Job requirements
Essential
22 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of systemic theories, methods and techniques and their appropriate application in different contexts, with individuals, families, organisations and social networks.
- Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of the evidence base for family and systemic interventions.
- Knowledge
Knowledge of other clinical and psychotherapeutic models and modalities sufficient to engage with multidisciplinary team colleagues in deciding on and coordinating between different interventions.
- Knowledge
Knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and treatments
- Knowledge
An understanding of the role of systemic psychotherapy in the modern NHS.
- Knowledge
Good knowledge of different pathways of care in terms of mental health provision in statutory and voluntary sectors.
- Knowledge
Knowledge of legislation regarding mental health and the criminal justice system; and regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
- Knowledge
Knowledge of NHS Policies and their implications for clinical practice, professional management and service development.
- Knowledge
Understanding of confidentiality, data protection, legislation and Caldicott principles.
- Knowledge
Awareness and appreciation of equality and diversity issues
- Experience
Experience of working in adult mental health and/or forensic settings
- Experience
Extensive experience of conducting assessments with individuals, their families and social networks, particularly those with complex and severe difficulties, taking account of a range of theoretical models and with the ability to develop clinical formulation and make recommendations for intervention.
- Experience
Experience of working systemically across different cultural contexts and of recognising the operation of power and privilege, for example in relation to racism, gender, class and sexual identities.
- Experience
Extensive experience of working as an autonomous and independent practitioner.
- Experience
Experience of working with a wide variety of service user groups, presenting with a range of clinical issues and degrees of severity, with the capacity to maintain professionalism while being presented with highly demanding and distressing situations.
- Experience
Experience of teaching and/or supervising individuals or groups of staff at different levels of training and experience.
- Experience
Experience of offering systemic consultation to individuals, multidisciplinary staff teams and other professional groups.
- Experience
Experience of planning and delivering training in systemic principles and practices.
- Experience
Experience of research and audit
- Qualifications
Recognised qualification in one of the core mental health professions (eg. Nursing, Psychologist, Occupational Therapy, Social Work,)
- Qualifications
Masters level qualification in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy.
- Qualifications
Registration with UKCP as a Systemic and Family Psychotherapist.
Desirable
9 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Knowledge
Knowledge of research methodologies
- Experience
Experience of working in inpatient or other institutional settings.
- Experience
Experience of other clinical approaches (for example MBT, EMDR, DBT).
- Experience
Experience of working with people with diagnoses of severe mental health problems and/ or trauma.
- Experience
Experience in undertaking investigations (including serious untoward incidents, disciplinary incidents and complaints).
- Experience
Publications in academic or professional journals and /or books.
- Experience
Experience of facilitating Reflective Practice groups
- Qualifications
Other related academic qualifications
- Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in Supervision of Systemic and Family Psychotherapy
Job overview
Highly Specialist Family & Systemic Psychotherapist – West London Forensic Service
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the West London Forensic Service in Ealing as part of our well-established Systemic Family Work Team. The team provides systemic psychotherapy to service users with complex mental health needs across medium and low secure services and within the community.
We are seeking a qualified Family and Systemic Psychotherapist to join us on a full-time basis, although part-time hours will be considered. The role offers excellent CPD opportunities alongside involvement in research, teaching, consultation, and supervision within the Psychological Therapies Department.
Appointments may be made at Band 7 or Band 8a, depending on experience. Candidates appointed at Band 7 will be supported through a structured preceptorship programme with a clear pathway to Band 8a progression.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive and specialist forensic service and make a meaningful difference to the lives of service users and their families.
Main duties of the job
Working within a secure forensic environment offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful therapeutic relationships with adults and their families over time. The service enables creative, sustained systemic work, supporting people to rebuild relationships, strengthen support networks and reconnect with aspects of their identity beyond that of being a patient.
Our service works with people who have experienced significant trauma, marginalisation and social disadvantage, alongside enduring mental illness and complex emotional needs. As a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, you will play a key role in supporting recovery, resilience and lasting positive change.
You will work closely with colleagues in our Reflecting Team, using a collaborative and compassionate approach to support families through complex and emotionally demanding situations. The role provides excellent opportunities to develop specialist systemic practice, with regular supervision, peer support and reflective practice.
You will also work in partnership with multidisciplinary teams across the forensic service, providing expert consultation, formulation and systemic interventions at individual, family and team levels. By building strong collaborative relationships, you will help deliver psychologically informed, family inclusive care and make a meaningful difference to the lives of patients and those closest to them.
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.
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.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Highly Specialist Family & Systemic Psychotherapist with West London NHS Trust in Southall, England. It is listed as a Psychologist role. The advertised salary is £63665.00 to £70887.00. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 13 Oct 2026.
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