Clinical Psychologist Lead

Purpose

Lead clinically sound assessment, formulation and psychological support, helping the care team understand each child's needs without reducing their identity to a diagnosis.

Reporting line

Directors for employment matters with professional clinical accountability

Working arrangements

Agreed clinical schedule with protected supervision and administration time; urgent cover pathways arranged separately.

England; specific location and weekly hours confirmed before appointment. Maximum eight-hour shifts include one hour of paid uninterrupted break with competent cover.

Key responsibilities

• Complete consent-based psychological assessments and formulations within competence.
• Deliver or supervise appropriate evidence-based interventions, including CBT where indicated.
• Agree treatment goals with children and review meaningful outcomes and adverse effects.
• Provide reflective consultation and clinical supervision to eligible practitioners.
• Lead clinical risk discussions and coordinate urgent specialist referrals with NHS partners.
• Maintain confidential clinical records and clear boundaries for information sharing.
• Advise on trauma-informed care, neurodiversity and culturally responsive practice.
• Audit clinical quality, consent, safeguarding and professional development.

Experience

15-20 years of relevant experience, with substantial child and adolescent clinical leadership and therapeutic care experience.

Qualifications and registration

Current HCPC registration as a Clinical Psychologist and an approved qualifying professional doctorate or recognised equivalent registration route. A master's degree or academic PhD alone does not authorise this protected title. Relevant postgraduate study and advanced CBT competence are required.

Essential capabilities

• Advanced child and adolescent assessment, formulation and CBT practice.
• Clinical leadership, supervision competence and sound safeguarding judgement.
• Ability to explain uncertainty and avoid unsupported diagnostic or treatment claims.
• Knowledge of consent, capacity, confidentiality and referral thresholds.

Desirable experience

Accredited CBT training, service development and experience bridging residential care and NHS pathways.

What good performance looks like

Children receive clinically appropriate support with consent, measurable review and timely escalation where care exceeds local capability.

Benefits and safer recruitment

All employee benefits and recruitment standards apply, including 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, 8% employer pension, family medical and dental cover subject to insurer terms, and the clean driving licence criterion with reasonable adjustments where required. Required vetting is completed before a final contract.

Apply for AL10

Email hr@astha.org quoting this reference. HR will discuss the location, hours, secure application route and adjustments.