Band 8B Highly Specialist Clinical / Counselling Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council; Oxford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Oxfordshire is seeking a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist to lead clinical input in supporting vulnerable children and families. The role includes conducting psychological assessments and employing evidence-based therapeutic practices. You'll work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to drive innovative therapeutic approaches. Excellent professional development opportunities and a commitment to employee wellbeing are offered.

Benefits

Relocation allowance up to £8,000

Annual leave starting at 30 days

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to trauma-informed care.
• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is required.
• Experience with psychological assessments and interventions.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical input in one of three localities.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support vulnerable families.
• Conduct specialist psychological assessments and interventions.

Skills

Curiosity

Compassion

Collaborative team player

Innovative thinking

Commitment to trauma-informed care

Education

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Tools

Video Interaction Guidance

MBT

CBT

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Oxfordshire?

We’re inviting passionate Band 8b Clinical Psychologists to be part of our innovative Community Family Clinic initiative, a bold new chapter in therapeutic care led by our highly respected multi-disciplinary Clinical Team.

Why Join Us

• Led by Excellence: Work under the guidance of a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and benefit from monthly reflective practice sessions facilitated by Arlene Vetere, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist.
• Supportive Culture: We prioritise wellbeing and collaboration through regular team meetings, supervision, and a strong team ethos.
• Professional Growth: Enjoy dedicated CPD funding, opportunities to supervise doctoral trainees from Oxford University, and contribute to cutting-edge research and service innovation.
• Creative Practice: Our therapeutic centre in central Oxford offers outdoor interventions with mountain bikes, canoes, camping gear, and Land Rovers—bringing therapy into nature in truly transformative ways.
• Outstanding Employer: Oxfordshire County Council offers generous conditions including Agenda for Change salary, pension scheme, and relocation support.

About the Role

As a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, you’ll lead clinical input in one of three localities, working alongside a Family Therapist and Psychological Practitioner. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the Clinical Team and the Family Solutions Service (FSS), supporting vulnerable children and families aged 0–19.

Your work will focus on preventing family breakdown and promoting resilience through:

• Specialist psychological assessments and interventions
• Trauma-informed, systemic, and developmental approaches
• Innovative tools like Video Interaction Guidance, MBT, and CBT
• Leadership in research and publication—our team has already contributed to academic papers and an upcoming book chapter on safety in residential care

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Curious and compassionate, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed care
• Collaborative and reflective, thriving in a team that values openness and shared learning
• Driven by evidence and innovation, eager to explore new ways of supporting families
• Passionate about prevention, believing in the potential of families to grow and thrive

We’d love to meet you and hear about the unique skills and experience you bring—and how we can support your development in this exciting role.

Rewards and benefits

• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000
• Honouring of NHS continuous service
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
• Agenda For Change pay scale
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x 7.
• Range of family friendly policies.
• Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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