Job summaryTo be able to communicate complex service user related information facilitating positive
outcomes and ensuring collaborative working.
To occasionally convey information, particularly in highly complex, contentious and
emotive situations require well developed communication skills.
To demonstrate flexibility in communication and interpersonal skills to overcome barriers
to communication.
To communicate opinion which may be contradictory to that of the referrer.
To liaise with and provide feedback to referrers to the service by letter and/or verbal
communication, ensuring that assessment, diagnostic results and treatment plans are
understood by the referrer in order that the treatment aims are understood and supported
by the wider health care network. Main duties of the jobTo maintain confidentiality consistent with Trust policy.
To have knowledge and understanding of a variety of cultural backgrounds and beliefs in
order to respect individuals rights and dignity and to use communication skills to address
language and cultural diversity issues.
Participate in the review and development of clinical policies and identifies improvements
to service provision.
To undertake monitoring and evaluation of work and current practice through the use of
evidence-based practice projects, audit and outcome measures either as an individual or
a as a group. To make recommendations and implement change where required.
To demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management
appropriate to the work situation.
To participate in the strategic and operational planning, implementation of policy and
service development within the service.
To work collaboratively to continually improve clinical practice. This may influence service
delivery, clinical protocols, business planning and strategic reviews.
To monitor efficacy of a variety of specialist patient services using clinical audit and to
implement change, in discussion with relevant clinical lead, in accordance with evidence
based practice.
To ensure thorough and robust processes and communication channels with catering and
food providers to ensure that the quality and nutritional number of foods is suitable for
young people within the unit.About us
NELFT NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and community services for over 4.9 million people living in the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and across Essex.
We work to ensure our patients, their friends and family, feel confident that their health needs are well met. With an excellent reputation for research and development, our skilled health professionals are at the cutting edge of evidence-based innovation, opening up the possibilities for better ways of working and delivery of care.
DetailsDate posted26 October 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8aSalary
57,528 to 64,750 a year
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time
Reference numberOHC-3LCY- Job locationsOrchard Health CentreBarkingGreater LondonIG11 7RSUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesPsychologist & ARFID Pathway Lead NELFT CYP Community Eating Disorder ServiceAn exciting opportunity to shape and lead a brand-new ARFID service from the ground up.Are you an experienced Psychologist with a passion for eating disorders and improving outcomes for children and young people?Would you relish the opportunity to lead the development of a newly commissioned ARFID pathway, while working alongside an established, specialist and supportive CYP Community Eating Disorder Service?If so, we would love to hear from you.This is an exciting time to join NELFT CYP CEDS. We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Psychologist to take a lead role in establishing our new Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) service, working closely with senior colleagues and the core CYP CEDS team.You will have a genuine opportunity to shape how this service develops, ensuring that children, young people and their families receive high-quality, evidence-based and compassionate care. About the NELFT Community Eating Disorder Service The North East London NHS Foundation Trust Community Eating Disorder Service provides the latest evidence-based, NICE-compliant psychological interventions to clients and their families living with an eating disorder.One of the strengths of our service is our ability to provide specialist assessment and treatment across the lifespan, from age 8 with no upper age limit.Our multidisciplinary approach is central to the way we work. We bring together different professional perspectives to provide holistic assessment, formulation and treatment, supporting both our service users and their families.As Psychologist and ARFID Pathway Lead, you will be instrumental in establishing and developing this exciting new service, supported by experienced senior colleagues within the core CYP CEDS team. Your Opportunity This is more than an opportunity to join an existing pathway.You will help build it.As ARFID Pathway Lead, you will:Lead the development of the new ARFID treatment pathway Provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention Work closely with the multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care Develop robust triage and assessment processes Ensure interventions reflect the latest evidence base Build strong links with the core CYP CEDS service Bring innovation and specialist knowledge to the development of the pathway Ensure the service responds effectively to the needs of children, young people and their caregivers Support the development of the ARFID team and contribute to a positive clinical culture Set and maintain high standards of clinical practiceThis is an ideal role for someone who wants to combine clinical expertise, leadership and service development. About You We are looking for an experienced Psychologist who is passionate about providing excellent treatment to children and young people with ARFID.You will have a strong interest in eating disorders and the specialist knowledge and skills required to work confidently with this client group.Previous experience in eating disorders is essential.You will be someone who:Has strong clinical expertise in eating disordersIs confident working within a multidisciplinary environmentCan provide strong clinical leadershipIs passionate about improving outcomes for CYP with ARFIDEnjoys developing and improving servicesCan work creatively and innovativelySets high clinical standards while supporting colleaguesValues collaborative working with children, young people and their families A Broad and Rewarding Clinical Role Working within an eating disorder service provides the opportunity to develop your expertise across a wide range of complex and co-occurring presentations.You will have the opportunity to work with presentations including:Autism | Depression | Anxiety | Personality Disorders | Eating DisordersWe provide supervision and training to support your continued professional development and help you build on your existing specialist skills.The post holder will operate within recognised professional guidelines and the overall framework of NELFT eating disorder service policies and procedures. Essential Criteria Doctorate in Clinical or Counselling PsychologyAdvanced knowledge and skills in eating disordersExperience of working within CYP CEDSExperience of exercising full clinical responsibility for service users’ psychological care and treatment within the context of a multidisciplinary care planExperience of assessing and treating service users across the full range of care settingsLeadership experience Starting with NELFT We want you to feel welcomed, supported and prepared from day one.All new starters join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks.Your induction includes:Mandatory trainingSystems trainingAllocation of equipmentOpportunities to meet the executive team and senior managersDrop-in sessions focused on engagement, health and wellbeingKey processes and support available across the TrustThe induction takes place at our head office in Goodmayes, Essex. Probationary Period This post will be subject to a probationary period.Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period, unless they are currently part way through a probationary period or are currently a
Clinical Psychologist ARFID Pathway Lead in Barking employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
