Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist – Summary
An opportunity within the Plymouth CAMHS Therapies pathway to employ a full‑time Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. The post holder will support the provision of a specialist child and adolescent psychotherapy service, working directly with children, young people, families and partners across Plymouth.
Responsibilities
* Assess suitability of referrals into psychotherapy and support the clinical oversight of the CAMHS psychotherapy waiting list.
* Provide evidence‑based psychoanalytic child psychotherapy (short- and long‑term) to individuals, families and groups.
* Deliver training and consultation to parents, carers, staff and partner agencies.
* Offer supervision to child & adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapists, psychological therapists, trainee psychological therapists and other practitioners.
* Contribute to service development, audit, research and NHS policy implementation as the psychotherapy lead.
* Maintain professional and clinical governance, including safeguarding, risk monitoring and safeguarding processes.
* Produce accurate clinical records and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
* Support continuity of care through crisis intervention and quality improvement initiatives.
* Adhere to national and local priorities, the Anna Freud iThrive framework and relevant legislation.
Person Specification
Circumstances
* Frequent travel between Livewell sites and community locations, often without public transport.
* Work flexible hours, both individually and with other team members.
* Perform duties with reasonable adjustments where necessary.
Qualifications
* Recognised qualification in Child/Adolescent Psychotherapy (equivalent to Doctorate level).
* Membership of the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP) registered.
* Current CPD as required by professional body.
* Significant post‑qualifying experience within CAMHS.
* Training in aggression management and safeguarding supervision.
* Knowledge of health, social care, education, and third sector systems for children and families.
* Proficiency in mental‑health assessment and relevant policies.
Aptitude and Ability
* Maintain professional boundaries and communicate effectively across complex contexts.
* Analyse and evaluate information to inform practice and decision‑making.
* Work autonomously within guidelines with a focus on continuity of care.
* Collaboratively engage with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
* Demonstrate leadership, organisational, and time‑management skills.
* Maintain personal integrity, reflect upon actions and adapt practice.
Experience
* Extensive child and adolescent psychotherapy experience within CAMHS or equivalent.
* Knowledge of child development, attachment, neurobiology, systems theory, and psychoanalytic methods.
* Experience in multi‑agency contexts, risk assessment, child protection legislation and audit.
* Previous engagement with research, publication, and quality improvement projects.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
As required by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975, a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be obtained to check for prior convictions.
Recruitment Note
This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
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