Senior Clinical Psychologist

Role Introduction

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic lead Clinical Psychologist to join a friendly and skilled team of Therapeutic Social Workers, Psychologists and a Speech and Language Therapist, who work to support children who are in local authority care, kinship care or on child protection plans, and care-experienced young adults up to the age of 25. The distinct contribution of psychology is highly valued within this social care team, and this role offers variety and opportunity for growth.

The team’s purpose is to support the wellbeing of young people, through:

• supporting key adults around a young person to understand the impact their early experiences may be having on their current experiences (e.g. through formulations, consultation, group training)
• supporting conversations around identity through life story clinics
• supporting staff teams within residential homes
• working with young people and their foster carers, informed by the dyadic models of DDP and Theraplay
• working with young people individually using models such as psychodynamic psychotherapy and EMDR

This post is a maternity cover until June 2027. If it is not possible to appoint a candidate to this role at 8b, candidates who meet criteria to work at 8a will be considered, with potential amendments to the roles and responsibilities as required. Flexible working arrangements and secondment from other roles within the LCH trust can also be considered.

The lead psychologist role involves:

- Offering and interpreting psychologically informed assessments (including cognitive assessments)

- Offering formulation-driven interventions in the context of complexity, which may draw from a range of therapeutic models

- Working directly with young people experiencing emotional and social difficulties

- Working with foster carers, schools, social workers and wider systems
 - Offering consultation, training and support to colleagues inside and outside the team

- Supervising Band 7 Psychology and Speech and Language Therapist colleagues in the team and overseeing Assistant Psychologist input

- Working with a range of services to best support the wellbeing of young people
 - Supporting local authority children’s residential homes

- Leadership within the team, and consultation to the wider CSWS as needed. For example this may be in the areas of:

• risk assessment and management
• responding to complex mental health presentations
• neurodevelopmental issues
• learning disability/cognitive assessments
• evaluation of the service

You will be supported through:

• regular supervision with an experienced clinical psychologist
• peer supervision within the team
• connection with a city-wide group of clinical psychologists working in children’s services across Leeds.

The post is ideal for someone who is passionate about working with children who have experienced adversity. It offers variety and the opportunity to use a full range of psychological skills.

For more Information about this Job, please contact - 

Martha Pearson (Lead Clinical Psychologist, Therapeutic Social Work Team): 
 07891 275 264        martha.pearson2@leeds.gov.uk 

Please review the Job Description and Person Specification attached for full requirements of the role. 

Adverts will close early where the maximum number of applicants is reached. 

Working for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust  

Who are we?

Leeds Community Healthcare provides a range of community-based health services across the whole city. We treat people in their homes, local health centres and community hospitals, and work in partnership with other local Trusts, charities and Leeds City Council. 

We have a strong culture based on deeply-held values, and our focus at all times is on delivering high quality care to the people of Leeds. In our most recent CQC evaluation, we were rated "Good", with our Adult Services rated "Outstanding" for caring. 

Perks of the job

Our benefits range from generous annual leave to access to NHS discount sites. You can find the full list of attractive benefits and rewards at www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk click on the Join Our Team Tab. 

Right to Work

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.