Overview
As Specialist Clinical Psychologist, you will provide expert assessment, formulation and trauma-informed leadership for Children Looked After (CLA) with complex mental health needs. You will lead on emotional wellbeing and collaborate across health, social care, education and CAMHS to inform care planning and risk management. The role includes consultation, supervision and training, with opportunities for service development and research within an integrated CLA-CAMHS model. You will work to improve outcomes for looked after children through advanced clinical work and multi-agency partnerships.
Pay / Benefits
- flexible working arrangements
- ongoing CPD and specialist training
- clinical supervision
- teaching and leadership opportunities
- inter-agency collaboration
- opportunity to influence service development
Responsibilities
- Provide highly specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for CLA with complex needs
- Act as clinical lead for trauma-informed practice within the CLA Health Service
- Maintain a small specialist caseload via the CLA Waiting Well pathway for those awaiting CAMHS
- Collaborate with CAMHS, Social Care, Community Paediatrics, SEND and other partners to support integrated care pathways
- Provide specialist consultation and psychological advice to CLA Nurses, Social Workers, Foster Carers, Residential Providers, Education Professionals and other professionals
- Contribute to safeguarding, risk assessment and management
- Apply expertise in the interface between developmental trauma, attachment, and neurodevelopmental presentations
- Support service development, teaching, leadership and system-wide improvements for CLA
Key requirements
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) or equivalent (BPS recognition)
- HCPC Registration as a Practitioner Psychologist
- Eligibility for Chartered Membership of the BPS
- Evidence of CPD relevant to children, young people and trauma-informed practice
- Registered with the HCPC
- Desirable: post-doctoral training in Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, DDP, MBT, CFT or Systemic Practice; training in neurodevelopmental pathways including ASD and ADHD
- Clear and sensitive communication of complex information
- Training delivery and reflective practice
- Advanced clinical judgment and formulation skills
- Trauma-informed assessment, formulation and intervention
- Risk assessment and management for safeguarding
- Neurodevelopmental assessment and formulation (ASD/ADHD)
Clinical Psychologist - Children Looked After (CLA) in London 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.
