Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist | Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK seeks a specialist practitioner to deliver clinical services for children and adolescents. The role requires significant experience in mental health, including assessment and consultation. You'll work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary environment to ensure high-quality care and outcomes. The position offers professional development opportunities in a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• Significant experience with complex mental health needs.
• Knowledge of assessing mental health needs and risk.
• Competent to work as an autonomous practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical service and assessment for children and families.
• Offer specialist consultation and training to colleagues.
• Manage caseload and ensure high-quality care.

Skills

Experience with vulnerable people

Knowledge of CAMHS and adult mental health

Communication skills

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide a clinical service in coordination with other Core CAMHS team members through agreed referral processes.
• Work as a specialist practitioner providing assessment, treatment and consultation for children, adolescents and families grounded in the principles and techniques of child & adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
• Offer specialist consultation and training to colleagues and staff from partner agencies.
• Work closely with the service manager and senior leadership team to develop and monitor quality assurance systems to ensure effective assessment, planning, intervention and review practice for good outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Collaborate with colleagues and multi-disciplinary professionals within the team and other agencies to support complex decision-making in the management of risk and the promotion of positive outcomes for children and young people and families.
• Support CAMHS Managers to promote a culture of continual improvement in the quality, diversity and performance management of services.
• Work with others to ensure effective team communication systems are in place and that staff comply with departmental and CSU‑wide policies and procedures.
• Support the organisation of staff supervision, appraisal and continuing professional development within the context of the service as a whole.
• Manage your own caseload, providing a range of high‑quality care appropriate to the child or young person's needs, which will include mental state assessment, risk assessment and management, family and social assessment and interventions.
• Be competent to deliver clinical aspects of the role as an autonomous practitioner within professional practice guidelines and a structured supervision framework.
• Be confident and experienced in communication, due to the high level of liaison required between CAMHS and other services, and be willing to work flexible hours in accordance with the needs of the young people.

Qualifications

• Significant and demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable people and families who present with complex mental health needs and/or risk to self and or others.
• Knowledge of CAMHS and/or adult mental health and an understanding of assessing complex mental health needs and levels of risk, including safeguarding and self‑harm.
• A demonstrable range of skills and knowledge base to deliver clinical aspects of the role and be competent to do this work as an autonomous practitioner within professional practice guidelines and a structured supervision framework.
• Confidence and experience in communication, required for high‑level liaison between CAMHS and other services.

About the Trust

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000+ strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward‑thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation and continuous improvement. Whether you’re beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working – empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge and deliver care that transforms lives. At MFT, you’ll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’ll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU—for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar or formatting, we expect that the content of your application—especially personal statements and responses to role‑specific questions—is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

This advert closes on Wednesday 3 Dec 2025