Job summary
We are seeking an experienced DBT Practitioner in an established community DBT Service within CYPMHS. The remit of the CYP DBT Service is to offer young people referred into the service a consistent evidence-based therapeutic approach (DBT), to reduce inpatient admissions and to support the transitions of those in an inpatient service back into the community.
The post holder will offer specialist DBT assessments and interventions to young people and their families who are referred by other CYPMHS services. The post holder will also be involved in liaising with other CYPMHS services to ensure clear transitions for young people entering or leaving the DBT Service and where appropriate supporting the transition to Adult Services.
This is a post for someone with significant DBT experience/training who can provide this highly specialist service to young people and their families and includes supervision, consultation and training of others.
The CYP DBT service is a multi-disciplinary team and the post holder would be expected to contribute to the clinical work of the team, take a role in the leadership structure, and be accountable to the Lead of the relevant professional group (CYPMHS).
Main duties of the job
DBT team and will provide a high standard of service to children, adolescents and their families/carers and to professionals from other organisations
They will be responsible for assessing and treating children, young people and their families/carers in relation to a range of highly complex emotional, psychological and behavioural problems
The post-holder will work autonomously within professional guidelines and under the supervision of a more senior clinician of their relevant discipline
The post-holder will provide supervision to trainees of their relevant discipline on placement as well as offering supervision to trainees and multi-disciplinary colleagues for purposes of training and continuing professional development as agreed with the DBT Service Clinical Lead.
The post-holder will undertake research, audit and evaluation for service development
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) is an outstanding organisation with ambitions to match. We are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission, and our aim is to be the leading provider of mental health and specialist learning disability services in the country.
Our family of over 4500 members of staff provide health and social care for over 400,000 people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. We also deliver a range of nationally commissioned specialist services including Tier 4 services for children and young people, perinatal services, plus medium and low secure learning disabilities services.
The care we provide makes a fantastic difference to the lives of our service users, their families and carers - everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Our Trust values are:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
These values are at the core of who we are, everything we do, and how we do it
Would you like to be part of the HPFT family? Would you like work with us to ensure our service users live the fullest lives possible they can? Would you like to be supported in your career to be the best that you can be?
Details
Date posted
20 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£57,888 to £64,880 a year per annum, pro rata (inclusive of 5% HCAS)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
367-SS-10087
Job locations
15 Forest Lane
Kingsley Green
Radlett
WD7 9HQ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Responsibilities
To formulate a range of treatment options within the context of a DBT service, based on an appropriate conceptual framework and employing methods based upon evidence e.g. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines
To be responsible for a substantial caseload of complex assessment, treatment and consultation work and to identify priorities of action in complex circumstances.
To work in ways which are sensitive to and appropriate for the needs of families from a wide range of racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. This includes abilities to understand and offer therapeutic interventions to a variety of family forms including single parents, same sex couples and their families, extended families and people with mental health difficulties
Working Relationships and Communication Requirements of the Job
Working relationships
To have good working relationships with multi-disciplinary colleagues
To maintain close working relationships with colleagues of their relevant discipline as well as and other Psychological Therapists both locally and CYPMHS-wide
To promote and maintain good working relationships with colleagues in all areas of The DBT Service as appropriate
To promote and maintain good working relationships with clients, their families, carers and other external agencies
To have good working relationships within HPFT
Clinical Responsibilities
To practice in a way which is inclusive and considerate of the needs of each individual in the system and their varying developmental stages and current emotional state
To be responsible for ensuring that consultation, assessment and treatment interventions are provided in partnership with children, adolescents and their families
To be responsible for implementing DBT interventions, for individuals, carers, families and groups, including meetings with parents, family members and caring networks
To be responsible for organizing, attending and chairing professional meetings and reviews as appropriate
To provide specialist consultation to professionals and agencies outside of the Trust in relation to highly complex cases (for example, families with multi-agency involvement)
This will include liaison and working with professional networks involved with complex, emotive and often conflictual issues such as those involving child protection, deliberate self-harm, violence, trauma and suicide risk
To evaluate and make decisions about treatment options taking into account complex factors concerning historical, familial, social, educational and developmental processes which have impacted on the young person and their family
To exercise autonomous professional responsibility under the supervision of the DBT Therapy Team Lead for the assessment, treatment and discharge of patients as appropriate. To be responsible for ensuring that referrals and discharges are made in accordance with relevant policy and procedures and the principles of good practice
To manage complex clinical planning, and provide specialist consultation, advice and guidance to other professionals working with families both within the service and in partner agencies. This will include liaison and working with professional networks involved with complex, emotive and often conflicting issues
To communicate in a highly skilled and sensitive manner information concerning assessment, formulation and treatment plans of patients
To effectively communicate professional opinion, verbally and in writing to families, other professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies and to maintain close links with relevant clinicians and services
To provide reports for court and case conferences as appropriate
To work in partnership with other agencies to ensure that Child Protection issues are addressed effectively and within all local procedures
At all times to be mindful of risk (suicidality, self-harm, violence, abuse), to carry out risk assessments when indicated and to intervene to minimize risk
To undertake urgent mental health assessments of overdose and serious self-harm and to advise staff on risk
Communication requirements
The Trust is committed to providing services to both internal and external clients of the highest possible standards and each employee is required to reflect this in all aspects of their work. The service aims to be non-discriminatory on the grounds of race and gender, and staff are expected to be aware of, and respond to, the different cultures of clients and families using the service
The service aims to be non-discriminatory on the grounds of race and gender, and staff are expected to be aware of, and respond to, the different cultures of clients and families using the service
To maintain adequate clinical notes as well as reports for internal use and external agencies, as well as maintaining good communication with referrers and other professionals involved with young people attending the clinic
To maintain appropriate Professional Registration
Leadership and Staff Management Responsibilities
Teaching, Training and Supervision
To be responsible for assisting in the provision of DBT training and the promotion of DBT thinking and ideas as part of the continuing professional development of multidisciplinary team members and training to other agencies. To make a contribution to the team as a specialist team resource.
To supervise trainees on placement with The DBT Service as agreed with DBT Lead Therapist and relevant Consultant Lead.
To provide clinical/professional supervision to more junior child and adolescent clinicians within DBT Service as necessary and as agreed with appropriate operational mangers and professional/consultant leads including the Lead of the relevant profession
To provide clinical supervision to other disciplines within The DBT Service as agreed with Operational Managers and Professional Lead for Psychological Services (CAMHS)
To act as a specialist resource through provision of consultation and training to the multidisciplinary team and to other health and social care agencies
To contribute to in-service training days and training of staff from other agencies on issues of practice and complex mental health issues
To develop skills, and undertake post-graduate training as appropriate, in the area of post-graduate teaching, training and supervision
As agreed with the Operational Managers and Professional Leads (including Consultant Lead) to receive regular individual clinical and professional supervision from a more senior clinical supervision from other senior professional colleagues as appropriate and participate in regular peer supervision within the CAMHS team in accordance with Trust supervision policy and as required for Registration
Service Development and Improvement
To contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of The DBT Services operational policies and services through the deployment of professional skills in research, service evaluation and audit. This will include, where required, assisting with the completion of statistical information to ensure quality and quantity of services available or highlight areas of deficit
To regularly promote, conduct and collaborate in such clinically relevant research projects as agreed and appropriate
To seek ways of involving children and families in the design of user-friendly research methods and create opportunities for feedback from service users and use this to enhance and develop service delivery
To contribute to the supervision and organisation of research carried out by less experienced clinician and multi-disciplinary colleagues within The DBT Service, ensuring attention is paid to disseminating findings and that appropriate Trust Research and Development guidelines are followed
To advise both service and professional management on those aspects of the service where sand/or organisational matters need addressing
To propose and implement changes in the development of policies, procedures and plans in order to enhance and develop The DBT Service as part of a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the evidence base in relation to DBT and other related psychotherapies and to use such knowledge to develop The DBT Service, inform the post-holders own clinical practice, the supervision of trainees as appropriate and consultation to colleagues in other disciplines
To attend and actively participate in team meetings to share, promote and integrate DBT thinking and practice in the work of the multidisciplinary team
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Responsibilities
To formulate a range of treatment options within the context of a DBT service, based on an appropriate conceptual framework and employing methods based upon evidence e.g. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines
To be responsible for a substantial caseload of complex assessment, treatment and consultation work and to identify priorities of action in complex circumstances.
To work in ways which are sensitive to and appropriate for the needs of families from a wide range of racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. This includes abilities to understand and offer therapeutic interventions to a variety of family forms including single parents, same sex couples and their families, extended families and people with mental health difficulties
Working Relationships and Communication Requirements of the Job
Working relationships
To have good working relationships with multi-disciplinary colleagues
To maintain close working relationships with colleagues of their relevant discipline as well as and other Psychological Therapists both locally and CYPMHS-wide
To promote and maintain good working relationships with colleagues in all areas of The DBT Service as appropriate
To promote and maintain good working relationships with clients, their families, carers and other external agencies
To have good working relationships within HPFT
Clinical Responsibilities
To practice in a way which is inclusive and considerate of the needs of each individual in the system and their varying developmental stages and current emotional state
To be responsible for ensuring that consultation, assessment and treatment interventions are provided in partnership with children, adolescents and their families
To be responsible for implementing DBT interventions, for individuals, carers, families and groups, including meetings with parents, family members and caring networks
To be responsible for organizing, attending and chairing professional meetings and reviews as appropriate
To provide specialist consultation to professionals and agencies outside of the Trust in relation to highly complex cases (for example, families with multi-agency involvement)
This will include liaison and working with professional networks involved with complex, emotive and often conflictual issues such as those involving child protection, deliberate self-harm, violence, trauma and suicide risk
To evaluate and make decisions about treatment options taking into account complex factors concerning historical, familial, social, educational and developmental processes which have impacted on the young person and their family
To exercise autonomous professional responsibility under the supervision of the DBT Therapy Team Lead for the assessment, treatment and discharge of patients as appropriate. To be responsible for ensuring that referrals and discharges are made in accordance with relevant policy and procedures and the principles of good practice
To manage complex clinical planning, and provide specialist consultation, advice and guidance to other professionals working with families both within the service and in partner agencies. This will include liaison and working with professional networks involved with complex, emotive and often conflicting issues
To communicate in a highly skilled and sensitive manner information concerning assessment, formulation and treatment plans of patients
To effectively communicate professional opinion, verbally and in writing to families, other professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies and to maintain close links with relevant clinicians and services
To provide reports for court and case conferences as appropriate
To work in partnership with other agencies to ensure that Child Protection issues are addressed effectively and within all local procedures
At all times to be mindful of risk (suicidality, self-harm, violence, abuse), to carry out risk assessments when indicated and to intervene to minimize risk
To undertake urgent mental health assessments of overdose and serious self-harm and to advise staff on risk
Communication requirements
The Trust is committed to providing services to both internal and external clients of the highest possible standards and each employee is required to reflect this in all aspects of their work. The service aims to be non-discriminatory on the grounds of race and gender, and staff are expected to be aware of, and respond to, the different cultures of clients and families using the service
The service aims to be non-discriminatory on the grounds of race and gender, and staff are expected to be aware of, and respond to, the different cultures of clients and families using the service
To maintain adequate clinical notes as well as reports for internal use and external agencies, as well as maintaining good communication with referrers and other professionals involved with young people attending the clinic
To maintain appropriate Professional Registration
Leadership and Staff Management Responsibilities
Teaching, Training and Supervision
To be responsible for assisting in the provision of DBT training and the promotion of DBT thinking and ideas as part of the continuing professional development of multidisciplinary team members and training to other agencies. To make a contribution to the team as a specialist team resource.
To supervise trainees on placement with The DBT Service as agreed with DBT Lead Therapist and relevant Consultant Lead.
To provide clinical/professional supervision to more junior child and adolescent clinicians within DBT Service as necessary and as agreed with appropriate operational mangers and professional/consultant leads including the Lead of the relevant profession
To provide clinical supervision to other disciplines within The DBT Service as agreed with Operational Managers and Professional Lead for Psychological Services (CAMHS)
To act as a specialist resource through provision of consultation and training to the multidisciplinary team and to other health and social care agencies
To contribute to in-service training days and training of staff from other agencies on issues of practice and complex mental health issues
To develop skills, and undertake post-graduate training as appropriate, in the area of post-graduate teaching, training and supervision
As agreed with the Operational Managers and Professional Leads (including Consultant Lead) to receive regular individual clinical and professional supervision from a more senior clinical supervision from other senior professional colleagues as appropriate and participate in regular peer supervision within the CAMHS team in accordance with Trust supervision policy and as required for Registration
Service Development and Improvement
To contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of The DBT Services operational policies and services through the deployment of professional skills in research, service evaluation and audit. This will include, where required, assisting with the completion of statistical information to ensure quality and quantity of services available or highlight areas of deficit
To regularly promote, conduct and collaborate in such clinically relevant research projects as agreed and appropriate
To seek ways of involving children and families in the design of user-friendly research methods and create opportunities for feedback from service users and use this to enhance and develop service delivery
To contribute to the supervision and organisation of research carried out by less experienced clinician and multi-disciplinary colleagues within The DBT Service, ensuring attention is paid to disseminating findings and that appropriate Trust Research and Development guidelines are followed
To advise both service and professional management on those aspects of the service where sand/or organisational matters need addressing
To propose and implement changes in the development of policies, procedures and plans in order to enhance and develop The DBT Service as part of a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the evidence base in relation to DBT and other related psychotherapies and to use such knowledge to develop The DBT Service, inform the post-holders own clinical practice, the supervision of trainees as appropriate and consultation to colleagues in other disciplines
To attend and actively participate in team meetings to share, promote and integrate DBT thinking and practice in the work of the multidisciplinary team
Person Specification
Essential and desirable
Essential
* Professional qualification (RMN, RGN or RSCN; Clinical/Counselling Psychologist; social worker)
* DBT Trained (Intensive or Foundation) with experience of working within the model in an outpatient setting
* Registered with the appropriate professional body such as the HCPC, UKCP; ACP
* Substantial experience of working with children and/or adolescents and families in a relevant mental health or social welfare setting or equivalent, including experience within DBT model
Desirable
* Experience of supervising junior colleagues and trainees
Person Specification
Essential and desirable
Essential
* Professional qualification (RMN, RGN or RSCN; Clinical/Counselling Psychologist; social worker)
* DBT Trained (Intensive or Foundation) with experience of working within the model in an outpatient setting
* Registered with the appropriate professional body such as the HCPC, UKCP; ACP
* Substantial experience of working with children and/or adolescents and families in a relevant mental health or social welfare setting or equivalent, including experience within DBT model
Desirable
* Experience of supervising junior colleagues and trainees
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
15 Forest Lane
Kingsley Green
Radlett
WD7 9HQ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
15 Forest Lane
Kingsley Green
Radlett
WD7 9HQ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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