At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide emotional support and therapy for families with infants under two.
- Company: Real Group Ltd, a leader in perinatal mental health services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, health plans, and more.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, supportive team dedicated to improving infant mental health.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Doctoral level qualification in psychology or psychotherapy with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 74000 £ per year.
This is an opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced clinician and leader to join our new developing Parent Infant Relationship Service in Kent (PAIRS). Funded by Best Start in Life through Kent County Council and delivered by Real Group Ltd. The Parent and Infant Relationship Service (PAIRS) will be providing emotional wellbeing and therapeutic support to families across Kent.
About the role
This PAIRS team is a specialist service for parents, caregivers and their infants under the age of two, as well as those expecting. We encourage experienced specialist psychologists/psychotherapists to apply. This position is open to applicants who have four years post-qualification experience; however, appropriately qualified candidates with demonstrable expertise and experience in perinatal mental health who have less years post qualification experience may also be considered.
Key tasks and responsibilities
- Clinical Excellence & Specialist Assessment
- Specialist Assessment: Carry out highly specialist dyadic/systemic assessments, risk assessments, and formulations for parents and infants with complex attachment or bonding difficulties.
- Intervention Delivery: Develop treatment plans and deliver Level 3 psychological/psychotherapy interventions (e.g., Parent-Infant Psychotherapy) and specialist modalities such as video feedback. Delivery of Level 2 interventions where indicated.
- Complex Case Management: Manage a caseload of families within which the parent(s)/ caregiver(s) may be experiencing mental health difficulties, adapting interventions to meet diverse cultural and linguistic needs, including working with interpreters.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Utilise clinical screening tools (MORS-SF, PHQ9, GAD7, GBO) and current theory/research to track progress.
- Leadership & Service Development
- Strategic Coordination: Deliver co-leadership and coordination of PAIRS, developing care pathways and referral management systems to optimise service flow.
- Policy Development: Liaise with senior clinical colleagues to develop, review, and implement operational policies and procedures.
- Innovation: Identify areas for service improvement and propose changes to practices; lead service user engagement and co-production aims to integrate feedback into clinical planning.
- Governance: Exercise delegated responsibility for managing psychological resources and ensuring systematic governance of clinical practice within the team.
- Supervision, Training & Consultancy
- Clinical Supervision: Provide highly specialised clinical supervision to junior qualified/unqualified staff (for instance psychology assistant or trainee).
- Doctoral Placements: Potentially act as a service supervisor for specialist clinical placements for a doctoral trainee (Child Psychotherapist/Clinical Psychologist in training).
- External Consultation: Provide formal and informal specialist advice and consultation to midwives, health visitors, GPs, and other external agencies.
- Training: To offer specialist infant mental health training to key stakeholders.
- Research, Audit & Dissemination
- Audit & Evaluation: Initiate and supervise clinical audits and service-related evaluations to monitor efficacy and impact.
- Knowledge Sharing: Disseminate service evaluation findings through professional presentations and publications to contribute to the wider field of perinatal and infant mental health.
- Professional Development: Maintain and develop expertise in professional training and clinical supervision through continuous professional development (CPD).
About you
The ideal candidate will be a senior specialist parent infant psychotherapist or psychologist and have a significant role in contributing to the specialist interventions for families, providing psychotherapeutic treatment promoting the quality of the relationship between the parent and infant. The candidate will also be involved with leading the development of care pathways and referral management in addition to provision of consultation.
Person Specification
- Qualifications: Doctoral level Clinical/Counselling Psychologist/Child Psychotherapist (or equivalent) or fully qualified Parent Infant Psychotherapist.
- Registration: Current HCPC registration as a Psychologist or registration with BPC/ACP/UKCP as a Psychotherapist.
- Experience: At least 4 years post-qualification experience in the NHS or an equivalent practitioner role, with experience in infant mental health and an understanding of perinatal presentations. Additional training in infant mental health or parent infant interventions is desirable.
- Skills: Skilled in the use of complex methods of psychological assessment and intervention with families with children under 2 years of age and management frequently requiring sustained and intense concentration. Well developed IT skills and report writing skills. Skills in providing teaching and training to professional groups.
- Communication: When delivering services the ability to communicate effectively in a highly emotive, antagonistic or hostile atmosphere and to overcome barriers to acceptance/psychological resistance to potentially threatening information. Ability to work effectively and supportively in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Knowledge: Knowledge of contemporary legislation relating to the delivery of mental health and psychological services and its implications for both clinical practice and professional management with families with children under 2 years of age and in parent infant mental health. Knowledge of professional issues in psychology/psychotherapy and psychological therapies with children under 2 years of age and in parent infant mental health. Knowledge and experience of the application of clinical governance and risk management policies and procedures for the maintenance and improvement of psychological services.
Benefits
We build our team with talented, positive-thinking and experienced individuals from diverse backgrounds. Working at Real Group brings many benefits including:
- Flexible working within a friendly, supportive team.
- Pension.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- Health and dental plan.
- Access to free mental health support.
- Salary sacrifice options for purchasing a bicycle or leasing an electric car.
Real Group is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all.
PAIRS Senior Specialist Clinician and Leader in London employer: Real Group Ltd
Real Group Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for clinicians dedicated to enhancing parent-infant relationships. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities, a comprehensive health and dental plan, and access to mental health support, all while contributing to meaningful service delivery in the beautiful Kent area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PAIRS Senior Specialist Clinician and Leader in London
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Real Group Ltd who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Real Group Ltd can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace PAIRS Senior Specialist Clinician and Leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Real Group Ltd and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Real Group Ltd see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Real Group Ltd
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Real Group Ltd.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Real Group Ltd about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Real Group Ltd supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
