Specialist Clinical / Counselling Psychologist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 to 8a Clinical Psychologist (0.5WTE) to lead on the development and management of the high intensity pathway of Ealing Mental Health Support Team (MHST+). This role sits within our Mental Health Support Team (MHST) offer, providing early intervention mental health input directly into mainstream Primary and Secondary schools.

The MHST+ team was established in 2021, to provide evidence-based early intervention support in mainstream schools, for children diagnosed with a Learning Disability (LD) or Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), or awaiting assessment for an ASC diagnosis. Recently, the MHST+ pathway has expanded to develop a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) pathway, and is constantly developing and evolving in response to feedback and evidence. The team has been praised for its innovative ASCLD offer, and are often invited and contacted to present or share learning for MHSTs nationally. We strive to continue to develop an offer that is meaningful for the people we work with.

This is a preceptorship programme designed to support people working at a Band 7 level, to move into a Band 8a position upon completion of 8a preceptorship criteria. Please note that this post is also being advertised as a Band 8a, however, we will consider a Band 7 with some leadership experience, on a preceptorship route working towards the essential criteria needed as an 8a.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide senior leadership for the clinical functioning of the MHST+ team. You will contribute to providing early intervention mental health support for children/young people with Autism and/or LD, or who are on the waiting list for an Autism diagnosis, in mainstream schools, as well as the CBT pathway within the team. This may expand to include other enhanced offers.

You will contribute to identifying gaps and generating potential ideas for developing the service. You will develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders to enable joint working to best meet the needs of children and young people, including those with ASC/LD and the systems around them.

You will contribute to developing and implementing a range of interventions and projects within schools and may be invited to contribute to developing borough-wide strategies for young people, including those specifically with ASC/LD.

You will hold a small caseload, offering high quality evidence-based interventions to support children and young people, as well as provide clinical supervision for trainee and other psychological therapies staff within the team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This job is ideal for someone who is looking for a part time work arrangement, either as a standalone or alongside another role.

Please see our Candidate information pack for a comprehensive job description and person specification for this rol

The link below will also provide useful information.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services staff share their stories of working for the NHS. (youtube.com)