Senior Clinical Psychologist

Overview: An exciting opportunity has arisen to expand the psychology provision within the Harrow Virtual School Team, situated within Education Services in Harrow Council. As the role is new, the successful candidate will assist the Principal Clinical Psychologist in shaping the direction of the team and how best to support the mental health needs of children looked after, previously looked after children, and children with a social worker, through direct clinical work, carer and caregiver support, school liaison, providing training, and providing professional consultation.
The psychology service currently consists of one part-time clinical psychologist, but due to the success of this provision we have been awarded the opportunity to expand the service to include an additional part-time psychologist to increase the reach of the support provided. The scope of the role will be determined both by the needs of the children and families within the service, as well as the skills and interests of the successful candidate. Therefore, passion for the work, flexibility, and a drive to make a difference are a must, in addition to experience within either an NHS service providing mental health support to children and families and/or experience in a social care setting. Currently the psychology service predominantly provides consultation to social workers and other professionals, regular training to foster carers, brief assessment and short-term therapeutic support to young people and foster carers, and liaison with other services, including schools and other mental health provisions. It is hoped that this new role will allow the service to complete more direct work with young people and families, including individual therapy and group sessions, in addition to the support already provided. While some of this work can be completed remotely online, the role will involve travelling to homes, schools, and other locations, predominantly within the Harrow borough. As some young people supported by the HVS are placed out of borough, at times it may be useful to travel further to provide support.
When not completing direct work with families or other professionals, you can be based at the Harrow Hub or work remotely from home, or a combination of both.
This role offers great opportunities for professional development, with regular clinical supervision and both in-house and external training to further your skills and knowledge. You will also benefit from the knowledge and experience of our HVS colleagues, working with our team to support young people to achieve academically in addition to improving their general wellbeing. We are also hoping to continue to expand the service to include additional psychologists, trainees, and assistants, providing opportunities to provide supervision and participate in peer supervision. We are also working to strengthen relationships with other VS teams across the country and local mental health provisions to provide additional opportunities for professional growth.
The role is fixed term for one year. About you: The successful candidate will have:

• Evidence of having worked as a clinical specialist under supervision in a mental health service providing support to children and families and/or a social care setting.
• Experience of specialist psychological assessment and treatment of clients with a range of psychological needs of a complex nature in the field of child psychology.
• Knowledge of legislation in relation to the client group and mental health issues, child and adult protection, and equalities.
• Doctoral level knowledge of psychological research methodology and complex statistical analysis.
• Well-developed IT skills including entry and analysis of research data.
• Doctorate level qualification or equivalent in Clinical, Forensic, or Counselling Psychology (professional Doctorate, or combination of MSc plus PG Diploma level additional training) that has been accepted by the HCPC for purposes of professional registration.
• Registered with the HCPC as Practitioner Psychologist, and evidence of continuing professional development as required by the HCPC.
• Ability to travel to a variety of locations.
• Ability to respond appropriately and professionally to emotionally distressing situations, such as children demonstrating challenging behaviour and disclosures of abuse, and to support others involved in such situations.

Related Documents: For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria