Job summary
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of autistic adults and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities?
By joining our newly formed Croydon Intensive Support Team (IST), you'll be part of something truly special. Our mission is to empower people to stay supported in their communities, prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, and create care systems that are compassionate, personalised, and sustainable.
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role where you'll make a real, tangible difference. As Principal Practitioner Psychologist and Clinical Lead, you'll work closely with a dedicated team that includes a behaviour specialist and a specialist speech and language therapist from Croydon Health Services (CHS), a Transforming Care Nurse and Peer Support Worker from South London and the Maudsley, and an advanced practitioner from Croydon Local Authority. Together, you'll guide a small but passionate multidisciplinary team, empowering adults with intellectual disabilities to live fulfilling lives in the least restrictive environments.
We're looking for someone who cares as much as we do. You'll be a skilled psychologist with expertise in Positive Behaviour Support and systemic approaches, but more than that, you'll be someone who listens, understands, and takes the time to make people feel heard. You'll bring warmth and empathy to your leadership, supporting your team to thrive while inspiring change across the service.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Care and Support
1. Lead the delivery of specialised psychological care that empowers people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
2. Work closely with individuals and their families to develop care plans that are as unique as they are, rooted in kindness, understanding, and evidence-based practices.
3. Use your expertise in Positive Behaviour Support and systemic approaches to create strategies that reduce risks and enhance quality of life.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
1. Support and inspire your team, creating an open and supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
2. Provide expert guidance and clinical supervision, helping your team and local providers build the skills to make a lasting impact.
3. Be an advocate for inclusion and equality, ensuring everyone who walks through our doors receives the respect and care they deserve.
Driving Innovation
1. Evaluate and improve the service to meet the changing needs of the people we serve.
2. Use data and feedback to influence how we grow, ensuring every decision is driven by the people who matter most - our service users.
3. Lead projects that build expertise in the community, so that more people can be supported closer to home.
About us
From your very first day, we'll fully support your growth and development. Whether you're looking to refine your skills or explore new areas of interest, we're here to help you succeed. CPD is actively encouraged, with funding available for external courses and special interests, so you can pursue opportunities that matter most to you.
Our approach to one-to-ones focuses on you - your development, goals, and ambitions - not just the tasks at hand. Through hands-on experience, formal training, and even learning from the occasional misstep, you'll discover your strengths and continue to grow.
We're committed to helping you develop both personally and professionally, so you can bring your unique perspective and expertise to improve the lives of those we support.
Benefits:
27 - 33 days holiday (dependent on service) + bank holiday
Over 4,000 discounts at high-street retailers on the Blue Light Card.
Convenient and affordable childcare options for employees with young children.
Cycle to work scheme
If you're ready to make a real difference and want to be part of a team that's breaking barriers and transforming care, we'd love to hear from you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
***Please see the attached supporting document which contains more information about the role in the job description and person specification***
Person Specification
Professional Qualification
Essential
1. Entry-level qualification in Applied 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. Clinical psychologist: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or equivalent.
2. Registered with the HCPC as Practitioner Psychologist, and evidence of continuing professional development as required by the HCPC.
Experience
Essential
1. Advanced theoretical knowledge of psychopathology and the evidence base for the relevant treatment such as PBS, trauma informed and/or systemic approaches.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
Employer details
Employer name
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
Address
Bernard Weatherall House
8 Mint Walk
Croydon
CR0 1EA
Employer's website #J-18808-Ljbffr