Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist (Band 7 - 8a development)
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced child and adolescent psychotherapist to join the 0-18 Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services in the Wirral. The role is open to candidates registered with the Association of Child Psychotherapists, and final year trainees will be considered.
Job Summary
The Psychotherapist will work within a multi‑disciplinary team delivering psychoanalytic assessments, brief, short‑term and long‑term psychotherapy, parent/carer work and family/relational interventions. Supervision, reflective practice and development of clinical interests such as STPP, care‑experienced children or early‑years work will also be part of the role.
Responsibilities
* Deliver psychoanalytic assessment and psychotherapy to children, young people and families.
* Lead brief, short‑term and long‑term treatment plans.
* Provide parent/carer and family/relational work.
* Offer reflective practice, consultation and supervision as needed.
* Support clinical trainees and develop supervisory skills.
* Comply with Trust policy regarding risk management, safeguarding, outcome monitoring, record keeping, training and development.
Qualifications (Essential)
* Postgraduate diploma or Masters degree in child and adolescent psychotherapy (pre‑clinical training recognised by the Association of Child Psychotherapists).
* Professional qualification as a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist recognised by the Association of Child Psychotherapists, or trainee membership with eligibility to apply for full membership.
* Full Membership of the Association of Child Psychotherapists (or membership pending upon qualification). Maintenance of up‑to‑date full membership required.
* Knowledge of legislation and national guidance relating to children and young people.
* Doctoral level or equivalent knowledge of child and adolescent psychotherapy, psychoanalytic theories, development, psychopathology, family and institutional dynamics.
* Minimum of 4 years’ experience of assessment and intervention with children and young people presenting severe mental health problems and high levels of complexity in a CAMHS setting.
* Experience of psychoanalytic assessment and therapeutic work with children, young people, families and parent/carers across a full range of presenting problems.
* Experience of consulting other professionals in health education and/or social services.
* Experience of presenting clinical child psychotherapy within multidisciplinary and multi‑agency treatment and care.
Desirable
* Working knowledge of professional systems involved in children and young people services, particularly safeguarding frameworks.
* Experience of audit.
Contact
For an early discussion about this post or an informal visit, contact Emma Higgs, Principal Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, at emma.higgs5@nhs.net.
We welcome applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities, veterans, and members of protected groups. Applications with special support needs will be accommodated.
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