Job overview
We have an exciting challenge for an experienced Clinical Psychologist to lead the development of community paediatric psychology services within our well established Child Development Centre in Worthing. We are delighted to have this opportunity to bring psychology in house to expand our vibrant and committed team of Paediatricians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Specialist Nurses and skilled administrative staff. Based in the Child Development Centre, located within Worthing Hospital, the post will focus on the MDT assessment of complex neurodevelopmental cases alongside supporting children and young people with complex needs and providing supervision to our Family Support Therapist.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. Applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role (Band 3 HCA within the NHS) to meet the salary requirements (£25000) to qualify for sponsorship.
If you do not meet the sponsorship requirements, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Main duties of the job
To establish, co-ordinate and lead the systematic provision of a highly specialist psychological assessment and therapies service for children under the care of Community Paediatrics / The Worthing Child Development Centre at Worthing Hospital (WCDC), University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex).
The post holder will be embedded within the WCDC and will work in partnership with the multidisciplinary WCDC team to support the developmental assessment and psychological wellbeing of pre and primary school aged children and their parents / carers, through direct face to face and virtual work. Extensive consultation to / liaison with health professionals and professionals from other agencies involved in children’s care (especially education and social care) will be required. The post holder will be expected to shape new developments and organisational changes as a key discipline in the provision of Community Paediatrics services.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. To provide and oversee the flexible delivery of a highly specialist neurodevelopmental psychological assessment and therapies service for The Worthing Child Development Centre (WCDC), in line with service requirements. The post holder will
2. Provide highly specialist neurodevelopmental, cognitive and other psychological assessments to children undergoing assessment in the WCDC. This will include the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of highly complex data from a variety of sources including formal psychological, neuropsychological, and psychometric test batteries, specialist diagnostic assessments, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with patients, family members and others involved in the child’s / patient’s care.
3. Provide detailed psychological formulations and recommendations to inform team decision-making in relation to diagnosis and the delineation of children’s developmental and learning needs and the implications of these on the child / patient, their family, their care and their educational needs.
4. Evaluate, design and advise on the implementation of evidence based psychological interventions, therapies, treatments and management strategies to address assessed children’s / patients difficulties taking into account theoretical and therapeutic models and the highly complex developmental processes and systemic / relationship patterns that pertain to the individual child / patient and their family.
5. Provide specialist psychological interventions and treatments to address and ameliorate psychological and behavioural difficulties for individual and groups of children and parents in accordance with service priorities and resources.
6. Offer advice and consultation on the psychological and emotional wellbeing of children and their families to other members of the MDT.
7. Facilitate understanding across teams and agencies about the nature of children’s neurodevelopmental difficulties through teaching, training and supervision.
8. Utilise professional and clinical leadership skills for research, audit and service evaluation to drive service improvement.
9. Contribute to the development of the WCDC’s operational policies and services with regards the emotional wellbeing of children and their parents as appropriate.
10. Link with other child development centres in the county to share expertise and enhance standards.
11. Work as an autonomous professional, within and guided by principles, policies and procedures of the service. To work autonomously within codes of conduct and professional guidelines (BPS and HCPC) and under the guidance of the Consultant Clinical Psychologist for Paediatrics.
We are passionate about improving the quality of services we provide and are looking forward to welcoming a psychologist with drive and enthusiasm onto the team. Support and supervision for this post will be provided by the Consultant Clinical Psychologist within Paediatrics.
Person specification
Skills
Essential criteria
12. •Interest, passion and commitment to the development of high quality services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders / pervasive developmental difficulties and special needs including Autism and ADHD.
Desirable criteria
13. •Skills in the assessment and differential diagnosis of pervasive developmental difficulties including Autism and ADHD.
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
14. •Registered with HCPC as a Practitioner Psychologist and evidence of continuing professional development as required by the HCPC.
15. Eligible for Full Membership of the BPS Division of Clinical Psychology.
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
16. •Doctoral level training in clinical psychology, including models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology, as accredited by the British Psychological Society.
17. •Significant relevant post qualification clinical experience.
18. •Significant post qualification experience of psychometric / cognitive testing with children including the Wechsler tests (WISC-V UK, WPPSI-IV UK, WASI-II)
19. •Experience of multidisciplinary team working.
Desirable criteria
20. •Evidence of advanced post qualification training to support specialist therapeutic work in a CDC context: oFurther training / experience in neurodevelopmental psychology, related to children and young people. oSpecialist training in neuropsychological assessment and testing. oAutism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) training. oFurther training in specialist therapeutic approaches, treatments and interventions for children.
21. •Post qualification experience working clinically in a CDC / MDT and with the assessment of neurodivergence.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
22. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
23. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications