Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologist – Children’s Home

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Clinical Psychologist to join our multidisciplinary team in a children’s home setting. The successful candidate will provide psychological assessments, therapeutic interventions, and consultative support to children and young people residing in the homes, many of whom have experienced trauma, neglect, or complex emotional and behavioural challenges. The role will also include offering support to the staff team within the homes to assist them in being able to meet the needs of the children.

Key Responsibilities

• Psychological Assessment & Diagnosis: Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments using a variety of tools, including psychometric tests, behavioural observations, and interviews, to inform individual care plans.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Develop and deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs, drawing from models such as PACE, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and creative therapies.
• Consultation & Collaboration: Work closely with residential staff, social workers, and external agencies to provide consultative support and ensure a holistic approach to each child’s care. Support the homes managers to build a therapeutic community within their homes.
• Training & Supervision: Provide training and supervision to staff on psychological theories, trauma-informed care, and behaviour management strategies.
• Safeguarding & Risk Management: Adhere to safeguarding protocols and contribute to risk assessments and management plans for children and young people.
• Record Keeping & Reporting: Maintain accurate and confidential records of assessments, interventions, and progress, in line with organisational policies and legal requirements.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential:
  • Honours degree in Psychology (2:1 or higher) accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
  • Postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology (Doctorate level) accredited by the BPS and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • Registration with the HCPC as a Clinical Psychologist.
  • Eligibility for Chartered Psychologist status with the BPS.
• Desirable:
  • Additional training in systemic therapy or other therapeutic models

Experience

• Essential:
  • Post-qualification experience working as a Clinical Psychologist with children and young people, particularly in residential care settings.
  • Experience in conducting psychological assessments and delivering therapeutic interventions to children and young people with a range of psychological difficulties.
  • Knowledge and experience of safeguarding procedures and child protection legislation.
  • Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency framework.
• Desirable:
  • Experience of working with children and young people who have experienced abuse or trauma.
  • Experience in providing training and supervision to staff.
  • Experience in conducting research or service evaluation projects.

Knowledge & Skills

• Essential:
  • In-depth knowledge of child development and psychological theories relevant to children and young people.
  • Proficiency in a range of psychological assessment tools and therapeutic interventions.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, and professionals.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a varied caseload.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to ethical guidelines.
• Desirable:
  • Knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health issues in children and young people.

Personal Attributes

• Empathetic and non-judgmental approach to working with children and young people.
• Resilience and emotional maturity to manage challenging situations.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Commitment to promoting the psychological well-being and development of children and young people.