Job overview
Due to on-going investment, a structure review and subsequent expansion of the West London CAMHS Systemic & Family Psychotherapy Team, we are extremely pleased to be able to recruit two permanent Band 8a Higher Specialist Systemic and Family Psychotherapist to join the Cross-borough Eating Disorder Team, based at Ealing CAMHS, 1 Armstrong Way, Southall UB2 4SA.
West London CAMHS Eating Disorders Service is a well-established multidisciplinary Specialist Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, which is an integral part of the wider CAMH Service. West London CAMHS employs family therapists across many specialties including generic CAMHS, Eating Disorders, Neuro-developmental Conditions and Learning Disabilities. This means there is ample opportunity for networking with colleagues and sharing expertise.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work alongside other family therapists in a family therapy clinic in addition to holding an individual caseload. You will receive regular clinical, professional and management supervision from a Principal Systemic & Family Psychotherapist. We offer a range of in house and external training opportunities e.g. Narrative therapy; NVR; CYP-IAPT. West London CAMHS has good relationships with local family therapy training providers, and we offer specialist placements to trainees.
Main duties of the job
Family Therapy and family-based interventions are the primary intervention offered to families where there is a diagnosed eating disorder. The successful candidate will be key in supporting the continued development of these interventions and supporting colleagues in the facilitation of systemic interventions.
As a Systemic & Family Psychotherapist within West London CAMHS you will be offered good opportunities for continuing professional development and you will be supported in your career progression. The post holder will be part of a growing team of clinicians with a special interest and expertise in working with children, and young people, who are presenting with complex mental health needs.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Clinical experience and skills in engaging young people who have an eating disorder and their families/carers.
- Ability to formulate comprehensive assessments and offer effective treatment based on systemic principles.
- Ability to apply analytical skills to multi-layered complex cases and to attend to issues of risk.
- Ability to provide on-going treatment in complex and frequently changing circumstances.
- Ability to liaise with and manage complex professional networks.
- Skills in consulting to professional colleagues inside and outside CAMHS.
- Ability to manage high levels of emotional distress and think clearly in emotionally charged situations.
- Ability to manage and plan own workload.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable
- Word processing skills, including the ability to use internet and other computer technology effectively
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence base in relation to eating disorder treatments.
- Evidence base in relation to child mental health.
- Research and research methodology at post-graduate level in relation to children and adults with mental health and social problems.
- A developed understanding of the impact of abuse, trauma and other adverse experiences on children and families.
- Legislation and DOH guidelines relevant to eating disorders and other child and adolescent mental health presentations.
- Child protection policies and procedures.
Desirable
- Well-developed knowledge of the theory and practice of specialised systemic family therapy with vulnerable and hard to reach families.
- Knowledge of the theory and practice of highly specialised psychological therapies and assessment methodologies.
Experience
Essential
- To have an interest in working with young people who have an eating disorder and their families/carers.
- At least three years’ experience of work with children and adolescents in a mental health or equivalent setting, including work with young people with eating disorders.
- To have a commitment to and experience of multi-disciplinary working.
- Experience of supervision or consultation.
- Experience of research and audit.
Desirable
- Experience/ or interest in running Multi Family Therapy groups (MFT)
- Experience of teaching and training in systemic psychotherapy.
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Postgraduate qualification in family/systemic psychotherapy.
- Registration as a systemic psychotherapist with UKCP or equivalent body.
- Minimum four years’ practice in relevant first profession including experience of safe-guarding children.
Desirable
- Training in Systemic supervision and consultation
- CYP IAPT training
- FT-AN/FBT/MFT training
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 8 Psychology roles in Southall
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Family Therapist - Eating Disorders with West London NHS Trust in Southall, London, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Mental health professionals role. The advertised salary is £63,665 - £70,887 per annum inclusive. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Jun 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (09 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.