Our client is recruiting for a Psychologist (Children and Young People Services) working across Nortnampton, Peterbrough, Kent and London.
Introduction
Our client strives to provide services that are user-friendly and sensitive to the individual needs of our residents, local authorities, and all sections of the community. It is the responsibility of all staff to work to achieve this within our ethos of service, quality, equality, and partnership. (Partnership means demonstrating a commitment to close co-operation with colleagues and joint work in partnership with our service users).
Job Summary
Our client is seeking a compassionate and skilled Psychologist to join their dedicated team. This role involves working directly with children and young people, as well as providing essential support, training, and consultation to staff. The ideal candidate will have expertise in trauma-informed practices, child development, and promoting mental health in care settings. You will play a pivotal role in fostering a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment that meets the emotional and psychological needs of children, while also equipping staff with the tools and knowledge to deliver exceptional care.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Supporting Children and Young People:
• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments to identify the emotional and developmental needs of children and young people.
• Develop and deliver tailored therapeutic interventions using evidence-based approaches, such as CBT, play therapy, Dyadic Development Psychotherapy (DDP).
• Work with children to address trauma, attachment difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges.
• Act as a key member of multi-disciplinary teams to develop care plans and strategies to support individual needs.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support when required
Supporting Staff:
• Offer regular consultation and reflective practice sessions to staff, empowering them to manage complex behaviours and emotional needs effectively.
• Develop and deliver training programs on topics such as trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and behaviour management strategies.
• Provide psychological insights to staff to help them understand and respond to the needs of children in their care.
• Support staff well-being by addressing workplace stressors and promoting resilience within the team.
Service Development:
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and practices aligned with Ofsted requirements and best practices in child psychology.
• Conduct audits and evaluations to ensure the quality of therapeutic interventions and care.
• Collaborate with external agencies, including education, health, and social care professionals, to provide holistic support for children.
Meeting Standards, Compliance and Quality
• Comply with all statutory and legislative requirements.
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential records of assessments, interventions, and consultations in line with legal, ethical, and Ofsted guidelines.
• Comply with all the company’s policies and procedures, and all other relevant supplementary instructions.
• Support the service in meeting Ofsted standards and regulations by contributing to inspection processes and action plans.
Please Note: This job description provides an outline of the duties and responsibilities involved in the post Lead Psychologist, and is not intended to establish a total definition of the job, which by virtue, is developmental and subject to ongoing review and improvement.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Knowledge/Education/Skills
• A master’s or doctoral degree in Psychology (Clinical, Educational, or Child Psychology preferred).
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist.
• Significant experience working with children, young people, and staff in care or residential settings. • Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and attachment theories.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Experience (desirable skills)
• Experience in working within an Ofsted-regulated environment.
• Specialized training in therapeutic approaches, such as, Dyadic Development Psychotherapy (DDP
• Ability to design and deliver engaging staff training sessions.
• Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) or other behavioural management frameworks.
To apply for the role, please apply now or email your CV to