Clinical / Counselling / Educational Psychologist

Job overview

The Sutton Mental Health Support Team comprises of 4 Education Wellbeing Practitioners (EWPs), a newly qualified Clinical Psychologist and the advertised post, which is the most senior post and supervisor within the MHST. The team works with a cluster of schools in Sutton, offering direct interventions within the schools and the implementation of a whole school approach to mental health.

The advertised post is an exciting and varied role with good scope for creative working within a new national initiative to increase mental health input directly into schools. There is a strong supervisor peer support network across the service as well as clinical supervision being offered by the borough 8B lead and service development supervision being offered by the consultant psychology lead. There is huge opportunity for developing skills and being at the forefront of an innovative service. We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive psychologist who is keen to expand their skills and learn on the job, with good support offered at all levels.

The three secondary schools in the cluster are Greenshaw, Overton Grange and Cheam as well as a further six large primary and two specialist schools.

The post is 0.6wte (3 days) fixed term for one year, or 3.5 days term time only if preferred.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the MHST, case management and clinical supervision of all staff in the team. This includes managing risk and safeguarding issues. The role includes a link liaison role with schools and working jointly with wider MHSTs and CAMHS teams to ensure joined up service delivery. The whole school approach work involves working collaboratively with schools at a preventative level, meeting need as it arises. There are many opportunities for offering consultation, staff training or reflective practice sessions, parent workshops, coffee mornings and groups. The postholder may also provide specialist clinical interventions for children and young people who do not meet CAMHS thresholds.

The MHSTs work within a network of child mental health resources that coordinate early help, targeted help and specialist interventions for children and young people according to presentation and need. There are good opportunities for linking in with local CAMHS and the Single Point of Access. As these services are all run by the Trust, this makes for smoother linking in and liaison across teams.

HCPC registration as a Psychologist and strong post qualification experience working in CAMHS are essential. High level understanding and experience of using CBT and parenting principles will be needed to effectively supervise the four EWPs in the team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To promote and ensure highly specialist psychological services and skills to the team and schools

To collaboratively work with schools to implement a whole school approach to mental health, including staff consultation and training as appropriate.

To provide advice and consultation on clients’ psychological care. To work within Trust and professional guidelines, to a clear CAMHS job plan.

To offer clinical supervision to the EWPs and the band 6 & 7 posts, with a focus on CBT models and parenting approaches. Providing clinical input to supervisees’ PADRs.

Within supervision, team meetings and other fora, to support and promote the use of measures to evolve clinical practice and enhance user experience.

To offer direct interventions with 5 to 11 year olds and their parents in primary schools plus 11 to 18 year olds in secondary schools, including those who may have experienced trauma and who exhibit behaviours that may be challenging

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications

If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.

Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.

Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.