house practice workshops, and a leadership role that lets you make a real difference to both service development and frontline practice.
If you are excited by the chance to lead a talented team, champion inclusive and culturally sensitive practice, and help improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families, we would love to hear from you.
You will be an experienced systemic practitioner and leader with the ability to guide, motivate and support clinical staff in a complex children’s social care environment. You must hold a UK recognised Systemic Psychotherapy/Family Therapy qualification at Master’s level and be UKCP registered. You will also hold a UK recognised qualification in Systemic Supervision or equivalent. Registration with the UKCP United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapists plus the Association of Family and Systemic Therapists and membership would be compulsory for both in order to practice.
You will bring experience of operational leadership of diverse statutory teams in complex or multi-agency settings, together with strong knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and practice relating to child social care. We are looking for someone with a proven track record of coaching, mentoring and supervising practitioners, influencing the quality of practice, and delivering positive outcomes for children and families.
You will have experience of working within a systemic model of practice, including systemic supervision, and of developing and supervising family therapy clinics. You will be highly organised, resilient and confident in setting clear priorities, objectives and standards, and delivering to challenging performance targets. Excellent written, verbal, presentation and IT skills are essential, alongside the ability to produce high quality analytical reports and maintain open, effective communication.
You will be able to collaborate effectively with professionals, partner agencies and stakeholders, influence services where there is no direct line management relationship, identify gaps in provision and advocate for resources or policy changes that improve outcomes for vulnerable children. A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential. You will foster a culturally accepting environment and support your team to work sensitively with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
Closing date: 31st July 2026
Shortlisting date: w/c 3rd August 2026
Interview date: 10th August 2026 & 13th August 2026
Presentation/Assessment required
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Gary Jones, D/PSW & Head of Professional Practice. Please email me on gary.jones@havering.gov.uk and I will arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss the role.
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Service Manager Principal Family Therapist in Romford employer: Borough of Havering
Havering is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to systemic practice, access to accredited training, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team in a role that is both meaningful and rewarding. Join us in a vibrant community where your expertise is valued, and together we can create positive outcomes for those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Principal Family Therapist in Romford
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Borough of Havering. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Borough of Havering.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Principal Family Therapist in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Borough of Havering:Take some time to research Borough of Havering and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Borough of Havering's values and approach.
