At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's emotional wellbeing through innovative psychological assessments and training.
- Company: Join a pioneering service within Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a dynamic team and a focus on trauma-informed practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of looked-after children across Northern Ireland.
- Qualifications: Must be HCPC registered with experience in child-focused services.
The predicted salary is between 28.48 - 28.48 £ per hour.
Rate: £28.48 per hour
Location: To be confirmed, dependent on successful candidate (Belfast Health & Social Care Trust hosted service)
Hours: Full-Time, Part-Time, Compressed Hours and Flexible Working options considered
Contract: Temporary ongoing until 31 March 2027
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist to join the innovative Primary Children Looked After Advisory Service, a regional partnership between Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT) and the Education Authority. This pioneering service supports children who are looked after by improving their emotional wellbeing, educational engagement and long-term outcomes through trauma-informed and attachment-focused approaches. Working across schools, health and social care services, you will play a key role in supporting professionals and carers around the child rather than delivering direct therapeutic interventions.
The successful candidate will work autonomously within a multidisciplinary and inter-agency team, providing specialist psychological assessment, consultation, training and intervention planning to support children, school staff, carers and professional networks across Northern Ireland. This is a hybrid role, using home as a base with travel to schools, meetings and partner agencies across designated Education Authority areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide specialist psychological assessments relating to the emotional wellbeing, attachment, trauma and developmental needs of Children Looked After.
- Formulate and support evidence-based intervention plans for children and their support networks.
- Deliver psychological consultation, advice and training to school staff, carers and partner agencies.
- Contribute specialist psychological perspectives at reviews, consultations and multidisciplinary meetings.
- Support schools in implementing trauma-informed and attachment-friendly practices.
- Manage an autonomous caseload and maintain high professional standards of practice.
- Undertake risk assessments and communicate psychological aspects of risk management to relevant professionals.
- Support and supervise Assistant, Associate or Trainee Psychologists where appropriate.
- Promote a formulation-based approach across the service.
- Lead and contribute to service development, evaluation, clinical audit and research activities.
- Work collaboratively with Health & Social Care Trusts, Education Authority colleagues and wider professional networks.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and regional rollout of the Primary Children Looked After Advisory Service.
Essential Criteria
- An Honours Degree in Psychology (or equivalent) conferring eligibility for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- A Postgraduate Doctorate (or equivalent qualification) accredited by the BPS and qualifying the individual to practise as an HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist.
- Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Post-qualification experience working therapeutically within a child-focused service, such as CAMHS, Looked After Children Services or related settings.
- Experience undertaking specialist psychological assessments and interventions across a range of care settings.
- Experience working within a consultative model of practice.
- Competent IT skills.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with Children Looked After and their support networks.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary and inter-agency environments.
- Experience of therapeutic practice across diverse cultural contexts.
- Evidence of reflective practice and commitment to continuous professional development.
- Experience in clinical research, service evaluation and service development initiatives.
To apply please send your CV via the link.
Registered Practitioner Psychologist (Band 8a) in Belfast employer: The Recruitment Co.
Join our dynamic team in Craigavon as a Catering Assistant, where we prioritise a supportive work culture that values reliability and teamwork. Enjoy competitive pay rates and the opportunity for personal growth within a full-time role that offers flexibility across various shifts. Our commitment to high standards of food hygiene and safety ensures a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the catering industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Practitioner Psychologist (Band 8a) in Belfast
✨Get Involved with Psychology Networks
Join local psychology groups or online forums to connect with professionals and get the inside scoop on temporary opportunities. Engaging in these communities can lead to recommendations that might not be advertised anywhere else!
✨Showcase Your Skills with Voluntary Work
Consider taking on voluntary roles in mental health charities or community programmes. This not only builds your experience but also helps you make valuable connections that could lead to temporary positions.
✨Keep Your Applications Customised and Fresh
Given the temporary nature of the roles, be super quick with your applications. Tailor your cover letter to highlight your adaptability and readiness for immediate start dates, and don't hesitate to apply through our website for the best chances!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs or workshops specifically aimed at psychology students and graduates. These events are perfect for networking and discovering temporary roles directly with employers—plus you can often leave a lasting impression in-person!
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Practitioner Psychologist (Band 8a) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, highlighting your academic achievements is crucial. Make sure your CV emphasises your relevant coursework, grades, and any special projects or research you've undertaken in psychology. We want to see how your studies have prepared you for the role at The Recruitment Co..
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine. Focus on your passion for psychology and how this temporary role fits into your career goals. Discuss any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for Registered Practitioner Psychologist (Band 8a) at The Recruitment Co. and tie it back to your motivation for applying.
Mention Any Relevant Experience:Whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, relevant experience can set you apart. Highlight any practical applications of psychology you've been involved with, such as counselling, research assistance, or community outreach. It's all about demonstrating your hands-on understanding of the field!
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded:Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your adaptability in your cover letter. Let The Recruitment Co. know that you're ready to jump in and learn, and that you can handle quick changes in tasks. We want to see how you'll thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Recruitment Co.
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
In psychology, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in past roles or academic projects. Prepare a couple of real-life examples from your studies or any volunteer work that showcase your strength in this area.
✨Understand the Role’s Context
A temporary position in psychology may involve specific populations or clinical settings. Familiarise yourself with any special considerations or methodologies that apply to the context of the job at The Recruitment Co.. This could include particular therapeutic approaches or assessment tools - knowing these can set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet and apply psychological principles in real-world scenarios. Practise how you would approach a hypothetical situation, perhaps dealing with a distressed client or assessing their needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities effectively.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new environments and challenges. Be sure to emphasise your ability to step into various roles or tasks as needed. Share examples that show how you've thrived in changing situations or learned new skills rapidly.
