Clinical Psychologist / Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
Closing date: 30 November 2025
We are looking for an enthusiastic clinical psychologist/accredited CBT therapist to work in the ARMS pathway in our Brent Early Intervention Team.
Brent Early Intervention Service (EIS) is a clinical team providing a service for young people aged 14‑35 who have developed a first episode of psychosis.
For the ARMS pathway, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment for anyone suspected to be experiencing symptoms of prodromal psychosis within two weeks. If they meet criteria for an At‑Risk Mental State we offer holistic treatment and support to clients and carers for up to two years. This is made up of psychological therapy, practical key‑working support, and medical and pharmacological care where appropriate.
The post‑holder will provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for clients meeting ARMS criteria. They will administer initial comprehensive assessments of ARMS using a semi‑structured assessment tool and provide appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families when required. They will act as a named worker for ARMS clients, take responsibility for regular monitoring (by phone or in person), initiate planning and review meetings, and in some cases support practical matters such as housing or finances.
There is the possibility of additional sessions within the EIS psychology team for interested candidates.
Main duties of the job
To provide a specialist psychology service to young people at risk of developing psychosis, including assessment, intervention, formulation, and monitoring of outcomes.
To promote understanding and early detection of an at‑risk mental state (ARMS) within the borough and contribute to service promotion.
To contribute to enabling other staff, service users and carers from diverse backgrounds to flourish by working to create a psychologically safe environment.
To provide clinical supervision and consultation as appropriate.
To undertake service evaluation, audit and research.
To work as an autonomous professional within BPS and HCPC guidelines and codes of conduct, and be guided by the service policies and procedures. Take responsibility for own work including treatment and discharge decisions with support of a clinical supervisor.
About us
Along with fully established benefits such as monthly supervision; annual personal development plans/appraisals; support and guidance with revalidation; hidden gems and annual award ceremonies, we are also able to offer access to a full range of internal and external training opportunities across our services.
The catchment area of the post is the North London borough of Brent.
Job responsibilities
Clinical and Client Care
Provide specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for clients meeting ARMS criteria, primarily offering up to 24 sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp).
Administer initial comprehensive assessments of ARMS using a semi‑structured assessment tool. Training will be provided in its delivery.
Provide appropriate psychological interventions with carers or families of referred clients when required, including structured family therapy/family intervention following a theoretical model.
Assess and monitor risk and draw up appropriate risk management plans.
Act as a key worker for ARMS clients, taking responsibility for regular monitoring (by phone or in person), initiating planning and review meetings, and supporting practical matters such as housing or finances when needed.
Contributing to team or service clinical functioning
Contribute to the effective working of the Brent EIS Team and to a psychologically informed framework for the service.
Support the delivery of accessible and acceptable services to diverse local communities.
Be proactive in challenging discrimination and support the development of culturally competent services.
Liaise with referrers, GPs and other professionals concerned with clients to develop and review care plans and to promote the Brent EIS service.
Policy and service development
Liaise closely with other services working with young people in the borough, including primary care, community mental health services, colleges, universities and various third‑sector organisations.
Develop relationships with NHS and non‑NHS services within Brent, Lambeth and with the aim of raising awareness of early warning signs of psychosis.
Implement policies and procedures in own area of work, and propose improvements or beneficial changes.
Promote service‑user involvement within the team and contribute to consultation and engagement of service users in planning and delivering services that meet local needs.
Contribute to service development through undertaking and participating in appropriate projects and audits.
Care or management of resources
Take care of and use Trust equipment and physical resources responsibly.
Ensure sufficient resources by estimating future needs and requesting or ordering supplies as needed.
Management and supervision
Allocate and/or provide clinical supervision of the work of an assistant psychologist or MSc clinical placement student if required, under supervision from a more senior psychologist.
Supervise Trainee Clinical and Counselling Psychologists after completion of the relevant courses and supervision training.
Teaching and training
Deliver occasional teaching on prodromal psychosis, early intervention and psychological approaches when required, predominantly at Masters level.
Provide occasional specialist training in psychological approaches to care to other professions as appropriate.
Disseminate research and service evaluation findings through presentations and published articles.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Doctoral level training in clinical psychology (or its equivalent), accredited by the BPS or substantial specialist knowledge, theory and skills of CBT acquired through completion of a BABCP‑accredited diploma or diploma in CBT for psychosis.
* HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist or full or provisional accreditation with the BABCP.
* Substantial specialist knowledge, theory and skills of CBT, including CBT for psychosis.
* Critical understanding of the relevance of studies of human development, psychopathology, psychology, social issues and evidence‑based practice.
* Training in family interventions.
* Pre‑qualification training and qualifications in research methodology, staff training and/or other applied psychology fields.
Skills
* Skills in the use of methods of CBT assessment, intervention and management.
* Well‑developed skills in communicating highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to a wide variety of recipients in a range of settings.
* Skills in providing advice and consultation to other professional and non‑professional groups.
* Ability to work as a lone practitioner.
* Awareness of other psychotherapy models.
* Knowledge of legislation related to the speciality and mental health generally.
Experience
* Experience of specialist cognitive‑behavioural psychotherapeutic assessment and treatment of adult patients in a mental health setting, presenting with problems that reflect the full range of clinical severity.
* Experience delivering evidence‑based interventions to clients with psychosis, including CBTp.
* Experience of applying psychotherapy in different cultural contexts.
* Experience working within an MDT setting.
* Experience delivering family interventions for psychosis.
* Experience setting up and running groups.
* Experience teaching, training and supervision.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and thus requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous convictions.
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
£53,751 to £60,651 a year per annum inc HCAS pro rata
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