Psychotherapist

Purpose

Offer a consistent therapeutic relationship and individually appropriate psychological interventions within an agreed clinical plan.

Reporting line

Clinical Psychologist Lead

Working arrangements

Agreed session timetable with protected clinical records and supervision time.

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

• Assess suitability for psychotherapy and agree informed consent and goals.
• Deliver evidence-informed sessions within qualification and supervised competence.
• Adapt communication to developmental stage, neurodiversity and culture.
• Maintain professional boundaries and explain confidentiality and its safeguarding limits.
• Record sessions securely and share proportionate information with the care team.
• Review progress with the child and clinical lead and change approach when needed.
• Refer for specialist assessment or urgent support when risk exceeds scope.
• Attend supervision, continuing development and multidisciplinary reviews.

Experience

15-20 years of relevant psychotherapy experience, including work with children, trauma and complex family circumstances.

Qualifications and registration

Recognised psychotherapy qualification and current appropriate professional registration or accreditation, such as UKCP or BACP, with verified child and adolescent competence. Specialist CBT training and supervised practice appropriate to the interventions delivered.

Essential capabilities

• Extensive child and adolescent therapeutic practice and CBT competence.
• Ability to build trust without coercion or promises of secrecy.
• Clear clinical records and thoughtful risk assessment.
• Respect for different identities and evidence-based, non-discriminatory care.

Desirable experience

Experience in therapeutic residential care and recognised CBT accreditation.

What good performance looks like

Therapy goals are agreed with the child, reviewed regularly and supported by appropriate supervision.

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 AL11

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